10 Best Moon Phase Watches for Men and Women

Time has always been inextricably linked with the moon, the sun, and their orbital movement. While other watches tend to lean towards the more functional end for the wearer such as deep diving watches, other watches place value on the arts. A rather straightforward example that tries to visualize the time notion and its aesthetic is moon phase watches. 

The lunar cycle plays a crucial role in the history of horology. While the sun tells the wanderers what the time of day it is, an observation of the moon means knowing the specifics of the passing of months. 

Moon phase watches depict exactly what it means: how the moon appears in the sky. Read on to find out more about this delightful type of watch and which moon phase watches are a worthy addition to any watch newbie or enthusiasts’ collection.

How moon phase watch works? They also usually operate using a disc moved along by a wheel. The accuracy is not always the most precise and one can expect a once every three-year recalibration. It is the whimsicality, enchantment, and respectful tribute to the history of horology that a moon phase watch garners its loyal fans and popularity.

10 Enchanting Moon Phase Watches to Add to Your Collection

There are a lot of different moon phase watches out on the market today. Fancy adding one to your collection? Below is a list of 10 marvelous moon phase watches for men and women.

Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic

The Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic Automatic Moon Phase features a classy overall look. A moon phase display encircled by an analog display of the dates located at 6 o’clock. The moon phase display itself is sprinkled with metallic stars and a moon. These are integrated seamlessly into the white, porcelain-like dial.

All of this is supported by the Baumatic BM14 automatic movement which allows for a remarkable 120 hours of power reserve.

IWC Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase 36mm

The next is a feminine moon phase watch for women, the IWC Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase 36mm. With a silver stainless steel case and a blue alligator leather strap, the watch is an alluring combination of the silver and blue colors – apt imagery of the night sky. The moon phase window can be seen in the 12th hour.

Furthermore, the dial comes in a silver background with deep blue-colored Arabic numerals and hands. Flipped to its back we have a case cover ornamented with the Flower of Life to reference Da Vinci’s quest for proportions and beauty.

Frederique Constant Slimline Perpetual Calendar Manufacture Moonphase

For a more contemporary look, the Slimline Perpetual Calendar Manufacture by the Swiss company, Frederique Constant is one of your best choice of moon phase watches for men. This 42mm rose-gold plated stainless steel cased watch highlights a dial with four distinctive features. These include three sub-dials for date functions and one moon phase display.

Onto the moon phase display itself, the background of the aperture is colored titanium blue, providing a beautiful contradiction with the rose gold-colored moon and stars. The force behind this enchanting gear is the in-house FC-775 movement with 38 hours of power reserve.

Read also: A Guide to the History of Moon Phase Watch Complication

Longines Master Moon-Phase

Next, the Longines Master Moon Phase is a great contender for the best moon phase watches for men. This particular watch features an array of features such as a chronograph, annual calendar, a 24-hour indicator, and a moon phase display. One may think that all the above features in a dial may make it look cramped and illegible.

Fear not, designs by Longines have always taken the details into consideration. The dial is painted silver and ornamented with a “barleycorn” pattern. This along with a calculated spacing between each of the features allow for comfortable reading of the time. Coupled with a brown leather strap, the result is quite a vintage-looking watch with an ethereal aura.

Ball Watch Co. Trainmaster Moon-Phase Blue 

The Ball Watch Co. Trainmaster Moon-Phase Blue Ref. NM3082D-SJ-BE is one of the great moon phases watches for men. It’s powered by the Ball RR1801 Automatic movement. A stunning watch at night, it features luminous capabilities with the aid of micro gas tubes allowing for nighttime legibility.

Grabbing the attention on the first impression is the dial. Patterned guilloche, the face of the watch mimics moonlight rays coming from the moon phase display located center. Peppered around the moon are sprinkles of silver stars. An enigmatic timepiece.

Glycine Combat Classic 40 Moon Phase Black

Next, a mystical contender for best moon phase watches for men, the Glycine Combat Classic 40 Moon Phase Black.  This Swiss-made watch leans towards the dressier type: clean, minimal, and curious. One can find the moon phase to blend into the black dial due to its simplicity, a blue background, several silver stars, and the same colored moon.

It is one of the best moon phase watch under $1000. The timepiece measures elegant with its 40mm case and is light at 12.5mm thick. Coupled with a 22mm alligator leather strap, this watch is the perfect choice for a delightful and fancy night out. Truly a refined wear from Glycine.

Ball Watch Co. Engineer II Moon Phase Blue Ref. NM2282C-SJ-BE

Another beautiful moon phase watch for men, the Ball Watch Co. Engineer II Moon Phase Blue Ref. NM2282C-SJ-BE. Measuring 44mm in diameter and 14 mm in height, this is a larger watch in the category of men’s watches. The watch is also capable of 100 m in water resistance.

The difference with the Trainmaster collection is the addition of micro gas tubes to help in nighttime reading from 24 to 28. As a result, a brighter luminosity is achieved. A more simple take on the moon phase display is applied in the circular window located above the center point of the watch. A powerful and mesmerizing watch.

Read also: 5 Captivating and Affordable Moon Phase Watches Under $1000

Rolex Cellini Moonphase

The next feature on the list of best moon phase watches is elegant for both genders. Rolex Cellini Moon Phase measures 39mm is simplistic yet exudes a glamorous charm with its golden Evarose case and brown leather strap.

The moon phase aperture can be seen in its round shape at the bottom center of the timepiece. This window details the lunar cycle with the moon rotations at both full and new. Aside from that, a slim blue hand with a crescent on its end signifies the date of the month. This comparison with the other golden hands and white dial is exhilaratingly luxurious.

Patek Philippe 7121J Moon Phase

Another one of the best moon phase watches for women comes from the highly regarded brand, Patek Philippe, the 7121J Moon Phase. While most moon phase watches require a recalibration of once every three years, the Ref. 7121J claims one every 122 years. 

The luxurious timepiece features a golden 33mm vintage Calatrava case – smooth, straight lugs and round case flanks. Enclosed by studded diamonds, the face of the watch is cream-colored and textured finely to let out a silky look. All of this was added with 18k yellow gold hands and numerals. 

The moon phase and stars are also painted gold with a placement at 6 o’clock on the watch. The result is a refined yet glamorous-looking timepiece.

Christiaan van der Klaauw Real Moon Joure

The last one on the list is one of the best moon phase watches for both men and women. The Christiaan van der Klaauw Real Moon Joure. It takes one glance to be in awe of the mesmerizing three-dimensional moon at the 6 o’clock position. This stunning watch derives its title from Christiaan van der Klaauw’s village, the Joure in the north of the Netherlands in which his workshop is located.

The main highlight of this special timepiece is the preciseness it offers. While most moon phase watches do not give much preciseness to show the current moon phase, which is nearly 44 minutes deviation per month, the Christiaan van der Klaauw Real Moon Joure can be as precise as ever. 

This sums up my short guide of watches that depict the beauty of the moon and its phases. With the different types and styles mentioned, is there one that fits your liking? Similar to other watches, do remember to take care of it well to make it last through the moments in your life. 

Find out more about the world of horology at our Gnomon blog, a guide catered to both the newbie and enthusiasts of watches.

Last Thought

In summary, moon phase watches blend practicality and celestial beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to horology, these timepieces are a timeless choice, representing craftsmanship and tradition.

No matter what your budget or style, there is a moon phase watch out there that is perfect for you. So take some time to browse the different options available and find the perfect watch to add to your collection.

Read also: Elevating a Stylish Look with Dress Watches