The moonphase is watchmaking's most romantic complication—a tiny aperture showing the lunar cycle as it appears in the sky. Once essential for maritime navigation and agriculture, today it's pure poetry on the wrist. This guide covers moonphase watches from entry-level to haute horlogerie.
How Moonphase Works
A moonphase display tracks the 29.5-day lunar cycle. A disc painted with two moons rotates behind an aperture, typically showing the moon against a starry sky. Standard moonphases require adjustment every 2.5 years; precision moonphases extend this to decades or centuries.
🌙 Moonphase Accuracy
Standard moonphase: 59-tooth gear, loses 1 day every 2.5 years. Precision moonphase: 135-tooth or more, loses 1 day every 122-1000+ years. For practical purposes, standard is fine—you'll need adjustment occasionally either way.
Entry-Level: Under $500
Orient Sun & Moon V3
$250 - $350
Best value moonphase available. In-house automatic movement, day/night indicator alongside the moonphase, power reserve indicator. The finishing exceeds expectations at this price. Multiple dial colors available.
Best for: Moonphase beginners wanting value
Henry London Moonphase
$150 - $200
Quartz moonphase at minimal pricing. British brand with retro aesthetics. The moonphase is decorative rather than precision, but it looks the part. Sub-dial positions vary by reference.
Best for: Fashion-forward moonphase on tight budget
Mid-Range: $500 - $2,000
Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase
$1,295 - $1,695
Swiss automatic moonphase with classic dress watch proportions. FC manufactures their own movements in-house. The moonphase aperture is beautifully executed with proper night sky detailing.
Best for: Swiss moonphase at accessible pricing
Longines Master Collection Moonphase
$1,975 - $2,500
Heritage Swiss brand with excellent finishing. Multiple configurations including chronograph-moonphase combinations. The dial execution is exemplary—this punches above its price point significantly.
Best for: Best finishing under $2,500
Premium: $2,000 - $8,000
Oris Artelier Grande Lune
$2,200 - $2,600
Large moonphase display at 6 o'clock is immediately striking. Independent Swiss brand, mechanical-only production. The moonphase disc is oversized compared to typical implementations.
Best for: Statement moonphase from independent brand
Montblanc Heritage Moonphase
$3,500 - $4,500
Elegant dress execution from Richemont's writing instrument brand. In-house movement development has matured significantly. The white dial version is particularly refined.
Best for: Corporate elegance with complication
IWC Portofino Moonphase
$6,500 - $7,500
Clean Bauhaus-influenced design from IWC's dress collection. Pellaton winding system provides 72-hour reserve. The moonphase sits elegantly at 12 o'clock with date at 3.
Best for: Understated luxury moonphase
Luxury: $8,000 - $20,000
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon
$9,500 - $12,000
The moonphase reference point from the "Watchmaker's Watchmaker." Master Ultra Thin series maintains elegant proportions. The moonphase disc features a realistic rendering of the lunar surface.
Best for: Benchmark moonphase execution
Blancpain Villeret Moonphase
$12,000 - $15,000
Blancpain pioneered the modern moonphase revival. The Villeret collection offers classic round cases with their signature exposed lugs. Double window calendar adds functionality.
Best for: Historical significance in moonphase
Haute Horlogerie: $20,000+
A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moonphase
$25,000 - $30,000
German perfection with hand-finished movement visible through caseback. The moonphase indicator integrates Lange's signature big date. Double assembly, hand-engraved balance cock, German silver plates.
Best for: Ultimate moonphase finishing
Our Top Picks
- Best Value: Orient Sun & Moon — in-house automatic under $350
- Best Swiss Under $2K: Frederique Constant Slimline — proper moonphase execution
- Best Under $3K: Longines Master Collection — heritage brand, excellent finishing
- Best Under $10K: JLC Master Ultra Thin Moon — benchmark reference
- Best Regardless of Price: A. Lange & Söhne — hand-finished perfection