Retrograde

Retrograde is an indication where a pointer moves along an arc, returning directly to the start, rather than a full 360º dial.

The term “retrograde” specifically refers to a hand that can move backwards, but in watchmaking it typically indicates a hand that moves backward quickly to “reset” at the end of a forward motion. Retrograde pointers are often used for power reserve indicators and date displays, though some watchmakers have shown their skill by producing fully-retrograde regulator mechanisms for all indications on a dial. Some seeming retrograde mechanisms actually use a partially-hidden multi-end pointer to simulate the effect, a common method to implement a moon phase indicator, for example.

• Wandering hours
• Jumping hours