Best Moonphase Watches

People have been bewitched by the Moon ever since they lift their gaze into the night sky. Even long ago, our ancestors used the moon to keep track of time by counting how many and what kind of moon appeared.

That’s why primitive lunar calendars were conceived because people were observing the cycle of the Moon. And today, a moonphase watch is one of the most popular complications in the watch industry.

But what is a moonphase watch exactly? In essence, a Moonphase watch is a miniature recreation of different phases of the Moon as displayed on the dial aperture. It is usually designed in a way that the Moon waxes and wanes as recreated on the dial.

Who invented the Moonphase complication? It was the Patek Philippe, particularly in 1925. Most moon-phase displays are 99.998% accurate as they run without interruption. Thanks to the ingenious mechanical transmission as it helps rotate the hour wheel.

For this article, we have curated some of the best moonphase watches that are worth owning. May you find one to add to your collection.

Top 10 Best Moonphase Watches

1. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch

Product Description

One of the best moonphase watches nowadays is the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. It has a black dial with a silver-tone stainless steel case and a matching black alligator leather band.

Weighing 15.84 ounces, this moon phase watch has special features. These include a chronograph display, date function, and a 100-meter water resistance depth. It also has a tachymeter scale that can be used to measure your speed when you’re traveling for a specific period of time.

Aside from the moon phase display, Omega also equips this watch with anti-magnetic features. Surely, if you’re willing to go the extra mile and budget is not really your concern, this one is your best bet.

It’s truly a beautiful watch and once more, the Speedmaster has augmented its collection with moonphase complications. This timepiece is historically linked to space and what bears its black dial is stunning; it’s hard not to include this Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 9904 in this list.

Pros

  • A stunning moon phase watch
  • Reliable brand
  • Durable and comfortable leather strap
  • Stainless Steel Case

Con/s

  • Expensive

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2. Rolex Cellini Moonphase Watch

Product Description

Here’s another moon phase watch that would most likely double in value over time. It’s the Rolex Cellini Moonphase Watch. 

Before, Rolex was not recognized for pushing its limit in terms of complications. Perhaps it is because they’re focused more on the design and material of their wristwatches. But with the introduction of the Rolex Cellini Moonphase Watch, it gave us a glimpse of its creative nature.

The Rolex Cellini Moonphase performs impeccably. It is a 39mm watch so it’s not too big nor too small. We also like its Everose gold tone that matches well with the leather bracelet.

The only caveat is that it is expensive compared to other moonphase watches. But still, it is probably one of your best investments and a watch brand that gains the most value.

Pros

  • Gorgeous 18K Everose gold case
  • Carries the Rolex emblem
  • Tobacco leather
  • Automatic movement
  • Covered with a 2-year warranty (in addition to manufacturer’s warranty)
  • 48 hours of power reserve
  • Waterproof to 50 meters

Con/s

  • Expensive

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3. Karl-Leimon Japanese Watch with Moon Phase Display

Product Description

If you’re looking for a  more affordable option, then our next list might be worth considering. It is the Karl-Leimon Japanese Moonphase Watch. The Karl-Leimon is among the top Japanese-made watches and is known for its classic design.

The two friends, who are also founders of this brand, embarked on a two-year journey to develop the ideal moon-phase watch that evokes a great sense of luxury but is not as expensive as other moonphase watches.

One of the designs they came up with is this Karl-Leimon Moonphase Watch CPWH01G model. What’s special about this watch is that it is equipped with an anti-reflective sapphire, an analog display type, a 38mm stainless steel case, 10 mm case thickness, day-date-month-year-moon-phase calendar functions, and a quartz movement.

This watch is also water-resistant for up to 50 meters. Reading time is easy as well in this timepiece. Thanks to its white dial color and contrasting gold hands and indices.

Pros

  • Nice contrast, easy to read time
  • Made out of high-quality materials 
  • Equipped with sapphire glass
  • Covered with a 2-year warranty
  • Affordable moon phase watch
  • Classic gold white

Con/s

  • It would be better if the leather band is a bit longer

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4. Citizen Calendar Watch with Moon Phase Indicator

Product Description

Bring sophistication to your day with this Citizen Calendar Watch with Moon Phase Indicator. It has an attractive black and gold motif in its shiny stainless steel case. 

In terms of functionality, this watch with moon phase sub dial utilizes a luminous coating with gold-tinted borders. Featuring eco-drive technology, this watch never needs a battery as it converts any light into energy to power the watch.

