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Thinking about jumping onto the moon phase watch wagon? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered, here’s a run-down on the best moon phase watches in the market, grab a glass of wine while I take you through them.
Timekeeping sprung off man’s curiosity to understand the movement of the sun, moon, and constellations. The medieval Horologists made use of sundials, gears, and hands to track changes in the lunar cycle. The reason is, although the sun’s arc tells days and seasons, the moon was the first method used to determine the passing of months.
The moon phases provided a regular cycle of what we come to know as months, thus controlling several factors over time, such as Islamic festivals, pagan celebrations, and even paychecks. Thanks to watchmaking technology, you can buy one of the Best Moon Phase Watches in the market to help keep track of these phases.
What is a moon phase watch?
A “moon phase” is the lighted area of the moon that is visible as it travels around the earth. Hence, a moon phase watch shows the current phase of the moon as you see it in the sky.
As our orbiting pet rock passes across the sky, so too does its miniature version in the watch travel around, displayed in an aperture on the dial. These watches show the accurate graphical representation of the moon far better than other past devices. It is like a small moon orbiting the earth around your wrist.
How does a moon phase watch work?
The working mechanism of a moon phase watch is quite easy to understand. A typical moon phase watch has a disc with two identical moons behind the dial. The rotation of this disc for one full cycle is completed every twenty-nine days. The waxing and waning face of the dial aperture during this period is a direct representation of the moon’s various phases as it orbits around the earth.
For most watches of this sort, moon disc is driven by a 59-tooth gear that is advanced one notch by a mechanical finger every 24 hours, thus corresponding to one full rotation for the entire lunar cycle — almost because, in reality, the moon is always very accurate in this cycle.
Times have changed, and people no longer rely on the moon’s orbit as before, now we have smartphones, smartwatches and every other ‘smart thingy’ out there. Hence wristwatches have primarily become an anachronism in this age.
However, when it comes to the ten watches listed below, each holds a peculiar story and history. Take, for instance; the Omega Speedmaster moon watch is famous for being the first watch to make it to the moon. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin wore it during the first lunar expedition (Apollo 11 mission).
Comparison Table
Product
Case diameter
Band
Water Resistance
Price
Case diameter: 40 mm
40 mm
Band: Leather
Leather
Water Resistance: 50 meters (165 feet)
50 meters (165 feet)
Case diameter: 39 mm
39 mm
Band: Leather
Leather
Water Resistance: 50 meters (165 feet)
50 meters (165 feet)
Case diameter: 44 mm
44 mm
Band: Leather
Leather
Water Resistance: 50 meters (165 feet)
50 meters (165 feet)
Case diameter: 40 mm
40 mm
Band: Leather
Leather
Water Resistance: 30 meters (100 feet)
30 meters (100 feet)
Case diameter: 43 mm
43 mm
Band: Leather
Leather
Water Resistance: 50 meters (165 feet)
50 meters (165 feet)
Case diameter: 43 mm
43 mm
Band: Leather
Leather
Water Resistance: 50 meters (165 feet)
50 meters (165 feet)
Case diameter: 42 mm
42 mm
Band: Leather
Leather
Water Resistance: 30 meters (100 feet)
30 meters (100 feet)
Case diameter: 40 mm
40 mm
Band: Leather
Leather
Water Resistance: 30 meters (100 feet)
30 meters (100 feet)
Case diameter: 40 mm
40 mm
Band: Leather
Leather
Water Resistance: 100 meters (330 feet)
100 meters (330 feet)
Case diameter: 40 mm
40 mm
Band: Leather
Leather
Water Resistance: 60 meters (195 feet)
60 meters (195 feet)
The 10 Best Moon Phase Watches of 2022
1. Glashutte Original PanoMaticLunar
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Thickness: 12.70 mm
Dial Window: Sapphire crystal
Dial Color: Silver
Case Material: Stainless steel, sapphire crystal case back
Bezel Material: Fixed stainless steel
Band Material: Alligator leather
Band Width: 22 mm
Band Color: Black
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 50 m (165 feet)
Features: Small second (off-center), second stop, Panorama Date, hour and minute (off-center), moon phase
First on the list is the Glashutte Original PanoMaticLunar. The sapphire crystal moon watch was presented initially in the early 2000s, then in 2015 an updated version was made. The original version is a more exceptional refinement, in my opinion.
