What is a moon phase watch?
A moon phase watch displays the lunar cycle on its dial: new moon, full moon, first quarter, or last quarter. The most sophisticated watches may also feature an "astronomical" moon phase. This phase only requires a one-day correction every 122 years. Read on to discover everything you need to know about moon phase watches.
What do you need to know about moon phase watches?
A moon phase clock displays the different phases of the moon through a small hole in the dial. This small opening allows you to appreciate the moon's phases as they appear in the sky without leaving home. A moon phase clock is therefore a clock that indicates the 29.53-day lunar cycle and displays the current state of the cycle or the moon's phase using various systems.
History of the moon phase in watchmaking
The earliest known example of a mechanical lunar phase is the Greek Antikythera Mechanism built in 205 BC. This machine displayed the position of the moon and planets, the dates of the next Olympic Games, and the current day, month, and year.
Later, astronomical clocks made during the Renaissance and placed in towers would already incorporate the lunar cycle. They would show the orbit of the known planets and the phases of the moon, as well as the time and month of the year.
Moon phases on a wristwatch
Christiaan Van Der Klaauw dedicated his life to creating handcrafted astronomical watches. The Dutch watchmaker began crafting handmade astronomical clocks, starting with moon phase astronomical clocks in the mid-1970s. In 1994, he handcrafted the first moon phase wristwatch.
How to recognize a moon phase watch?
Some luxury watches, in addition to their vital function of telling time, have become true treasures thanks to their horological complications. Among these, the most remarkable are those that include a moon phase display on their dial. Indeed, you may have noticed that some watches feature celestial symbols, which not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also serve a practical purpose.
In the past, time wasn't divided into hours, minutes, and seconds. The stars helped humankind measure time. It may seem strange, but that's how time began to be measured. The sun's path was used to calculate the length of days and seasons. The moon's path indicated the passage of months. Today, a moon phase watch still operates on the same principles. But it also brings an added touch of classical poetry to every timepiece.
Most of the time, you can identify a moon phase watch because in the lower part of its dial, just above 6 o'clock, there is a disc containing the lunar star, sometimes accompanied by other stars. The moon moves from left to right, thus indicating the four main phases of the moon.
How does a moon phase watch work?
The moon will begin its journey on the left side of the disk; in this phase, it will be a waxing moon. Upon reaching the center, you will find yourself at the full moon. Finally, on the right side, the moon will be in its waning phase. If the moon is not visible within the disk, this indicates that it is in the new moon phase.
Watchmaking expertise
All watches have a millimeter-precise mechanism that ensures their proper functioning. Add to this the complication of incorporating the moon phase mechanism, and the result is a timepiece with a complication worthy of creation by only a select few master watchmakers. Consequently, most moon phase watches remain in the luxury category.
Why buy a moon phase watch?
A moon phase watch is more complex and elegant than a watch that simply displays the hours and minutes. In the world of fine watchmaking, complications are highly prized, and when it comes to complex mechanisms, moon phase watches are undoubtedly at the forefront.
Following the same principles as all luxury watches, they retain the classic characteristics of exclusive timepieces. You can find moon phase watches in gold and even sometimes limited editions. All of this is accompanied by the detailed design of the lunar phases.
These watches are designed for special occasions, but they can also complement your everyday look. While they may be quite expensive in most cases, we assure you it will be a worthwhile investment, as these watches are timeless and enduring pieces of jewelry that will accompany you every day of your life. If you wish to purchase a moon phase watch, you can visit our stores in Belfort and Mulhouse.
FAQ
How does a lunar dial work?
To measure time, a sundial uses the shadow cast by sunlight. Conversely, a lunar dial uses the shadow cast by moonlight to measure time.
Article suggestion:
