30 Best Moon Phase Watches From Affordable to Luxury

If you’ve been around watch enthusiasm for any amount of time, you’ll likely recognize a (typically) small blue complication that many watches tend to have. This small complication is called a “Moon Phase” that tracks the lunar cycle.

So what is a Moon Phase? It’s simple. In watches, it’s kind of like a date wheel, except instead of the date, it tracks the Synodic Month. The synodic month tracks the time it takes for the moon to travel around the earth. This is roughly 29.5 days. A moon phase watch tracks the time the moon is visible from sunlight, versus when it’s not. In short, it tracks the different positions of the moon in relation to the sun across a 29.5 day cycle. Is it necessarily the most practical complication? Probably not. But they sure are beautiful to look at. We’ve compiled a list of what we think some of the best moon phase watches are on the market.

Let’s get cracking.

Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon Gold

The Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon, may be considered one of, if not the most notorious moon phase complications in the industry. While many moon phase’s tend to be included in a subdial or a small window, Arnold and Son literally took half the dial to integrate one of the largest moon’s at the time of it’s creation.

Our favorite is the Aventurine Gold. With a galaxy-esque dial and Arnold & Son’s penchant for blue Aventurine, the starry sky look is perfect for the over-sized moon phase with impeccable finishing. The 42mm case is rose gold, and so is the aplique on the massive 29mm aperture with large moon and stars. The Arnold and Son watchmakers got it right with this piece and Therefore the Aventurine Perpetual Gold is a no-brainer for our top spot. While only 28 of these models were made, you can find the model for around $36,000 USD.

Omega Speedmaster Moonphase

Not all moon phase complications need to be on dress watches, and while many are, there are plenty of other examples of the moon phase in chronographs and even sporty watches. The Omega Speedmaster Moonphase is a classic example of packing the complication into an easy-to-wear chronograph. And what more appropriate watch than the actual “Moonwatch” itself? Tucked away at the 6 o’clock position, the hyperrealistic moon phase is unobtrusive and doesn’t clutter an already busy dial. Having a moon phase on one of the most iconic lunar wristwatches simply feels appropriate. You can pick up the Omega Speedmaster Moonphase for $10,600 USD.

Longines Master Automatic Moonphase

On the slightly more affordable side, the Longines Master Automatic Moonphase scratches the itch for a lot of enthusiasts looking for an automatic moon phase, from a reputable brand, without breaking the bank. Like the rest of the Longines Master Collection, the watch is simply a classic. It features a number of pilot watch influences, while still maintaining a more dress aesthetic. In fact, we’d say it could be dressed up or down pretty easily. The simple white dial is well finished, and the heat-blued hands are well done and easy to read. The simple moon phase at the 6 o’clock position is what really makes this watch pop though. In the small aperture, you can see the clean moon phase easily, as it doesn’t cause unnecessary clutter. It’s simple, relatively accessible, has a sapphire crystal, automatic movement and comes with a price of about $1,800 USD.

Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Calendar

Jaeger LeCoultre has made it’s way onto just about every one of our “Best Of” lists, and for good reason. When it comes to luxury wristwatches, the brand does it all and does it all well. Its most classic and well-known piece is the Reverso - With its rectangular shape. So naturally, adding a moon phase to the watch seems almost expected, and you can bet they’re done it in the Reverso. This Reverso is a duo-face, meaning that the case can be flipped around to showcase two dials with one movement. Our favorite is the moon phase. The simple white face with month and day aperture mixes will with the large moon phase complication at 6 o’clock. Over the moon phase is a pointer date function pointing to the date - A unique way to include the Moonphase. You can find the Jaeger LeCoultre Tribute Calendar for $10,500 USD.