The German-made Glashutte PanoMaticLunar Analog moon watch has become one of the icons of the brand, and I’m going to tell you why.
For starters, watches made in Germany are often instantly recognizable for their functional, minimal design and the appreciation of a long-lasting watchmaking tradition.
The first point of attraction is its meticulous alligator leather strap with folding buckle design and an impression of mechanical integrity. However, the main attraction of the Glashütte Original PanoMaticLunar is the deconstructed layout, immediately recognizable as Saxon.
PROS
- Unique dial designs, superb craftsmanship
- Gorgeous classy watch. Everything you need for a dress watch
- High quality materials
CONS
- According to some users, wears slightly bigger than its actual size more like a 42 mm than a 40 mm)
2. Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 39 mm
Case Thickness: 9.9 mm
Dial Window: Sapphire crystal
Dial Color: Silver
Case Material: Scratch Resistant Sapphire.
Bezel Material: Fixed
Band Material: Alligator leather
Band Width: 21.6 mm
Band Color: Black
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 50 m (165 feet)
Features: Moonphase, Date, Hour, Minute, Second.
A clear example of the phrase, “Less is more.” This simplistic moon phase watch has won the affection of many and of course, mine since its inception.
Since 1833, Jaeger-LeCoultre has cultivated a good reputation when it comes to watchmaking. They started by creating elegant ultra-thin pocket watches, which still had all attributes of a masterpiece beneath it.
The Jaeger-Lecoultre Master Ultra-Thin Moon is powered by an in-house movement, developed and manufactured by Jaeger-Lecoultre.
The Jaeger movement Calibre 925 is certified by ‘The “1000 Hour Test” by Jaeger‑LeCoultre’. The watch is tested, for precision and reliability, for 1000 hours before being delivered to the client.
It is considered a cheaper dress watch than most luxury watches in the market. It is precise and refined while bearing the mark of a reputable watchmaking company.
PROS
- Compact, minimalist and well-detailed dress watch
- The watch is straightforward, showing Jaeger-Coultre’s restraint in design but ensuring that it is easy to read and does not feel cheap
CONS
- Despite being dubbed “ultra-thin,” but not ultra-thin by our standards
- Despite its simplicity in appearance, this is not a low maintenance watch
3. Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Master Co-Axial
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 44 mm
Dial Window: Anti reflective sapphire crystal
Dial Color: Blue
Case Material: Blue ceramic
Bezel Material: Blue ceramic
Band Material: Leather
Band Width: 22 mm
Band Color: Black
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 50 m (165 feet)
Features: Chronograph,
chronometer, tachymeter, and small seconds
Not your average moon watch. The automatic moon phase watch will be remembered in the history books as the first watch to make it to the moon. For the Omega brand, this event will forever be a totem of achievement and significance and for all Speedmaster Moonphase models yet to come.
In commemoration of this, the Speedmaster Moonphase Co-Axial Master Chronometer bears the photo of a realistic Moon in detail. The blue ceramic dial includes 18K white gold indexes and hands.
When it comes to functionality and accuracy, the co-axial has it all. Omega’s caliber 9904 is, of course, a Master Chronometer rated, certified by COSC and METAS. It has a power reserve of 60 hours due to the two barrels, and it has a silicon (Si14) balance spring which is perfect when compared to other watches of same price.
The automatic moon phase watch is undoubtedly one of the best moon phases watches to choose from, and since it’s a moon phase chronograph its quality cannot be questioned.
