Watches with moon phase: sophisticated complication in luxury watches

The moon has always exerted a great attraction on people, and its different phases have something mythical about them. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that the first Moonphase watches already existed in the 16th century. Meanwhile, the complication is an interesting addition to luxury watches, whose manufacturers like to integrate it prominently on the Dial.

What does the Moonphase mean on a watch?

Before discussing the actual complication in luxury watches, it is important to know exactly what a Moonphase is. It describes a cycle that corresponds exactly to 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 2.8 seconds, or calculated in days, 29.53 days. Many manufacturers of luxury watches use this precise determination of the Moonphase, as selected models are capable of reproducing the moon's course accurately over 2 million years.

Already in the Roman era, people oriented themselves by the phases of the moon, thus creating the basis for today's month system. The passion for the moon remains unbroken to this day.

Moonphase one of the most popular complications

The Moonphase and watches have found each other early on. Until modern times, the integration in luxury watches is one of the most popular complications. This is deliberately staged in selected models. In the IWC Da Vinci Chronograph, the Moonphase is at 12 o'clock, while in the Zenith Port Royal Calendar Chronograph it is placed at 6 o'clock. In a Bulgari Lucea, the Moonphase forms the central element of the Dial, and in a Glashütte Original Senator Panoramadatum Moonphase, it is the counterpart to the date display at 10 o'clock.

How is a Moonphase read on a watch?

With many complications, the question arises for the viewer: How is a Moonphase read on a watch?

Oris

Regulator

Oris Regulator steel automatic men's watch 7488 [2605821] Sale price€1.450

Breguet

Classique

Breguet Classique 18 ct gold automatic men's watch 7337 [2606101] Sale price€17.550

Jaeger LeCoultre

Master Ultra Thin

Jaeger LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin steel automatic men's watch Q1368470 176.8.64.S [2606383] Sale price€6.150

Breitling

Premier

Breitling Premier chronograph steel automatic men's watch AB2510201K1P1 LP: 15200EUR [2606029] Sale price€8.350

IWC

Portofino

IWC Portofino steel manual winding men's watch IW544801 LP: 14500EUR [2606267] Sale price€4.250

Jaeger LeCoultre

Master Control

Jaeger LeCoultre Master Control steel automatic men's watch Q4148420, 830.8.A6.S [2606242] Sale price€9.650

Jaeger LeCoultre

Master Calendar

Jaeger LeCoultre Master Calendar steel automatic men's watch Q151812A [2606021] Sale price€6.150

Jaeger LeCoultre

Master Ultra Thin

Jaeger LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin steel automatic men's watch Q1258420, 145.8.64.S [2605748] Sale price€5.250

A classic variant is the “Bosom” Moonphase, where a disc with two moons rotates in the background, but the respective moon phase is visible through a cutout. As soon as a moon disappears on the right, the new Moonphase starts on the left. In this way, the successive Moon phases can be displayed without any problems.

Watches with Moonphase from IWC, Zenith or Omega

There are several manufacturers on the market that have equipped current luxury watches with a Moonphase. Depending on the brand, the complication differs in its arrangement on the Dial or its design. Accordingly, there is a wide selection for enthusiasts.

Zenith Port Royal Calendar Chronograph

A very special watch with a Moonphase is the Zenith Port Royal Calendar Chronograph. This was integrated at 6 o'clock on a silver-colored dial and is framed by a matching gold case. At a price of 6,750 euros in very good condition, the chronograph can be purchased at Zeitauktion.

IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar

An interesting variant combining Moonphase and perpetual calendar is offered by the IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar. Available in yellow gold, red gold, stainless steel, and rarer platinum, this luxury watch impresses with several striking features. Due to its variety, the price can vary significantly.

Blancpain Villeret Moonphase

An exceptional watch is the Blancpain Villeret Moonphase, which has a large Moon phases display at 6 o'clock, while above it shows the day of the week and the month. The case comes in several material variants, providing an interesting selection for the Blancpain Villeret Moonphase.

Große Lange 1 Moonphase “Lumen”

One of the most expensive luxury watches with Moonphase comes from the house of A. Lange & Söhne, which over the years has developed several watches with Moon phases. The Große Lange 1 Moonphase “Lumen” features a semi-transparent dial and is highlighted with luminescent elements. Around 70,000 euros must be invested for this watch.

Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch - the moon as a destination of longing

Omega has dedicated an entire model range to the moon with the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. To the dismay of many enthusiasts, no Moonphase was integrated here; it is exclusively dedicated to our nocturnal companion. It impresses with a variable variety in terms of color schemes for the dials and straps. A very special edition is the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon, which is entirely black. 

This small selection alone shows how versatile the market for Moonphase watches is. Feel free to get inspired by Zeitauktion.