Orient Classic Sun & Moon

The Orient Classic Sun & Moon is arguably one of the most recognized moon phase amongst the “Affordables” Enthusiasts circles. It’s classic for a number of reasons, but the main draw to the Sun & Moon is it’s moon phase and the unique format it’s displayed. Almost center of the dial, the moon phase is offset towards the 4 o’clock position, allowing for a large day subdial on the other side of the dial. The entire watch itself is a little playful, while still maintaining it’s dress watch aesthetic. We don’t know many of those affordable watch collectors that don’t have, or have had an Orient Sun & Moon. It’s an incredibly accessible watch, features a stainless steel case, and Orient even sells direct to consumers via their Amazon store. You can pick up an Orient Classic Sun & Moon for $375 USD.

Rolex Cellini Moonphase

A lesser known fact that takes many people by surprise, is that Rolex produces a dress watch with a moon phase complication. The model often gets lost in the shuffle of the brand, because their so known for their sport watches that the Rolex Cellini Moonphase gets overlooked. It comes in a rose gold case actually features a number of “Only’s” for the brand. It’s the only model with a moon phase, the only model that comes on Leather, the only model with a pointer-date, and the only model that features a sapphire caseback. On the dial side, it’s clean white with applied rose gold hands an hour markers with it’s prominent feature being the large blue moon phase at 6 o’clock. Overall, you can’t write a “Best Moon Phase” article and exclude Rolex. It’s simply a lovely model. They’re fairly rare and difficult to find at retail, but if you can find on, it will cost you $26,750 USD on a nice alligator leather strap - Otherwise we are seeing them run about $32,000 on the secondary market.

Christopher Ward C1 Moonglow

In a similar vein as the Arnold and Son, but way more affordable is the Christopher Ward C1 Moonglow. While a little less dressy, and a lot more modern, the Moonglow is a very accessible watch for those looking for an oversized moon phase without needing to sell a kidney. The C1 Moonglow is among one of our favorite moon phases because it’s actually two moons on a disc that rotates on each cycle. So instead of having a traditional date wheel, the recessed dial literally rotates from a large aperture to behind a smoked glass face. And to top it all off, everything is lumed. So the dial lights up like the moon and stars in the dark. Overall, it’s a really unique timepiece, and definitely deserves its spot on a “Best Of” list. Price for the Christopher Ward C1 Moonglow is $2,195 USD.

Breitling Premier B25 Datora 42

If you’ve followed Wrist Enthusiast for any amount of time, you’ll know that we love Salmon dials. The Breitling Premier B25 Datora 42 not only comes with that lovely hued dial, but also features a moon phase. The stainless steel chronograph features a chronograph, a day-month-date complication, and of course, a moon phase - tucked away in the date subdial at 6 o’clock. It’s simply a beautiful watch with a subtle moon phase that we can’t help but love. Price for the Breitling Premier B25 Datora 42 is $13,500 USD.

Sarpaneva Lunations

Sarpaneva is known for some truly wild watch designs. The Finnish Watchmaker set out to make the most accurate moon phase he could, and if it’s not the most accurate, it’s among them. The Lunations is unique in that the moon phase is actually on the back of the watch, while the skeletonized movement features a moon on the dial. The moon phase is a “Twin Moon” and measures the cycle around the edge of the sapphire case back. On the dial side, the movement is heavily skeletonized with the Sapaneva moon at 6 o’clock and the barrel at 9 o’clock. Overall, it’s incredible cool, and incredibly unique. The Lunations is only available for order, and starts at $35,000 USD.

Tissot Carson Premium Gent Moonphase

If you’re in the market for a dress watch that doesn’t empty your wallet, consider the Tissot Carson Premium Gent Moonphase. It’s a simple stainless steel watch with a matching dial. The character of this watch comes from the small moon phase at 6 o’clock. And really, you’re getting a lot of bang for the buck. While it is a quartz watch, the fact that it comes on a 5 link bracelet, features a moon phase, and is less than $500 is quite the value. It’s simply a classic watch, and if you’re looking for a moon phase from a reputable brand, that comes on a bracelet, it’s this one. Price for the Tissot Carson Premium Gent Moonphase is a modest $305 USD.

