Moonphase watches are used to track the lunar cycle by exhibiting the sunlit portion of the moon as observed from the Earth at any given point during each 29.5-day lunar month.
As the name suggests, it features a beautiful moon phase indicator that shows the current phase of the moon on the watch dial.
The mechanisms in manufacturing these beautiful timepieces involved sophisticated engineering and technology that is why it has been considered a status symbol of the upper class.
These days, the romantic fascination and creative features of the moon phase watch capture the interest of many people, especially those who love astronomy.
With the dazzling designs and the prime vintage allure of moon phase watches, they are often classified as luxury watches that may cause an arm and leg.
But worry not! In this guide, through our practical knowledge, we’re here to help you find affordable moon phase watches options costing under $1,000. And yes, it’s possible!
If you’re interested in knowing more about it, check out this article further and see which design/s to include in your collection.
Best Moon Phase Watches Under $1000
1. Citizen AV3006-09E – The Signature Collection Eco-Drive Moon Phase Flyback Watch
The first affordable moon phase watch on our tested list is this sophisticated watch that has been hand-assembled, the Citizen Moon Phase Watch AV3006-09E.
It is round in shape that features an analog display, Citizen eco-drive technology which means it is fueled by light and doesn’t need battery replacement, a moon phase display, 1/5 second chronograph measuring up to 12 hours, 12/24-hour time, and a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock.
This timepiece has a two-tone stainless steel case material that measures 44 mm in diameter and 14 mm in thickness.
The anti-reflective sapphire material coating, which is shattered and impact-resistant, eliminates the glare to give a clearer view of the exceptional details of the dial.
As for its band, the brown-colored genuine crocodile leather gives this ticker a unique appeal. It has 23mm in width which fits men’s standard size.
The fold-over clasp with a hidden double push button, and a buckle made of stainless steel adds to the superb features of the Citizen Moon Phase Watch.
Based on our firsthand experience, it can be used for some water activities like swimming, showering, and snorkeling because of its water resistance depth of 330 feet.
- Has an anti-reflective sapphire window that deflects the light.
- Eco-drive charging of battery through the presence of light.
- 330 feet water resistance.
- Made of high-grade materials.
- Looks more expensive than its price.
- A little bulky on wrists
- Can be challenging to check on time
- Sometimes, it is tricky to set up the watch
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
2. Seiko Premier Kinetic Direct Drive Moon Phase Sapphire Glass Steel Dress Watch SRX015P1
Another affordable watch with a moon phase function our team tested is the Seiko Premier Kinetic Direct Drive watch. This round-shaped watch exhibits an analog display. It weighs 10.58 ounces and has a 42.55 mm diameter silver-tone stainless steel casing.
This stunning timepiece features kinetic movement, sometimes called “auto-quartz”. The gauge indicator on the left of the dial allows you to know how much power it’s generating (Power reserve indicator) when you spin the crown.
It has a silver dial with enhanced blue hands. Further, it has a sapphire crystal dial window that is scratch-resistant.
Its band is made of silver-tone stainless steel material that is 22mm in width. In addition, it has a fold-over clasp, a push/pull crown. Plus, water resistance is up to 100 meters.
- Made of quality and superb materials
- Water resistance up to 100 meters
- With power reserve indicator that allows you to know if the watch needs to be wounded
- Watch features a scratch Resistant Sapphire crystal
- Hands are non-luminous
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
3. Tissot Men’s Carson Moonphase 316L Stainless Steel Case Swiss Quartz Watch with Leather Strap, Blue, 20
Next with the moon phase feature is the Tissot Men’s Carson Moonphase. This watch gives this timepiece a distinctive and classic look. Its blue Roman dial and sapphire crystal window exhibit an excellent appeal.
It is round in shape and has an analog display with Swiss quartz movement. In addition, it has a 316 L stainless steel material as its casing with a diameter of 40mm and thickness of 7.62mm.
Plus, it features a splendid and excellent color blue alligator-style grained cow head leather band measuring 20mm width, which fits the standard size for men. It also has an interchangeable quick-release bracelet with stainless steel buckle closure.
As to water resistance, this ticker is suitable for a short period of recreational water activities only, such as swimming and showering. Our findings show it can sustain up to 165 ft of water pressure but is not suitable for diving and snorkeling.
- Simple and elegant, perfect as a dress watch
- Affordable moon phase watch
- With date window function
- Interchangeable quick release bracelet
- Made from 316L stainless steel case
- Hands are non-luminous
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
4. Zeppelin Series LZ129 Hindenburg Men’s Multifunction Day/Date Moon Phases Watch Silver with Black Strap 7036-1
Another budget-friendly watch with moon phase functionality at 6 o’clock position is the Zeppelin Series LZ129 Hindenburg moon phase watch. This formal watch exhibits a silver radiant dial with sub-dials for day and date and Arabic numerals.
Another distinguishing feature is the dial window that is made up of domed hesalite crystal minerals.
In addition, it has an analog display powered by Ronda 706B swiss quartz movement. As for the case, it is made of stainless-steel material with 40mm diameter and 10mm thickness which gives this timepiece an admirable design.
It comes with a black leather band measuring 22mm in width and fits the standard size for men and a buckle clasp. It can also withstand a water resistance depth of 30 meters.
As per our expertise, the retro-style look of this watch never goes out of style.
- Lightweight watch.
- Looks more valuable than its cost
- Affordable
- Made of quality materials
- Can be used on any occasion.