Pros

  • Features eco-drive technology; no need for battery replacement
  • With moonphase indicator
  • Analog Month/Day/Date function
  • Uses Spherical Mineral Crystal
  • A beautiful watch
  • 100 meters water resistance depth
  • 15.87 ounces weight

Con/s

  • It may take a while to set the time

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5. Omega Speedmaster Moon Phase Watch

Product Description

The Omega Speedmaster Moon Phase Watch is arguably one of the most defining and legendary timepieces from the brand’s collection. This moonphase watch is equipped with some of the most excellent watch features and it really shows. 

It has a signature blue dial with red accents. To match the look, it boasts a blue leather strap with a crocodile pattern. As the color of the sky and the sea, this attractive hue signifies calmness, stability, reliability, wisdom, and inspiration. All attributes that you would want in a men’s watch.

We especially like the column-wheel chronograph feature, date window, and anti-magnetic feature. It also has luminescent hands and hour markers.

In terms of function, this 44.25 mm watch is powered by a self-winding automatic movement. To reduce friction at points of heavy wear and tear, this watch uses 54 jewels. It has a 60-hour power reserve, 

As for its stability and precision, it operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour. That means its balance wheel operates at four oscillations per second, the common frequency in modern wristwatch movements.

Pros

  • Sapphire Crystal Exhibition Case Back
  • 60 Hour Power Reserve
  • Self Winding Automatic Movement
  • Moonphase Feature
  • Pointer Date Feature

Cons

  • Comes in a leather band so you may have to avoid it getting wet or wear the watch while doing sweaty sports, although this watch has a water resistance depth of 100 meters.

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6. Orient Men’s Sun and Moon Version 3 Japanese Automatic Watch

Product Description

Stately and elegant, this Orient Sun and Moon watch comes with a hefty 42.5 millimeters case watch in 14mm thickness. It likewise incorporates a dial design that is unique compared to other moonphase watches because it has hand winding, hacking capabilities. By hacking, we mean the second-hand halt function. 

The dial of this watch steals the show. You can even see its patterning in the photos but it looks way better in person. It has a nice radial sunburst design during the day.

It likewise has the quickest features for date and day. For added protection, it uses sapphire crystal and is water-resistant for up to 50 meters. In general, this watch is suitable for brief immersion in water, but not for snorkeling or diving.

Compared to the previous Sun and Moon versions with moon phases indicators, this one is more refined. The Roman numeral hour markers complement the aesthetics that the brand Orient was targeting for all of its watches in the Sun and Moon series. Overall, we find this watch regal yet sublime.

Pros

  • Powered by Japanese-automatic Movement
  • Features a sapphire crystal
  • With sun and moon indicator
  • Water-resistant to 165ft. (50m)
  • Impressive quality
  • Vintage modern style

Cons

  • The rotor of this watch may be a bit noisy to some

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[You may also like: Best Vintage Watch Under $500]

7. Cartier Drive De Cartier Moonphase Watch

Product Description

The Cartier Drive De Cartier Moonphase Watch is yet another outstanding watch with moon phase function. It has iconic oversized Roman numerals, which is common in Cartier watches.

This timepiece with moon phase complication tracks the lunar cycle, comes in a sizable 40mm cushion-shaped case, and features a gold and blue moon disc. 

Moreover, it features a silver-tone case, a black band, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. 

All these designs are contained in a wave guilloché patterned dial. 

If you’re looking for a luxury moonphase watch that looks good for any occasion, this watch from Cartier would be perfect for you!

Pros

  • Comfortable leather band (alligator pattern)
  • Unique Silver Flinque dial color
  • Scratch-resistant sapphire
  • Automatic movement
  • 30 meters or 100 feet water resistance
  • Transparent case back

Con/s

  • None

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8. Longines Master Collection Chronograph Moon Phase Watch

Product Description

This Longines Master Collection Chronograph Moon Phase Watch is one of the most affordable options on this list, but it still speaks volumes in terms of quality and function.

Just like other watches with moon phase displays in this list, this one has its subtle element of luxury too. It has a calendar component and chronograph functionality. 

The silver-textured dial is enhanced by the blue leaf style hands, silver-tone stainless steel case, an automatic movement, and a dark alligator leather band. This watch with a moon phase display is also water-resistant for up to 30 meters/ 100 feet. 

Other features you’ll find in this watch include a scratch-resistant sapphire, a 40mm case size, and a skeleton case back.

[You may also like: Best Skeleton Watch With Date – Top 5 Options]

Pros

  • Extremely well-built
  • With calendar components
  • Designed with an element of luxury
  • Chronograph functionality
  • A refined timepiece
  • Handsome dark brown band that matches the white dial
  • Great value for money
  • Trusted brand

Cons

  • It’s not easy to see the hands in the dark; has no lume
  • Not easy to slide the strap into its holder

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9. Frederique Constant Men’s Slim Watch with Moon Phase Window

Product Description

One of the best moonphase watches in the market today is the Frederique Constant Men’s Slim Watch with Moon Phase Window. It comes in a 42mm rose gold-plated stainless steel case.