De Bethune DB25 Moon Phase Starry Sky

De Bethune is truly king when it comes to space inspired watches. They have a penchant for blue hues and futuristic designs, so making something as common as a moon phase different is a walk in the park for De Bethune. The DB25 Moon Phase Starry Sky is naturally an amazing option for someone with deeper pockets. The dial is a titanium plate that’s been heat-blued giving it that unique mirror depth - Kind of like a Starry Sky. The moon phase is recessed into the dial beneath 12 o’clock and is a complete sphere - A first for the list. The moon can come in a number of styles, but our favorite is the diamond moon (it add some elegance). I mentioned earlier that this watch is for those with deep pockets, and that’s because it comes with a price tag of $110,000 USD.

Christiaan Van Der Klaauw Real Moon Tides

Christiaan Van Der Klaauw often gets overlooked in the space-theme watches, and we find it a bit unfair. The brand is arguably known for creating an entire planetarium that can be put into a wristwatch, but we also find another one of their models to shine. The CVDK Real Moon Tides is a unique watch with a unique moon phase. Feateure the brands “Real” moon, the 3D fully-spherical moon phase is a darling to look at. This watch also adds a complication that you don’t see very often - a tide tracker. Since the tides are so closely tied to the lunar cycles, an indicator at 12 o’clock has been added to not only give some visual appeal, but also track the tides - a useful complication that compliments a moon phase quite well. The Real Moon Tides typically has to be configured and ordered to spec, but they can be found for around $30,000 USD.

Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Perpetual Calendar

The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 gets a lot of criticism in some collectors circles, but everyone agrees its a beautiful watch when you see it in person. Probably our favorite from the 11.59 collection is their perpetual calendar with aventurine dial and, yes, moon phase. The aventurine “star lit” dial gives the watch an out of this world look and the rose gold case, dial and indices add some warmth. At 41mm it is not terribly large for a perpetual calendar and all the complications and accents such a watch entails. The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Perpetual Calendar retails for $99,400 USD is also available in white gold.

MeisterSinger Lunascope

If you’re looking for a watch similar to Arnold & Son’s iconic line of moonphase watches (where the moonphase disk takes up half the dial) but at a more affordable price, take a look at the MeisterSinger Lunascope. Like the Arnold & Son, the Lunascope has a large window on the upper half of the dial that showcases a large moon. The rest of the watch is a pretty standard pilot watch complete with onion crown. While it is a pilot watch, the case is a very reasonable 40mm. And at 3,790 Euro (around $3,990 USD), the Lunascope is expensive but not prohibitively so.

Panerai Luminor Due Luna PAM01179

We have already featured (non-moonphase) version of the Panerai Luminor Due in our Best Watches for Small Wrists Guide. Unlike most Panerai models, at 38mm, the Panerai Due is wearable for most wrist sizes. The Panerai Luminor Due Luna adds a moonphase complication to the Due’s smaller case size. Placed at 3o’clock, directly opposite the small seconds subdial, the moonphase fits perfectly (and symmetrically). The sunburst blue dial (which remains en trend these days) also pairs well with the moonphase complication. The Panerai Luminor Due Luna retails for $9,300 USD.

Citizen Calendrier BU0050-02L

For the price conscious collector that is looking for a lot of complications, the Citizen Calendrier Moonphase is a great option. The watch not only includes a moonphase indicator at 6 o’clock but day, date and month complications. Like all Citizen Eco-Drive watches, the Calendrier is powered simply by the light. With many different color options, and at just $368 USD and up on Amazon, you get a lot of bang for your buck with the Calendrier.

H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Perpetual Moon

As you can probably tell from some of the previous watches on our list, Aventurine dials are often paired with moon phase complications. And one of favorite Aventurine dials happens to be on the H. Moser & Cie Perpetual Moon. As is the case with many Moser timepieces, simplicity is the name of the game. The dial does not have any markers or writing, nothing except for the moonphase complication. This complication is more than just a typical moonphase. The Perpetual Moon, as Moser dubs it, will accurately depict the phase of the moon for 1,027 years. It may not be necessary, but it is definitely impressive. The H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Perpetual Moon is a limited edition of just 50 pieces and retails for CHF 39,900 (about $42,560 USD).

IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Moon & Tide

The Portugieser Collection has fit well into the IWC catalog in the is-it-isn’t-it pilot dress-y watch. Available in various metals both precious and not. One of our favorites is the Yacht Club Moon & Tide. Featuring a prominent dual moon phase complication at 3 o’clock, ,the rose gold watch with a sunburst blue dial is simply a site to behold. It’s an oversized case, measuring in at 44.5mm also has a bonus complication. Similar to the Christiaan Van Der Klaauw, the Moon & Tide features a really unique complication in a Tide Indicator at 6 o’clock. So between the moon phase and the tide indicator, it’s got quite the Rolodex of uses for the modern Yachter. Price for the IWC Portugeiser Yacht Club Moon & Tide for $34,100 USD.

Cartier Drive de Cartier Moon Phases

One of the more unique case shapes on the list, the Cartier Drive de Cartier Moon Phases is one of the more subdued moon phases on the list. The Drive de Cartier features all the hallmarks of Cartier’s aesthetics. It’s a uniquely dress offering from Cartier featuring its signature white dial with roman numeral style indices - With the added exception of a lovely moon phase at 6 o’clock. Interestingly, the moon phase is oversized, but so is the case at 47mm. Despite it’s 47mm size, it wears superbly well, and is a very elegant option for a luxury Moon Phase from Cartier. Price for the Cartier Drive de Cartier Moon Phases is a modest $8,400 USD.

Oris Artelier Complication

The Oris Artelier Complication, we would argue, is an incredible bang for the buck. Oris isn’t exactly known for it’s moon phase watches, but the Artelier Complication packs in a slew of complications (no pun intended) for the price of the watch. The Artelier features, obviously, the time, date, a second time zone, day of the week, and a moon phase at 12 o’clock. Even better, the watch features a unique textured guilloche dial that adds a pop to the blue indices and handsets. On the leather, it’s a bit dressier, but there is a bracelet option that sports the watch up a little bit. Price for the Oris Artelier Complication is a very modest $2,250 USD. You can learn more at Oris’ website.

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Annual Calendar

If you’ve followed Wrist Enthusiast for any serious amount of time, you know we’re a major fan of Parmigiani Fleurier and specifically, their relatively new sport watch offering - The Tonda PF. One of the latest releases into the Tonda Collection is the PF Annual Calendar. The watch does jam in a number of cool complications but also features a prominent moon phase at 6 o’clock. The textured anthracite dial allows for all those complications to pop against it. It features a really unique pointer date that runs from 8 o’clock to 4 o’clock, as well as the day of the week, and the month. It’s an Annual Calendar that also includes a moon phase. Honestly, the blue and yellow breaks up more brooding and monotone makeup of the watch. Not to mention the bracelet and fluted bezel classes up the watch even further. Price for the Parmiagiani Fleurier Tond PF Annual Calendar is $38,700 USD.

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712/1A Moon Phases

One of our absolute favorite moon phases on the market is the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5712/1A. While Patek Philippe no longer makes the 5711 (or 5811) in stainless steel, you can still pick up the 5712 in steel. While the moon phase is the main complication of the watch, it also features a power reserve indicator (of 48-hours), small seconds and a date indicator sub-dial. For those that love the Nautilus’ iconic blue dial, don’t worry as it is present on the steel 5712. All-in-all it is one of our favorite Nautiluses currently on the market. You can pick one up at retail for $48,730 USD.