PROS
- Lightweight ceramic case
- Wide, yet comfortable
- Good legibility under dark conditions
CONS
- Way too much blue for some
4. Drive De Cartier Moon Phases
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Thickness: 12.15 mm
Dial Window: Scratch resistant sapphire crystal
Dial Color: Silvered flinqué
Case Material: Stainless steel
Bezel Material: Fixed stainless steel
Band Material: Alligator leather
Band Width: 18 mm
Band Color: Black
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 30 m (100 feet)
Features: Moon phase
The cushion-shaped Drive De Cartier men’s moon phase wristwatch is fourth on the list of the best moon phase watches.
Cartier introduced this watch at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) 2017, and it instantly became a sensation in the watch industry.
Slim, refined, elegant, perfectly proportioned, featuring an excellent engine, thus ending Cartier’s age-long struggle of dealing with the fact that most customers complain that their moon watches looked too feminine or unisex.
At last, they boast of a men’s moon phase wristwatch that is genuinely for men.
PROS
- Simple yet elegant
- Unique cushion shape
CONS
- “Automatic” text on the dial is unnecessary
- Thick case add to the unattractive weight
5. Maurice Lacroix Pontos Decentrique Moonphase
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 43 mm
Case Thickness: 15.51 mm
Dial Window: Scratch resistant sapphire crystal
Dial Color: Silver
Case Material: Stainless steel
Bezel Material: Fixed stainless steel
Band Material: Alligator leather
Band Width: 20 mm
Band Color: Black
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 50 m (165 feet)
Features: Calendar, Day/Night Indicator, Moon Phase
The renowned Swiss watchmaker Maurice Lacroix presented a new contemporary watch with one of the most interesting horological complications.
The Pontos Décentrique Phases de Lune watch was remodeled in 2010. And comes in two stylish versions – with dials in black or rhodium colors, both marked by striking sunburst finishes.
The timepiece features a brushed and polished stainless steel case, a silver dial with silver-tone hour markers and off-centered main hour/minutes with Arabic numerals.
The Maurice Lacroix Pontos Décentrique Phase de Lune watches are available with elegant black alligator leather straps with stainless steel buckles. These timepieces are water-resistant up to 50 meters.
PROS
- Beautiful and unique dial design
- All indicators and diamond-cut faceted hands are covered with white SuperLuminova C1 (with blue glow in the dark)
- Good value for the money
CONS
- A bit too wide for some
6. Baume & Mercier Clifton Moon Phase
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 43 mm
Case Thickness: 12.3 mm
Dial Window: Domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Dial Color: Silver-colored, sun satin-finished
Case Material: Stainless steel, sapphire crystal case back
Bezel Material: Fixed stainless steel
Band Material: Alligator leather
Band Width: 21 mm
Band Color: Black
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 50 m (165 feet)
Features: Moon phase, week day, month, central-hand date.
Back in 2013, Baume & Mercier’s CEO Alain Zimmerman introduced the new Clifton as an affordable yet durable range of moon watches. They understood the art of making a cheap, expensive-looking watch.
The Clifton Moon Phase is a dress watch. The watch has a beautiful domed sapphire crystal on the front and a sapphire crystal fitted to the case back to allow you to look at the movement. With its high-quality alligator straps, you are sure to have around for a long while.
PROS
- Elegant, timeless style watch
- Very comfortable on the wrist
- Has a unique 1950’s vintage look
- Great value for the money
CONS
- The relatively small date display
7. Longines Master Collection Moon Phase
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 42 mm
Case Thickness: 14.50 mm
Dial Window: Scratch resistant sapphire crystal
Dial Color: Silver
Case Material: Stainless steel, sapphire crystal case back
Bezel Material: Fixed stainless steel
Band Material: Alligator leather
Band Width: 20 mm
Band Color: Brown
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 30 m (100 feet)
Features: Calendar, Chronograph, GMT, Moon Phase
I’ve always stated that Longines is one of the world’s best when it comes to making dress watches, and they nailed it with their moon watch collections.
Not only because it is a watch that I would classify as an affordable mechanical timepiece, but also because of the look & feel of the watch. The “barleycorn” pattern and blued hands are just a perfect fit.
