Many who are new to watch collecting ask me what a complication is. Complications have been around for centuries when renowned watch makers of Europe would try to “out create” exquisite features for their clocks and become the favorite of kings, queens and royalty. The more amazing the feature (or complication), the better chance they had of becoming famous for their creations.

This watch is a great example of a complicated movement. Also keep in mind this is a wrist watch, so it is a fairly small machine. This fascinating, stunning watch by Van Cleef & Arpels mimics the movement of our Solar System. The Shooting Star tells the hours and minutes. The five point star hovers over our beloved Blue Planet Earth.

Wonderful up close images of the complicated movement at work. I am always fascinated by these awesome small machines.