MU:N Hommage

The newest moon phase on our list is from a new brand, Mun Watches. The brand is so new that as of the publication of this guide, the Mun Hommage is currently for sale on Kickstarter. The Mun Kickstarter campaign includes variations with both an automatic and quartz movement. The Hommage, our preferred model, is Swiss Made and features an automatic Sellita movement. The dial is attractive and features a large moon phase complication in the top of half of the watch. Currently, the watch’s Kickstarter price is 920 Euro (around $965 USD). The brand says that this 540 Euro off of their eventual retail price. Their Kickstarter campaign has already funded so it is likely that this watch will be produced. You can find out more about Mun watches at their website.

Zenith Elite Moonphase

One of the more classically designed moon phase watches, the Zenith Elite Moonphase pairs a stunning slate-grey sunray-patterned dial with the blue moonphase subdial. Zenith clearly wants the sunray dial and moonphase to be the focal points of this watch, to the point where the seconds subdial, while present at 9 o’clock, is subdued and blends in with the rest of the watch. At 40 mm, the Elite Moonphase is, in our view, the perfect size for most collectors. It will cost you $7,000 USD at retail.

Arnold & Son Luna Magna

Arnold & Son has made such a name for themselves with their moon phase watches that we had to include a second model on our list of top moon phase watches. The Luna Magna is a true stunner. The Aventurine dial is paired with a three-dimensional moon that is made of both marble and Aventurine. The 3D nature of the moon phase makes the full moon (and new moon) all the more stunning. The moon phase on this piece is so accurate it only requires a one day correction every 122 years. The back of the Luna Magna also features a moon phase indicator dial. The watch comes in a rose gold case and is a limited edition of just 28 pieces. The Luna Magna retails for $48,700 USD.

Hublot Spirit Of Big Bang Moonphase Titanium

The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase Titanium could easily also have been on our list of best skeleton watches. The tonneau titanium case and openworked dial pair well with the watch’s moonphase at 6 o’clock. We particularly like the open date wheel which allows you to see how two separate turning wheels pair to display the correct date. Like many of Hublot’s offerings, the SPirt of Big Bang is one of the sportier watches on our list. This is probably why they opted for a titanium case and rubber band. The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase Titanium retails for $18,800 USD.

F.P Journe Octa Lune

When you think of elegant timepieces with complications, chances are you will think of F.P. Journe. The esteemed independant watchmaker is one of the most sought after brands in the world (it is estimated they only make around 800 watches a year). One of our absolute favorites from F.P. Journe is the Octa Lune. The watch comes in a beautiful rose gold case with matching rose gold dial. In addition to the phases of the moon, the Octa Lune has time display, small seconds, date and power reserve indicator (120-hours). The F.P. Journe Octa Lune retails for CHF 49,900 (around $53,000 USD).

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date

The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date is about as classic as you get. With a toned down dial, the watch just exudes class. In addition to the the moonphase complication, this watch also features a retrograde date display. What that means is that the date is displayed across the dial from 1 to 31. After the 31st of the month, the date indicator will “jump” all the way back to the first of the month. It is a fun complications that we don’t see all too often. The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date in white gold retails for $44,800 USD.

A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Moon Phase

A. Lange & Sohne boasts that their moon phase watches reproduce the moon’s orbit with a precision of 99.998%. As impressive as that is, it is not our favorite aspect of the Lange 1 Moon Phase. Beyond the quintessential look of the watch, the moon phase complication is a work of art. The moon-phase display is a bright blue without any stars during the day and transitions to dark blue sky 383 crisply stars at night (along with the phase of the moon being visible both during the day and night). This piece is extremely both technically and artistically. The A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Moon Phase retails for $48,400 USD in both pink gold and white gold.

Hermès Arceau L’Heure De La Lune

Hermes, typically thought of as more of a fashion house, has been venturing into haute horology in recent years (and successfully so). One of our absolute favorites from the French brand is the Arceau L’Heure de la Lune. The two floating discs, one showing the date and the other showing the date, spin around the watch obscuring, and hence showing, the phases of the dual moons. Because there are two moons, the watch showcases the phases of the moon in both the northern and southern hemispheres. The Arceau L’Heure de la Lune is a truly impressive timepiece from Hermes. It retails for $54,100 USD.