What is the function of a minute repeater in a watch?

The function of a minute repeater in a watch is to chime the time on demand. This sophisticated feature allows the wearer to know the current time by pressing a mechanism on the watch, which activates a series of chimes. The minute repeater will typically sound the hour first, followed by the quarter hours, and finally the minutes, offering a unique auditory experience of timekeeping. This mechanism showcases the intricate craftsmanship and engineering involved in high-end watchmaking, making minute repeaters highly valued for their technical complexity and utility.

The other options refer to different watch functions: displaying the current date is accomplished through a calendar complication, regulating the watch's speed is done by the escapement and balance wheel, and winding the mainspring automatically refers to automatic watches that self-wind through wrist movement. These functionalities are separate and reflect the diverse capabilities of various watch designs.