The watch is both a chronograph and a Moon phase. Its movement is based on the famous (ETA) Valjoux 7751 movement and has a long reputation of excellence at 28,800bph and has a 48 hours power reserve, so there’s no need to doubting its functionality.
PROS
- It's a very comfortable watch on the wrist
- Arabic numerals on the dial give the watch a modern appeal
- Great complications, for the price
CONS
- Too big on the wrist
- The lugs dig into the arm
8. Junghans Meister Calendar
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 40.4 mm
Case Thickness: 12 mm
Dial Window: Convex hard plexiglass with coating for enhanced scratch resistance.
Dial Color: Matt silver-plated
Case Material: Stainless steel
Bezel Material: Fixed stainless steel
Band Material: Horse leather
Band Width: 21 mm
Band Color: Brown
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 30 m (100 feet)
Features: Date, day, month, moon phase
This Junghans Meister Calendar watch presents an array of functions expertly delivered with a clean and legible dial display, one of the best if I must say.
Take, for instance, the dial is made with Plexiglas and features SICRALAN® coating, which is supposed to improve the surface hardness of polycarbonates and acrylics.
The self-winding movement caliber J800.3 features many appealing details. For instance, the oscillating mass is adorned with Côtes de Genève motif, and there are numerous blued screws in evidence.
To cap it up, a Junghans watch is characterized by meticulousness, skilled craftsmanship and creative nuance.
PROS
- Great aesthetics, both contemporary and vintage touch
- It displays time with clarity, courtesy of its user-friendly dial display
- SICRALAN® coating keeps the Plexiglas from shattering
CONS
- The dial glass is not sapphire
9. Seiko Premier Kinetic Moon Phase
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 42.5 mm
Case Thickness: 12.70 mm
Dial Window: Sapphire crystal
Dial Color: Silver
Case Material: Stainless steel
Bezel Material: Fixed stainless steel
Band Material:Stainless steel
Band Width: 22 mm
Band Color: Silver
Movement: Kinetic
Water Resistance: 100 m (330 feet)
Features: Day, date and moon phase
The Seiko Premier Collection takes dress watch refinement to a new level, thus reflecting its ever-growing international popularity.
The Seiko Premier Kinetic Moon Phase is powered by the movement of your body and bears some of the most advanced electronic watch technology.
The charm of this beautiful moon phase timepiece lies in the harmony between the endless motion of the planets and the perpetual energy of kinetic movement.
An affordable moon phase watch, it’s the perfect piece for those who aim for perfection.
PROS
- Stylish and sporty aesthetics
- Wearer’s arm motion powers the watch
- 1 month power reserve (when fully charged)
- Affordable moon phase watch
CONS
- Will go “flat” if not worn for long periods
10. Frederique Constant Classics Business Timer
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Thickness: 10 mm
Dial Window: Scratch resistant sapphire crystal
Dial Color: Ivory white
Case Material: Stainless steel
Bezel Material: Fixed stainless steel
Band Material: Leather
Band Width: 20 mm
Band Color: Brown
Movement: Swiss quartz
Water Resistance: 60 m (195 feet)
Features: Calendar, moon phase
Frederique Constant Classics Quartz moon phase watch is an excellent choice for people who love to wear beautiful complications.
I am a sucker for a classic dress watch, and the Classics Business Timer (appropriately named) jives with my tastes.
Without question, the Business Timer is a fine-looking dress watch and an excellent example of how Frederique Constant can deftly execute on a classic look.
PROS
- Attractive watch with a vintage look
- The markers legibility is top-notch
- Great value for the money
CONS
- Yeah, it’s a bit over the bar with its weight
- No loom on the bezel
Final Thoughts!
Well, it should be pretty clear now that moon watches are an excellent addition to your collection. They are gorgeous watches that could very quickly be one’s go-to formal timepiece, as they offer a bit more information than your everyday wristwatch.
So when next you look up the sky to spot the moon at night, and it’s not there, remember one of these best moon phase watches can get it done too.
