Moonphase watches are a unique and elegant addition to any watch collection. These watches feature a complication that displays the current phase of the moon, which adds a touch of sophistication and complexity to the watch’s face.
In the past, moonphase watches were expensive and only available to the wealthy, but nowadays there are plenty of affordable options available on the market. In this article, we will explore some of the best moonphase watches for under $1000 and look closer at what a moonphase watch is.
What is a Moonphase Watch?
A moon phase watch is a type of mechanical watch that displays the phases of the moon. It is a sophisticated timepiece that has captured the imagination of watch enthusiasts for centuries.
The highlight of the watch is that it tracks the position of the moon in relation to the Earth. It is designed to display the current phase of the moon, from a new moon to a full moon and back to a new moon.
That is achieved by using a small disk with two identical moons that rotate above a static sky background. As the disk rotates, the position of the moon change, indicating the current phase of the moon.
A moon phase often has intricate dials with artistic representations of the moon and stars. The watch dial will be equipped with a subdial, which is often located at 6 o’clock, although it can also be located at 12 o’clock or 9 o’clock.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, moon phase watches are also a feat of engineering. It features a complex mechanism that requires precision engineering to ensure accurate tracking of the moon’s phases.
Not to mention that the mechanism is often made up of hundreds of tiny parts, and the watchmaker must have a high level of skill and expertise to assemble it properly.
Read also: How Do Moon Phase Watch Work? A Guide to A Cool Complication
5 Captivating Moonphase Watches Under $1000
As the watchmaking industry evolves, you can now enjoy a variety of affordable moonphase watches in the market. Below are some recommendations you can take a look at these moonphase watches for under $1000.
Citizen Moonphase AV3006-09E
The first affordable moonphase watch under $1000 is Citizen AV3006-09E. This is a stylish and functional watch that combines a modern look with advanced technology.
As a Citizen watch, it is powered by light and does not require a battery replacement. This makes it an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective option for watch enthusiasts.
On its busy dial, you can spot quite a variety of watch complications from the moonphase display, 12/24-hour time, a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock, and a 1/5 second chronograph measuring up to 12 hours.
Read also: How to Charge Citizen Eco-Drive Watch – All You Need to Know
Glycine Combat Classic 40 “MoonPhase” Blue Ref. GL0385
Next on the list is the Glycine Combat Classic 40 “MoonPhase” Blue which flaunts a blue dial to further enhance the astronomical vibe. It has a minimalist view through which you can have hour markers, handsets, a date window, and a moonphase display.
Pairing the sunburst blue dial is a 22mm brown leather strap worn with a steel tang buckle to give a classy touch. Ensuring the overall accuracy of the watch is GL280 Swiss automatic movement with a 4Hz beat rate of 28,800 BPH and a power reserve of 38 hours.
Seiko Premier Kinetic Direct Drive Moon Phase SRX015P1
Looking for another sporty and affordable moonphase watch under $1000? Be amazed at the Seiko Premier Kinetic Direct Drive Moon Phase. It features Seiko’s kinetic movement or also known as “auto-quartz” which means accuracy.
On the dial, you’ll see four sub-dials with each presenting different useful information for the wearer. The moonphase display is at the top layout, at the right is date-display, the 24-hour marker and day-display at the bottom, and a power reserve indicator is at the left.
Mido Baroncelli Smiling Moon Gent White Ref. M027.407.11.010.01
When it comes to Mido watch collections, you can always expect something aesthetic and appealing. The Mido Baroncelli Smiling Moon Gent White is an affordable moonphase watch that should be under your radar.
It comes in a white dial to show purity and minimalism as well as enhance the elegance of the watch. Aside from the handsets and hour markers, the moonphase display takes the center of attention.
The phase is displayed in a unique design via a wide smile on the dial. It helps to relay the 29.5-day lunar cycle by exhibiting the current moonphase in an aperture on the dial, with the disc advancing once per day.
Victorinox Swiss Army Moon Phase Watch
A sleek watch design that boasts a timeless appearance. The Victorinox Swiss Army Moon Phase Watch is known for being a versatile and multifunctional timepiece. It also comes in a tasteful dimension for women at 35mm in diameter or people with slender wrists.
Highlighting the minimalism on the dial that features baton hands and spare tip hour markers in matching silver. The moon display is placed symmetrically with the brand’s logo at 12 o’clock accompanied by a date aperture at 6 o’clock.
Final Thought
As you’ve understood from the explanation above, a moon phase watch is a sophisticated timepiece that displays the phases of the moon. It is a popular feature among luxury watch brands and adds an elegant touch to the watch’s overall design.
Moon phase watches are often associated with romance and the passage of time – as well as a testament to human ingenuity. If you are a watch enthusiast, a moon phase watch is definitely worth considering as a unique addition to your watch collection.
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