Complication
Small Seconds
A seconds hand on its own sub-dial.
What it does
Rather than a central sweep hand, the seconds run on a small sub-dial, usually at 6 or 9 o'clock, driven directly off the fourth wheel. It is the older arrangement: central seconds required extra gearing that only became common in the mid-20th century.
How to read it
Read it exactly like a full dial in miniature. On 'sector' or 'scientific' dials the sub-dial often overlaps the minute track, which is deliberate period styling rather than a fault.
Impact on value
Neutral to positive — it signals a classical or hand-wound movement and is prized on dress watches. Direct-drive small seconds also avoid the slight play sometimes seen in indirect central seconds.
Keep reading
ComplicationJumping Hour
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