Repeater (horology)

A repeater is a complication in a mechanical watch or clock that chimes the hours, and often minutes, when activated by a button. Types range from simple hour repeaters to minute repeaters, which use distinct tones for hours, quarter hours and minutes. Repeaters originated before widespread artificial illumination so time could be determined in the dark, and they were also used by visually impaired people.

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Function

Chimes the hours and often minutes on demand

Minute repeater

Chimes hours, quarter hours and minutes with separate tones

Historical purpose

Allowed time to be determined in the dark before widespread artificial illumination