Personality Residing in Tiny Mechanisms: Top 10 Petite Complication Watches

Alarms, annual calendars, jumping hours, and other diverse functions incorporated into watches offer value beyond simply "telling time." Some enhance functionality, while others diversify design through their mechanisms, expanding the possibilities of the wristwatch. Petite complications are not merely additions of function; they represent a realm where each brand's philosophy is succinctly expressed, achieving both practicality and aesthetic appeal. This ranking reveals the current landscape of petite complications.

A small mechanism imbued with individuality: Petite Complication Watches

10th Place: Jaeger-LeCoultre / Reverso Tribute Duo Calendar

22 points / 2 people

While there are various versions that retain the original 1938 feel and offer enhanced functionality, I particularly liked the casual yet dressy feel of this model. (Goto)

9th place: Otsuka Lowtec / No. 6

25 points / 2 people

When it comes to primitive, mechanical design, nothing surpasses the Otsuka Lowtec "No. 6." The details, inspired by old cameras and instruments in the workshop of its developer, Jiro Katayama, are sure to capture the hearts of any mechanically-minded man. (Nabata)

8th place: Chopard / LUC Quattro Mark IV

26 points / 2 people

It's unbelievable that they've managed to achieve an ultra-long power reserve of approximately 216 hours (about 9 days) by incorporating four mainsprings, all while fitting it into a 39mm diameter case. The look is also extremely refined; it's as if Chopard is saying, "A skilled eagle hides its claws." The ethical gold model is also tempting, but personally, I recommend the platinum model. (Ando)

7th place: Otsuka Lowtec / No. 8

26 points / 2 people

The Japanese craft watch brand, which is attracting attention from around the world, always features a parade of small complications. Every watch is simply irresistible. Model 8, for example, uses a retrograde minute display, making it a joy to look at. (Ando)

6th place: Franck Muller / All models featuring the Crazy Hours dial.

27 points / 2 people

This unconventional watch, with its bold concept of displaying the time using seemingly randomly placed time display indices, is brought to life with advanced technology. It's an eternally thought-provoking piece that confronts us with the fundamental question, "What exactly is time?" (Nabata)

5th Place: Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar

31 points / 2 people

In the 1980s, Zenith's El Primero-equipped triple calendar watches were relatively affordable. However, their modern designs didn't appeal to me. I recommend this model as an example of my own lack of discerning taste. (Nabata)

It boasts exceptional historical authenticity and a masterful layout. (Shinoda)

4. Cartier Tank à Guichet

36 points / 2 people

I really like its face. If it were a little smaller, it would be even more my type, but considering the Western market, I suppose this size is unavoidable. It's cool. (Goto)

3rd Place: Patek Philippe / Annual Calendar Ref. 5205

40 points / 2 people

A landmark timepiece that established the "petite complication" genre. I like all of Patek Philippe's annual calendars, but I chose this one for its superior legibility. By today's standards, the power reserve is short and the selling price has increased, but considering the overall perfection, it's understandable. (Hirota)

2nd Place: Audemars Piguet / Neo Frame Jumping Hour

40 points / 3 people

While its basic shape is that of a classic jumping hour watch, the two-tone case design and rubberized leather strap create a contemporary feel. With a power reserve of approximately 55 hours, it's also highly practical. Despite its distinctive style, the fact that it's a regular model rather than a limited edition is a plus. (Ando)

This model revives Audemars Piguet's signature jumping hour display. The way the display is made as large as possible to ensure excellent legibility is remarkable. Furthermore, updates have been made to suit modern usage environments, such as lightening the disc while maintaining its smoothness. (Hirota)

1st Place: Jaeger-LeCoultre / Master Control Memovox

45 points / 4 people

When it comes to alarm watches, the Jaeger-LeCoultre "Memovox" is undoubtedly the top choice. Its distinctive alarm sound, known as the "schoolbell," is elegant and warm, and in practice, it's incredibly practical. (Ando)

For me, Jaeger-LeCoultre means the "Memovox," which announces the time of an appointment with a sound. Other companies also have famous alarm models, but if I had to choose just one, it would be this one. (Nabata)

Details of the models selected by the selection committee

Yohei Goto (49 years old), Editorial Writer for the Asahi Shimbun
"My Personal Dress Watch List"

I usually wear simple watches, but this time, at the request of a client, I've put together this list, including some watches I've always admired. In recent years, I've been drawn to dress watches and have been buying them one after another. This obsession has grown stronger year by year, resulting in the lineup below.

1. Otsuka Lowtech/No. 8
2. Cartier Tank à Guichet Ref. CRWGTA0234
3. Patek Philippe / Annual Calendar Ref.5396
4. Laurent Ferrier / Classic Moon Silver
5. Louis Vuitton / Tambour Convergence
6. A. Lange & Söhne / Lange 1 Moon Phase
7. Jaeger-LeCoultre / Reverso Tribute Duo Calendar
8. IWC/Portugieser Automatic 42
9. Grand Seiko / SBGD202
10. Vulcan/Cricket President

Tetsuo Shinoda (51 years old) Watch Director
"Practicality and aesthetics are in conflict. That's what a calendar mechanism is."

