More than just the time

Alarm clock, calendar, self-winding mechanism, chime, chronograph, world time displays, tourbillon : There are many functions which enrich the hour, minute and second displays on the watches we wear today and add to our fascination for them. Since when have timepieces been equipped with what kinds of complications ? Why were they developed ? What technical aspects make each one special ? In this richly illustrated volume, everyday experiences intertwine with the history of the measurement of time. The treasures presented here all come from the famous collections at the Musée international d'horlogerie in La Chaux-de-Fonds, but the pieces that have been newly acquired in the last few years have been pushed to the fore.