- Can be difficult to set
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
5. KARL-LEIMON Japanese Moonphase Watch Classic Pioneer White
Another watch that will give a bang for your buck with a moon phase complication is the Karl Leimon Japanese Moonphase Watch Classic Pioneer.
This handsome ticker has an analog display and is powered by the Miyota Japanese Quartz movement. It includes a white-colored dial with functional hour indicators.
In addition, this ticker features a scratch-resistant and anti-reflective sapphire glass window that makes the dial more visible.
Based on our observations, Karl-Leimon moon phase timepiece gives more effort to sensitive skin, as it features an anti-allergic 316L stainless steel casing. The case measures 38mm in diameter and 10mm in thickness.
The watchband is a genuine leather black colored bracelet with a 21mm width. The push-button deployment clasp on the strap is interchangeable without using any tools. The bezzle material is stainless steel which stops slippage and prevents damage to the leather.
Lastly, it has a water resistance depth of 50 meters.
- Has anti-allergenic feature for sensitive skins
- Made of high-quality materials (stainless steel 316L and sapphire glass crystal)
- Its strap features a D buckle, commonly used for luxury watches to prevent damage to the leather
- Handsome looking watch
- Highly functional yet clean looking dial
- No seconds hand
- Can be difficult to set
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
6. Casio Men’s AQW101-1AVCF Active Dial Multi-Task Gear Sport Watch
Next with moon phase complications is a digital watch perfect for those individuals who love outdoor activities like fishing is the Casio Multi-task Sports watch.
Its features include a thermometer, temperature memory, moon data, world time, countdown timer, alarm, 12- and 24-hour formats, day, date, month, and based on our firsthand experience, a fish indicator to help you determine the right conditions for fishing, this makes it a great companion for your outdoor fishing adventure!
This watch comes in a case diameter of 46 mm, it is constructed with a rugged silver-tone case, black resin bezel with screws, and an adjustable strong black resin band that allows the watch to securely fit on the wrist.
With an innovative active dial that adds a touch of three-dimensional depth to the face. In addition, it’s also water-resistant to up to 660 feet / 200 meters.
- Great watch for fishing and other outdoor adventure
- Features a fishing mode that indicates the ideal date and time for fishing
- Highly durable that can withstand nearly any adventure
- Features a lot of added functionality such as temperature display (-10 to 60 C / 14 to 140 F), timer, moon date, time zones, etc. at an affordable price
- EL Backlight with an afterglow that is handy during nighttime
Lightweight and very comfortable to wear; not bulky
- Its manual is complicated to use
- Clock hands often cover up useful information
- Temperature indicators can sometimes be inaccurate; the body temperature of the wearer can affect the result
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
Best Luxury Moon Phase Watch
As for those watch enthusiasts and aficionados who are looking for a moon watch that offers a great historical origin as well as utilizes exceptional watchmaking standards for a budget of under 10,000 bucks, this moon watch can definitely be a great addition to your collection:
1. Omega Speedmaster Moon Phase
Considered as one of the best luxury moon phase watches is the Omega Speedmaster Moon Phase. Speedmaster holds the record of being the first-ever watch to be worn on the moon and has served the most lunar missions, adding great value to your watch collection.
As one of Omega’s most iconic timepieces, this watch features a blue sun-brushed dial and uses premium world-class grade materials such as ceramic bezel with tachymeter scale and 18k yellow gold, giving that luxurious appeal and charm.
It is powered by highly precise 9904 and 9905 Swiss-automatic movements with an analog display. Some of its notable features include column-wheel chronograph feature, moon phase feature, anti-magnetic, and a 60-hour power reserve.
Its eye-catching blue dial is protected by the toughest and most durable, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass. With a 42.55 mm polished stainless-steel casing and a 21 mm blue leather band that is not only supple but also provides great comfort when worn.
In addition, this watch only needs to be adjusted once every 10 years, proving its top-notch precision and reliability! Moreover, you don’t have to worry about checking the time in dim light as its hands and index hour markers are coated with a Super LumiNova finish that adds a strong lume to it.
Lastly, it has a water-resistance depth of 100 meters.
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
Are Moon Phase Watches Accurate?
Standard moon phase watches are usually run by 59 tooth driving wheels. This can be pretty accurate for about 2 years and a half.
As such, it is highly recommended to manually adjust the watch once every 3 years to maintain its accuracy in tracking the lunar cycle.
While for those higher-end watches that use around 135 tooth driving wheels, they have boosted their accuracy up to 122 years.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Upon considering the pros and cons after putting these watches to the test, we greatly recommend the Citizen Moon Phase Watch AV3006-09E. It has high quality and superb durability that will suit your budget and day-to-day errands.
Apart from its stunning look, what we love about this is its Citizen eco-drive technology, which means it doesn’t need battery replacement and is powered by any light.
In addition, this ticker is perfectly refined and made with exceptional details that will give great value to your money. Surely, you will make some time to catch this and make it part of your collection!
You might also be interested in other watch brands and categories — dress watch, skeleton watch, pocket watch, and many more! Feel Free to check out our other articles at EvesWatch.com
My name is Eve Acosta and I’m the person behind this site. Watches are what get me ticking ;).
No, but seriously, I just love watches, I have over 30 myself. It’s an obsession of mine, which is why my husband recommended me to put my hobby into some good use and build this site – so I did.
My passion for timepieces came from the fact that my parents own a small chain of shops selling timepieces. I’ve worked at the shop since I was 11 and fell in love with the merchandise.