While a calendar is the quintessential practical addition to a wristwatch, practicality alone lacks charm and romance. Triple calendars and annual calendars fill that gap. While ensuring practicality, the mystique of the mechanism and the pursuit of dial expression reveal the playful spirit and individuality of each brand. Therefore, I deliberately chose to focus solely on calendars.

1. Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli
2. Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5726/1A
3. IWC / Portugieser Annual Calendar
4. Jaeger-LeCoultre / Reverso Tribute Duo Calendar
5. Blancpain Villeret Annual Calendar GMT
6. Vacheron Constantin / Traditional Complete Calendar
7. A. Lange & Söhne / Saxonia Annual Calendar
8. Patek Philippe / Annual Calendar Ref. 5235/50R
9. Omega Constellation Globemaster Annual Calendar
10. Breguet / Tradition Retrograde Date 7597

Natsuki Ando (50 years old) Watch journalist
"Something that teaches you the joy of wearing a wristwatch."

For watch enthusiasts, complications are a dream come true, but they are expensive and difficult to acquire. In that respect, petite complications are perfect for the "vinski" (a connoisseur of watches on a budget). In recent years, many watches featuring retrograde and jumping hour functions have been released by major fashion houses. We hope you will enjoy the pleasure of owning a watch that is just a little different from the usual with a petite complication.

1. Chopard / LUC Quattro - Mark IV
2. Cartier Tank à Guichet Ref. CRWGTA0234
3. Vacheron Constantin / Patrimony Moonphase & Retrograde Date
4. H. Moser & Cie. / Streamliner Perpetual Moon Concept Meteorite
5. Audemars Piguet / Neo Frame Jumping Hour
6. Grand Seiko / SLGA015
7. Jaeger-LeCoultre / Master Control Memovox
8. Otsuka Lowtech/No. 8
9. Amida/DigiTrend

Norio Takagi (63 years old) Writer
"It reaffirmed that this genre is full of excellent works."

This time, the theme covered a wide range of mechanisms, and there were so many options that it was difficult to narrow it down to just 10. The selection criterion was the level of originality. Even after finally making my selection, I struggled to rank them. Ah, if only I could buy all 10! I was reminded once again that small complications have more room for improvement and a greater degree of freedom of expression than complex mechanisms. It was a great theme.

1. Patek Philippe / Annual Calendar Ref.5205
2. A. Lange & Söhne / 1815 Annual Calendar
3. Franck Muller / Crazy Hours series
4. Otsuka Lowtech/No. 6
5. Audemars Piguet / Neo Frame Jumping Hour
6. Van Cleef & Arpels / Pierre Arpels Your Dices and Your Daiyol
7. Jaeger-LeCoultre / Master Control Memovox
8. Chopard / LUC Quattro - Mark IV
9. Breguet Marine Alarm Musical 5547
10. Laurent Ferrier / Classic Moon

Masaharu Nabata (66 years old) Watch writer
"Both the good and the bad are minor complications."

Even when asked about "minor complications," I can only immediately recall a very small number of models. Following the guidelines provided by the editorial department, I managed to select 10, but as I wrote the comments, I was surprised to realize once again how strongly each one reflected my own past experiences. As usual, they are all on equal footing, with no ranking.

• Pequignet / Royal Origine Quatre Fonction
• Chronoswiss/Delphis Venture
• Louis Erard/Regulator Louis Erard X Sylvie Fleury
• Franck Muller / Tonneau Curvex Crazy Hours
• Jaeger-LeCoultre / Master Control Memovox
• Otsuka Lowtech/No. 6
• H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Retrograde Second Midnight Blue
• Reservoir/Longbridge British Racing
• Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar

Masamasa Hirota (52 years old), Editor-in-Chief of Chronos Japan and Art Soldier
"It ended up being a safe choice, but..."

Petite complications are gaining attention from various manufacturers. Originally, they were practical items, but it's interesting to see the revival of old yet new concepts like the jumping hour. Needless to say, the top spot goes to Patek Philippe's annual calendar. Although it didn't make the cut, I think Omega's annual calendar is a fascinating model.

1. Patek Philippe / Annual Calendar Ref. 5205G
2. Jaeger-LeCoultre / Master Control Memovox
3. Audemars Piguet / Neo Frame Jumping Hour
4. Blancpain/Villeret Complete Calendar
5. Hublot Big Bang Mecha-10
6. IWC/Portugieser Automatic
7. Louis Vuitton / Tambour Automatic Convergence
8. Vacheron Constantin / FiftySix Complete Calendar
9. Panerai / Luminor Eight Days
10. Chanel/Monsieur de Chanel

Ranking calculation rules
●The selection committee will select 10 watches that fit the theme of each issue and rank them.
●Each selection committee member will have 110 points, which will be distributed among the selected models as follows: 20 points for 1st place, 18 points for 2nd place, ... 2 points for 10th place.
●If the selected watches are not ranked, the points will be divided equally among the models, and each model will be given 11 points.
(Even if the number of selected models is less than 10, each model will be awarded 11 points.)
●In the event of a tie in points, the following will be prioritized: the model with the most votes, the model with the highest ranking among those votes, and the model with the lowest price setting.
●The minimum number of valid votes is two.