An Annual Calendar is a watch complication that automatically adjusts the date for months with 30 or 31 days, requiring manual correction only once a year at the end of February.
An Annual Calendar is a sophisticated complication in watchmaking that automatically adjusts the date displayed on a watch, accounting for the varying lengths of months throughout the year, except for February. Unlike a simple date mechanism that requires manual adjustment at the end of months with fewer than 31 days, an Annual Calendar watch only needs to be corrected once a year, at the end of February. This feature is achieved through a complex system of gears and levers that track the passage of time and adjust the date accordingly. The Annual Calendar is a testament to the ingenuity and precision of horological engineering, offering a practical solution for those who desire a watch that requires minimal intervention. It is often found in high-end timepieces, reflecting both the technical prowess and the aesthetic elegance of the watchmaker. The development of the Annual Calendar complication represents a significant advancement in the field of horology, providing a balance between the simplicity of a standard calendar and the complexity of a perpetual calendar, which accounts for leap years. This makes the Annual Calendar an attractive option for watch enthusiasts who appreciate both functionality and craftsmanship.