Date
A watch display showing the numerical day of the month.
Also known as: Date display, Date complication, Calendar date
Definition
The date complication displays the numbered day of the month, usually from 1 to 31. In a conventional mechanical watch, a date disc carrying the numerals rotates beneath the dial and advances approximately once every 24 hours, with the current numeral visible through an aperture; pointer-date systems use a hand instead. A simple date mechanism assumes a 31-day cycle, so it normally requires manual correction after February, April, June, September and November unless a more advanced annual or perpetual calendar mechanism accounts for month length.
Why it matters
The date is one of the most useful everyday complications, but setting behaviour matters. On many mechanical movements the calendar should not be quick-set while its change mechanism is already engaged around midnight; owners should follow the movement manufacturer’s instructions.