The most complicated handmade watch, the Henry Graves Supercomplication, has been sold at auction for 20.6m Swiss francs (£13.4m). A "complication" is a technical term referring to any feature on a watch which is in addition to simply telling the time. The Supercomplication, made by Patek Philippe in 1932, has 24 of them including Westminster chimes, a perpetual calendar, sunrise and sunset times, and a celestial map of New York as seen from Graves's apartment on Fifth Avenue.

Graves commissioned the Supercomplication watch in order to compete against the automotive pioneer James Packard, who owned a watch with 10 complications. The Supercomplication has 900 parts and remains the most complicated watch built without the assistance of computers, according to Sotheby's. It was last wound in 1969. And it's still working. Read more about this incredible watch in BBC’s full article .

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN UNDERSTANDING MORE ABOUT WATCHES?

Assay Office Birmingham is holding an Understanding Watches course on Wednesday 26th November. This one day course will provide an understanding of the technical aspects and benefits of different types of watches. It also teaches basic practical skills which will enable you to diagnose possible faults and carry out maintenance repairs. During this course you will also have the chance to handle and study watches closely, as well as disassemble items using standard basic tools. If you would like to attend this course and improve your knowledge of watches, contact us today on 0121 262 1024 or click here to download a course booking form.

 WWW.THEASSAYOFFICE.CO.UK

     

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