The date, the watchmaking complication giving the day of the month

The date function of a watch refers to the horological complication that displays the date at the same time as the time. The purpose of date watches is therefore to provide The date in addition to the time! The date display is a well-known and widespread function in the world of watchmaking. Modern watches almost always offer this horological complication. The date display, however, comes in three versions: the simple calendar, the annual calendar, and the perpetual calendar. 

• The simple date: Calendar watches typically display the date from 1 to 31 and require manual setting for months with fewer than 31 days. These watches use a simple calendar. 

• The annual calendar: The annual calendar is a more advanced horological complication than the simple calendar. Watches with this type of calendar automatically adjust for months with 30 and 31 days. Only February needs to be set manually. 

• The perpetual calendar: The perpetual calendar is a highly prized horological complication among watch enthusiasts. A renowned grand complication, the perpetual calendar automatically adjusts the date, regardless of whether there are 28, 29, 30, or 31 days in the month!