This minimalist moon phase watch features a logo under the 12 o’clock crown, an anti-reflective sapphire, and features an analog display.

The reason why we mentioned this is one of the best buys among other moon phase watches is that it is Swiss Made. The brand Frederique Constant is based in Geneva and is famous for its high-quality classical timepieces.

For this watch with a moon phase indicator, it has all the hallmarks of a simple and clean watch: thin black hands, an alligator leather band, roman numerals, and a white dial.

In addition, this watch has a day and date display. The reason why it’s affordable compared to other luxury moon phase watches is that it uses a Quartz movement, which we believe is a fair compromise.

Pros

  • Scratch-free watch as it uses sapphire crystal
  • Clean look
  • Simple yet elegant
  • Has thin black hands 
  • Easy to read time
  • Good value for money
  • Accurate
  • Water resistant to 30m (165ft)

Con/s

  • None

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10. MeisterSinger Lunascope Automatic Wrist Watch

Product Description

The Lunascope Automatic Wrist Watch was introduced by the famous German watchmaker MeisterSinger in 2018. Since then, it caught the eye of watch collectors because it is the first-ever astronomical single-hand moonphase timepiece ever produced.

From the 10 o’clock position to 2 o’clock, you’ll notice a large moon phase indicator. The brand is also proud of the accuracy of this Lunascope Automatic Wrist Watch because it runs on a powerful ETA 2836-2 automatic movement.

The same with the Omega Speedmaster Moon Phase Watch, it has a frequency of 28,800 vph. This timepiece is also modified with a moon phase module.

If you are someone who values utmost craftsmanship, understated aesthetics, and reliability, this model is worth your time.

Pros

  • First astronomical single-hand moon phase watch
  • ETA 2836-2 with MeisterSinger moon phase module
  • Features 25 jewels
  • Dynamic cut in the upper half of the dial
  • Attractive dark blue, starry background
  • Moon phase indicator only needs slight adjustment after 128 years
  • Domed sapphire glass
  • 50 meters water resistance depth
  • Shock-resistant

Con/s

  • None

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Best Moon Phase Watches for Women

What to Look for When Buying the Best Moonphase Watch

The world of Haute horology may not be an easy space for amateur watch collectors and buyers. As it is our wish to uncomplicate the art of watchmaking, here are various elements you can look out for in a moon phase watch:

Moonphase Style

The moon phase complication has not yet lost its romance in the watchmaking industry and different watch brands have varying styles. Traditionally, there are moonphase watches with a half crescent aperture and one full moon or radial.

There’s also the bosom style (yup, it refers to the sensuous shape of the aperture) that physically shows the moon in various phases. The way this works is it reveals and hides the moon as the disk rotates. Frédérique Constant moon phase watch is a fine example.

Then, there’s that radial moonphase display with a conventional display to track the lunar cycle.  Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Grand Reveil is a good example of this. 

Precision

When comparing watches, precision is an important feature to look out for. Your best chance of getting a good accuracy in a watch depends on precision in manufacture, care in assembly, adjustment, and craft in lubrication.

Just check out the movement of a watch you’re buying, often it is equipped with a Swiss quartz movement. A 59-toothed gear drives the metal finger of a moonphase watch and connects it to the hour hand of the watch movement, advancing it every 24 hours.

Material

The materials used not just for the entire watch but also to craft the moon phase display make a difference. Some watches are represented by a solid disk, while others go the extra mile by introducing photo-realistic renditions.

The Omega watch naturally nailed the micro-niche with its Speedmaster Moonwatch Moonphase.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

From the varied selection of moon phase watches in this list, our top pick would be the Rolex Cellini Moonphase Watch. The brand itself has a mass appeal and we believe this chic watch has a glorious dial design that is prominent in the brand’s rich heritage. 

On face value alone, it is perfectly proportioned and is a real classical beauty. 

However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, go for the Frederique Constant Men’s Slim Watch with Moon Phase Window. It is one of the most prestigious watches on this list that features a clean rose gold tone stainless steel case.

It’s hard to beat the price of this watch for the quality and craftsmanship of the Frederique Constant brand.

But since it all comes down to personal choice and budget, there’s no doubt that whatever you pick, it would be a good value for your money. That’s because all these horological creations implement the moon phase feature in such unique ways and all watches look gorgeous in their own way.

If you like this review, you might want to read our other reviews at EvesWatch.com.