Purchasing an elaborate timepiece is certainly a hefty investment. Yet, unlike other fleeting luxury indulgences, watches – if properly maintained – can hold if not increase their value. These prime examples of haute horology are also the perfect mementos to bequeath onto future generations. And what better way to ensure your legacy stands the test of time than to sink your cash into a chronometer equipped with the long-lasting perpetual calendar complication.

For the uninitiated, the perpetual calendar keeps hyper-accurate track of the day, date, and month without ever needing to be hand-wound. What’s more, it even takes leap years into account, with the finest such pieces capable of ticking on for centuries without adjustment. Intrigued? Then perhaps these seven standout timepieces below may tickle your fancy …

Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Perpetual Calendar

Blending an athletic appeal and timeless elegance with true aplomb is Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Polaris Perpetual Calendar. Housed in a 42mm pink gold case, this latest iteration of the revived Polaris sports watch line sees the brand’s 2013-debuted perpetual calendar calibre movement updated to churn out a lengthier 70-hour power reserve, while the moonphase indicator is now updated to showcase the stars from the southern hemisphere. Four subdials grace the cardinal directions of its blue fascia, showcasing the day, date, month, year and lunar phase.

A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar “Terraluna”

A sleeker interpretation of this classic function comes in the form of German watchmaker A. Lange & Söhne’s Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar “Terraluna”, a chronometer that cleverly uses both sides of its dial to showcase its many intricate complications. Here, the argenté-hued dial features three interlocking hour, minute and second subdials that together track the day, date and month. On the reverse, some elements of the calibre L096.1 movement peek out through the sapphire crystal caseback that is otherwise dominated by a prominent moonphase display.

IWC 100-piece Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition “Toto Wolff x Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team”

Eschewing traditional colours for a more vibrant hue is IWC’s 100-piece Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition “Toto Wolff x Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team”, launched ahead of the June Formula One British Grand Prix of which the brand is a proud sponsor. Created to celebrate Toto Wolff – the mastermind behind Mercedes’ record eight consecutive constructors’ titles – its racing heritage is evidenced by the lightweight appeal of a proprietary Ceratanium alloy case, while the dial’s accents have been burnished in the team’s signature Petronas green.

The Naked Watchmaker x Frederique Constant Perpetual Calendar Manufacture Limited Edition

Meanwhile, a more vintage vibe is on offer from Fredrique Constant with The Naked Watchmaker x Frederique Constant Perpetual Calendar Manufacture Limited Edition, created in collaboration with educational resource foundation The Naked Watchmaker. Awash in heritage brown, its skeletonised domed dial affords direct views of the in-house FC-775 self-winding perpetual calendar movement, which offers a 38-hour power reserve. Limited to a release of 99 pieces, it comes with a relatively affordable price tag of €9,995.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton

Similarly open-worked, albeit in a more attention-grabbing 18K 5N pink gold case, is Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton. An impressive feat of watchmaking, its innovative Calibre 1120 QPSQ/1 perpetual calendar movement is wholly skeletonised. What’s more astonishing is the thinness of the complex wristwatch is just a scant 8.1mm. Coming with pink gold straps as standard, buyers can also opt for tool-free changes to blue rubber or blue calf leather options as well.

Glashütte Original’s new Senator Excellence Perpetual Calendar

For a more minimalist appeal, consider Glashütte Original’s new Senator Excellence Perpetual Calendar, whose galvanised rose opaline dial is punctuated with a bevy of blue touches that allow easy viewing of the day, date and month apertures as well as the moonphase display at 8 o’clock. Fitted with a staggering 100-hour power reserve, sleek blue alligator leather straps round out the allure of this 100-piece release.

Patek Philippe Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5374-300P

The final entrant on this list of prime perpetual calendar watches is none other than Patek Philippe. Its Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5374-300P is, simply put, an outré affair, prominently garnished with a plethora (241 to be exact) of sparkling baguette-cut diamonds along its case and bezel. Not only does its elegant blue dial proudly showcase the complex mechanism in all its glory, its self-winding calibre R 27 Q movement is also equipped with a charming chiming complication. A masterclass in the art of blending haute horlogerie with the watchmaker’s craft, it’s an apt new chapter for the legendary watchmaker who created the first-ever perpetual calendar wristwatch.