Moonphase watches have always been in popular demand, ever since 1925, when Patek Philippe released the first moonphase complication for a wristwatch – the aesthetic and functionality in which it comes equipped with, is just the “icing on the cake” for some… and we don’t blame them, because it does look stunning. Especially on a dress watch.
So, if you’re after a moonphase watch, which can give you great functionality, but also look incredible, this is the article for you. We at Lux Horology take a look at 5 of the best moonphase watches, (which you should definitely consider adding to your collection), and discuss the specifications they each hold.
What are the 5 best moonphase watches to buy in 2021?
1. JAEGER-LECOULTRE MASTER ULTRA THIN MOONPHASE
2. BAUME & MERCIER CLASSIMA MOONPHASE CHRONOGRAPH
3. VACHERON CONSTANTIN PATRIMONY MOONPHASE
4. ZENITH ELITE MOONPHASE ULTRA-THIN
5. OMEGA SPEEDMASTER MOONWATCH
1. JAEGER-LECOULTRE MASTER ULTRA-THIN MOONPHASE
A little bit about the watch:
This stunning sleek, and slim looking Jaeger-LeCoultre moonphase timepiece captures that luxurious element fantastically. Especially since the dial is so simplistic, yet sophisticated. Crafted in Switzerland, as you might already know – instantly adds that sense of heritage and history, which we at Lux Horology, personally love.
The sharp contours of the hands and indices, highlights the precision and craftsmanship it takes in order to create a piece like this. Being part of the “Master” collection puts it into the category of “ultra-thin” and “complexity”, which are two words to describe this piece. So, if you are the gentleman who wants a subtle dress watch which holds incredible functionality and a stunning design, then the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Moonphase has to be the go to.
What movement does the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Moonphase have?
The movement found within this moonphase timepiece, is a Swiss-made automatic calibre 925AA movement, which has a thickness of 4.9mm and holds 30 jewels throughout. Not only that, but the movement itself is made up using a total of 245 components. Last but not least, is the impressive 70-hour power reserve, and the running frequency of 28,800 Vph.
What features does this Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Moonphase watch have?
Case material – Stainless steel case
Movement type – Swiss-made automatic calibre 925AA movement
Water resistant depth – 50m (5 bar)
Strap material – Pin buckle-fastening black alligator strap
Power reserve – 70-hour power reserve
Case diameter – 39mm
Case thickness – 9.3mm
Lug width – 18mm
Reference number – 1368430
2. BAUME & MERCIER CLASSIMA MOONPHASE CHRONOGRAPH
A little bit about the watch:
A characteristic Baume & Mercier Moonphase watch, which follows the principle of “établissage”, which means that every single timepiece goes through a process which allows for the development and craftsmanship to be of the highest standard – thanks to the incredible Swiss watchmakers and the local suppliers, whom sought the finest materials.
This watch recalls that of the chronographs Baume & Mercier created during the 50s, and it juts highlights the advancements, and the modernity of a classic moonphase watch. If we look away from the idea behind the watch, and look at the functionalities it comes equipped with, you’ll understand why it’s so special. It holds a 50m water resistant depth, which is great for a watch of this kind. It also features day and month windows, date hand, a moon phase display, of course – and a 30-minute and 12-hour subdial.
What movement does the Baume & Mercier Classima Moonphase have?
The Swiss-made automatic Valjoux 7751 movement can be found within this moonphase Baume & Mercier timepiece – which has a diameter of 30mm and a thickness of 7.9mm, as well as holding a total of 25 jewels throughout. If you’re the traveling man, who’s always on the go, then the 44-hour power reserve, will most certainly come in handy, that’s for sure. And, if you’re after precision, then the running frequency of 28,800 Vph will do the trick.
What features does this Baume & Mercier Classima Moonphase watch have?
Case material – Polished stainless steel case
Movement type – Swiss-made automatic Valjoux 7751 movement
Water resistant depth – 50m (5 bar)
Strap material – Folding clasp-fastening black alligator strap
Power reserve – 44-hour power reserve
Case diameter – 42mm
Case thickness – 13.25mm
Lug width – 22mm
Reference number – M0A10484
3. VACHERON CONSTANTIN PATRIMONY MOONPHASE
A little bit about the watch:
I mean… talk about luxurious. And who better to create a luxurious moonphase watch, than Vacheron Constantin. The watchmaker has crafted it’s own complications since 1790, and this is an example of knowledge and level of expertise in which they hold, and transfer into the work they complete.
