The art of depicting the age of the Moon on a dial has been around since the 16th century, both on grandfather clocks and wall clocks. Luxury watch manufacturer Blancpain revived this watchmaking skill after the quartz crisis in the 1970s, launching the caliber 6395 with a moon phase display in 1983. Since then, there have been models with this complication from almost every manufacturer. But watches with a moon phase don’t always have to cost a high, five-figure sum. I’m showing you what I consider to be the best watches with a moon phase display that the watch market currently has to offer for less than $10,000.
The Moon Phase: A Prestigious Complication
Before we dive into a selection of breathtakingly beautiful watches with a moon phase display, I would like to show you the importance of the complication in the watch world with the help of a new model. Renowned luxury watch manufacturers have been outdoing themselves for decades by displaying the moon phase as precisely as possible. For a long time, the Sauterelle à Lune exacte by watchmaking genius Andreas Strehle was considered the most precise watch with a moon phase. This is no longer the case, however, because on June 26, 2024, the “IWC Portugieser Eternal Calendar” officially entered the Guinness Book of Records as the “world’s most precise wristwatch with a moon phase.” With a theoretical deviation of just one day in 45,361,055 years, the patented Double Moon display of the Portugieser Eternal Calendar beats the previous world record by more than 43 million years. This is made possible by a newly developed reduction gear with three intermediate gears, which reduces the duration of a calendar month to the duration of a complete lunar cycle as precisely as possible. However, priced around 150,000 euros (approx. $162,000), this masterpiece is reserved for only a few watch enthusiasts. The timepieces that I’m going to present to you prove that it’s also possible to see the moon phase for much less.
The Sporty One: Omega Speedmaster Moonphase
Sporty timepieces are less commonly associated with a moon phase display than their dress watch counterparts. But what watch is better suited to a moon phase than the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch which was present during all six moon landings? Particularly noteworthy here is the successful depiction of the Moon, which was realized using an original NASA photo. The precise moon phase display of this Omega model only needs to be corrected via the crown every ten years. You can add the Omega Speedmaster Moonphase to your collection from around $8,500. However, it will only appeal to those who prefer larger watches. With a diameter of 44.5 mm, this moon phase watch is unusually robust.
Refined and Reduced: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful moon phase watches on the market. At first glance, the inconspicuous JLC has many visual treats to offer, including, of course, the beautiful moon phase and the artfully decorated movement, which can be admired through the case back. However, the absolute highlight of this watch is the sunburst dial, which offers a unique velvet effect that is rarely seen. The watch is available in both steel and precious metals and is priced at around $7,500, depending on the age and material.
Very Good Value: Longines Master Collection Moonphase
With the Longines Master Collection Moonphase, even beginners and price-conscious watch wearers have the opportunity to add a watch with a moon phase to their collection. The design language is reminiscent of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon, which I have already presented to you: The dial is reduced, but inspires with a beautiful sunburst effect and the decorated movement can be viewed on the reverse side of the case. Longines offers this thoroughly successful watch in various colors. If the watch on the classic leather strap is a little too formal for you, the model is also available on a sportier steel bracelet. With a current market price around $2,700, this watch with a moon phase is also attractive for entry-level buyers.
Why so serious? Swatch X Omega MoonSwatch Mission to the Moonphase
There is hardly a watch more polarizing than the MoonSwatch, but you have to give the playful Speedmaster homage credit for one thing: It can be a lot of fun if you give it a chance and don’t take it too seriously. One of the most successful models is the Mission to the Moonphase released in 2024, which not only features a genuine moon phase, but also comes with the NASA mascot Snoopy. The Swatch in Speedmaster design is peppered with little allusions to space travel and Snoopy himself. On the back, Snoopy’s paw marks the landing site of Apollo 11 and the moon phase display features a relaxed image of the beloved dog himself. Shining a black light on the watch reveals a secret message in homage to the Peanuts comic strip. With its plastic case and quartz movement, the Swatch X Omega MoonSwatch Mission to the Moonphase certainly can’t compete with the previous watches in terms of quality, but the plastic Speedy has earned itself one title: the most playful moon phase in the entire watch industry. And with a price tag of less than $500, this gadget offers a nice, fun introduction to the world of moon phase complications.
The Fascinating Moon Phase
Watches with a moon phase enjoy a high status in the watch world and are a testament to the manufacturer’s dedication and craftsmanship. This popular complication greatly enhances a watch and makes elegant dress watches even more beautiful. The great thing is that the market now offers the right watch for every budget and taste – from playful and sporty to classy and elegant.
