As long as humans have existed, they have been obsessed with the majesty and mystery of the Earth’s moon. Thought at one time to be made of cheese, now humankind understands more than it ever has about our closest celestial neighbor, yet somehow the crater-covered landscape of Luna still captures the attention of many a dreamer.
This lunar obsession doesn’t just stop at astronomy, many of our favorite watches in fact pay haute horological tribute to the moon by featuring truly out-of-this-world “moon phase” complications.
Revered by collectors and everyday watch enthusiasts, moon phase timepieces work through the usage of a finely-tuned disc that slowly changes its display, fully completing after 29 and a half days, in line with the lunar calendar. Only needing re-tuning once every 3 years (though some moon phase watches can stay accurate for over 120 years), the moon phase complication is a stylish way to a bit of celestial sophistication to any sky-minded dreamer.
Here are three of our favorite moon phase watches right now!
Moon Phase Favorite #1: Carl F. Bucherer Manero ChronoPerpetual Men’s Watch
Handcrafted in the idyllic Swiss community of Lucerne, this moon phase timepiece from Carl F. Bucherer (model #00.10906.3.13.01) is one of our absolute favorites. With an unobtrusive moon phase sub dial, this watch – from the innovative Manero collection – also features a perpetual calendar, a precise chronograph, along with a unique transparent back to help get the most “show off-ness” of this truly exquisite piece. Additionally, this Manero ChronoPerpetual from Carl F. Bucherer is made with an 18-karat rose gold case and bezel, genuine alligator strap, and is limited to only 100 models.
Moon Phase Favorite #2: IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Men’s Watch
From the master Swiss watchmakers of IWC Schaffhause comes this limited-edition moon phase timepiece from the designer’s legendary Portugieser collection. With an iconic design that finds its origin in the classic styles of the 1930’s, this timepiece features a lovely moon page tableau at the 12 o’clock spot, in addition to being covered with IWC’s signature “chemin-de-fer” railway-track style ring around the piece’s dial. Limited to 250 pieces, the IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar is made of pristine platinum, along with an alligator leather band, making it heirloom quality piece sure to bring generations of celestially-influenced style.
Moon Phase Favorite #3: Rolex Cellini Moonphase Time
By one of the world’s most instantly recognizable timepiece brands Rolex, the Cellini Moonphase is the first moon phase watch by Rolex since the 1950’s. Highly sought-after by collectors and watch enthusiasts, the Rolex Cellini Moonphase contains precise and innovative internal movement, and is able to stay accurate to the lunar calendar for up to 122 years. The epitome of Swiss quality and construction, this watch is made of Rolex’s patented 18-karat pink gold alloy known as “everose gold,” and also a classic white lacquer dial with a unique “meteorite applique.”
The Future of Moon Phase Watches
For certain, there is something uniquely vintage about moon phase watches. Perhaps its because we’re reminded of time before GPS when the moon was the only compass we had. Or maybe it reminds of us of a sepia-toned past that never was and never will be again. No matter what the reason, we here at Luxurious J&T are hoping that we continue to see the moon phase complication remain a standard of horological style and panache.
Also, with the world of timepieces expanding to include more smartwatches, the realm of what is possible when it comes to moon phase technologies is only expanding, and is surely something that we’re excited to see grow in the future.