This particular moonphase Vacheron Constantin timepiece, comes equipped with an 18-karat pink gold case, 30m water resistant depth as well as a pin buckle-fastening brown alligator strap – which contrasts beautifully with the case. But let’s get into more detail about the movement which powers this piece.
What movement does the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moonphase have?
The powerhouse found within this watch is a Swiss-made calibre 2460 R31L/1 automatic movement – which has a diameter of 27.20mm and a thickness of 5.4mm. But not only that, it comes equipped with a total of 27 jewels and 275 components throughout. If you’re after reliability, then don’t worry, because this calibre 2460 R31L/1 has a 40-hour power reserve, as well as a frequency of 28,800 Vph.
What features does this Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moonphase watch have?
Case material – 18-karat pink gold case
Movement type – Swiss-made calibre 2460 R31L/1 automatic movement
Water resistant depth – 30m (3 bar)
Strap material – Pin buckle-fastening brown alligator strap
Power reserve – 40-hour power reserve
Case diameter – 42.5mm
Case thickness – 9.70mm
Strap width – 22mm
Reference number – 4010U/000R-B329
4. ZENITH ELITE MOONPHASE ULTRA-THIN
A little bit about the watch:
Zenith originally named the “Elite” collection after the eponymous ultra thin movement it created using CAD technology, which won the Baselworld award in 1994, for ‘Best Movement of the Year’. The moonphase dress watch is filled with luxurious elements, such as the rich deep blue pin buckle-fastening alligator strap, as well as the exhibition caseback, which actually allows for you to see the award winning movement in action.
Not only can you wear this dress watch to the more formal occasions, but you can also relax and explore different environments, especially with the 50m water resistant depth and stainless steel case it holds. But before we highlight all of the features, let’s first discuss the award-winning movement.
What movement does the Zenith Elite Moonphase Ultra-Thin have?
The Swiss-made calibre Elite 692 automatic movement can be found within the walls of the stainless steel case, and it’s the powerhouse to this stunning moonphase timepiece. It has a diameter of 25.60mm and a thickness of 3.97mm, which is truly impressive and it’s on it’s way to being slimmer than the Zenith Elite 6150… almost. Additionally, the movement holds 27 jewels and has a 50-hour power reserve, to go along with the frequency of 28,800 Vph.
What features does this Zenith Elite Moonphase Ultra-Thin watch have?
Case material – Stainless steel case
Movement type – Swiss-made calibre Elite 692 automatic movement
Water resistant depth – 50m (5 bar)
Strap material – Pin buckle-fastening navy alligator strap
Power reserve – 50-hour power reserve
Case diameter – 40.5mm
Reference number – 03.3100.692/01.C922
5. OMEGA SPEEDMASTER MOONWATCH
A little bit about the watch:
Now, I think anyone who’s relatively into watches, knows the history of the Omega Speedmaster. A watch, that really is a pinnacle within the world of watches, and it certainly impacted the brand “Omega”, in a positive way, of course. The Omega Speedmaster, was the first watch to be on the moon – with Buzz Aldrin wearing it throughout the Apollo 11 mission. If you want to find out more on the story of the Omega Speedmaster (which we would definitely recommend), then check what we wrote here.
This timepiece is an icon, and even before it landed on the moon, it was a cracking chronograph, it just has the status of a bestseller now, and we understand why. It comes equipped with a 100m water resistant depth, and a stainless steel case and bracelet, so you can be confident in it’s reliability, and durability.
What movement does the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch have?
This particular Omega Speedmaster automatic moonphase chronograph, is driven by a Swiss-made Calibre Omega 9904 automatic movement. The Certified master chronometer holds 54 jewels throughout, and has a 60-hour power reserve, which accommodates those of you who enjoy an adventure once in a while. Lastly, it retains a resistance to magnetic fields reaching 15,000 gauss, and holds a running frequency of 28,800 Vph – ensuring you of the precision from within.
What features does this Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch watch have?
Case material – Stainless steel case
Movement type – Swiss-made Calibre Omega 9904 automatic movement
Water resistant depth – 100m (10 bar)
Strap material – Stainless steel bracelet
Power reserve – 60-hour power reserve
Case diameter – 44.25mm
Lug width – 21mm
