Complicated pleasures

COMPLICATIONS - it's a catch-all word in horological lingo to describe the add-ons that not only boost the inner workings and accuracy of a watch, but also expand its horizon and measurement of time. While it seems out of sync with the needs of this difficult time, the roll-out of new models of such pricey timepieces so far this year has added diversity and cheered the watch market. Here are some of the highlights:

Patek Philippe Ref 6301P Grande Sonnerie

By succeeding in putting a grande sonnerie into a wristwatch, Patek Philippe has surpassed its mastery of music time. Its talent for complementing the visual element of telling time with sound "in its purest manifestations" has been confined to the pocket watch. The Ref 6301P, powered by hand-wound movement, however, is the brand's first grande sonnerie made for the wrist.