Keep track of the moon’s cycle with these stunning timepieces.
The desire to record time has always been linked to the human need to make sense of the movement of heavenly bodies.
This primarily consists of the sun, which our planet revolves around, and the moon, the Earth’s own satellite.
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Watchmakers’ romantic fascination with the moon has inspired them to create these lunar or moon phase watches. These watches can track the lunar cycle or the synodic month.
The synodic month averages 29.5 days, so the lunar watch tracks the time that the moon is visible from sunlight.
It starts with a small sliver, indicating a waxing crescent moon. Eventually, it will grow larger until the watch complication shows a full moon. As the disk rotates, the other side of the moon will start to disappear as it becomes a waning crescent.
While this may not be the most practical complication, lunar watches can be beautiful to look at, and here are some of the best ones.
Arnold & Son Luna Magna
Arnold & Son was named for 18th-Century British watchmaker and astronomy pioneer John Arnold.
Its Luna Magna is known for having the world’s biggest 3D moon phase display. Made of marble and aventurine, the moon phase is so precise that it will remain accurate for 122 years.
To house the spherical moon, the watch’s front sapphire glass is slightly domed. The watch measures nearly 16mm in thickness with a case width measuring 44mm.
It comes in a limited edition of just 28 pieces, retailing for around $48,700.
Omega Speedmaster Moonphase
Omega’s Speedmaster has long been nicknamed the “Moonwatch.” However, it was only in 2016 when the model was equipped with an actual moon phase display.
The easy-to-wear chronograph has a realistic moon disk which was taken from an actual high-resolution photo of the moon’s surface.
The moon phase subtly references Omega’s status as the first watch on the moon with a tiny bootprint of Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin.
The steel case’s diameter measures at 44.25mm with a thickness of 16.9mm. The watch usually goes for around $10,600.
Rolex Cellini Moonphase
Rolex, usually known for sporty timepieces, also has the gorgeous Cellini dress watch. It’s the only Rolex watch with a moon phase.
The often overlooked piece is also the only model that comes in leather, the only model with a pointer-date, and the only model that features a sapphire caseback.
The watch features a blue enameled disc at 6 o’clock showing the full moon and new moon. It is also astronomically accurate for 122 years.
While they’re quite rare and difficult to find at retail, this watch can cost you anywhere from $26,000 to $32,000.
De Bethune DB25 Moon Phase Starry Sky
De Bethune has done plenty with lunar complications, often known for using blue hues and futuristic designs.
The DB25 Moon Phase Starry Sky features a 44mm case made of white gold. The spherical moon phase is recessed into the dial beneath 12 o’clock.
Inlaid with diamonds and white gold stars, this watch can come with a price tag of around $110,000.
Banner image via Instagram @arnoldandson.
