The moon phase complication for wristwatches was developed almost 100 years ago, in 1925. Moonphase clocks, however, have been around for much longer. Humans have been fascinated with the movement of celestial bodies. People used the stars for navigation, agriculture and harvests. These days we no longer need to track the movement of the planets for navigation. GPS, calendars and computers have made most of the functions of a moon phase obsolete. It still, however, remains a favourite amongst watch enthusiasts. The complication is one of the most sought after and adds a high-class luxurious tone to any model. Below we have compiled a list of our top 5 affordable moonphase watches.
Michel Herbelin Montre Inspiration Moonphase Brown Leather Strap White Dial
This Michel Herbelin model is classic and contemporary. The case is stainless steel and measures 38 mm in diameter. The polished case is beautifully offset by the light brown leather strap. This combination adds a more high-end tone to this affordable timepiece. A painted black minutes scale contrasts the white dial. Elevating the design, even more, are a set of thin polished hands and indices. 3 subdials are featured on the dial. A day subdial at 9 o’clock, a day subdial at 3 and the moonphase indicator at 6 o’clock. Encasing the dial is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The watch has a quartz movement.
Ingersoll | The Hollywood Automatic | Black Leather Strap | Black Dial
The Hollywood watch by Ingersoll is elegant yet eye-catching. The overall design and intricate detailing on the dial give the timepiece a very unique look. Encased by a scratch-resistant mineral glass, the black dial has two types of patterns. In the top section is placed the moon phase indicator, alongside a date subdial. The bottom section features two aperture through which the movement of the watch can be seen. Rose gold hour-markers and hands complement the ridged rose-gold bezel and crown. The IP gun PVD coated case measures 45 mm in diameter. Completing the intriguing design is a black leather strap. The case back of the model also features an exhibition case back. The timepiece is automatic with a water-resistance of up to 50 meters or 5 bars.
Certina Mens | DS 8 Chrono Moon Phase Brown Leather Strap Grey Dial
This Certina DS 8 Chrono is the perfect everyday timepiece. With its minimalist masculine design, this watch will make a great addition to any formal and everyday outfit, whether at the office or a social event. The case measures 41 mm in diameter and is made of brushed stainless steel. The bezel of the model is polished elevating the design. Luminescent rose-gold indices and hands complement the brown sunray dial. Functions on the watch include a moon phase aperture placed at 6 o’clock and a date display at 3 o’clock. Thanks to the brand’s DS system, the model’s are extremely reliable and resilient. Other functions of the watch include EOL indication, Precidrive and a chronometer. The movement of the watch is quartz.
Nixon Ascender | Black / Lum | Black IP Steel Bracelet | Black Dial
The Nixon Ascender’s monochrome design makes it an appealing choice for anyone with am eye for fashion. The 42 mm case and the bracelet are made of stainless steel and plated in black. Large white hour-markers and thick white hands contrast the black dial for ease of readability. The moon phase indicator is discreetly placed under the hands. The watch also features a radial date indicator alongside a month and day apertures. The watch has a quartz movement and is water-resistant up to 10 bars or 100 meters.
Rotary Mens Windsor Moonphase Watch Leather Strap
This watch by Rotary is both elegant and functional. The 40 mm case of the watch is gold PVD plated. Its brown leather strap adds to the classic design. Black painted roman-numeral hour-markers contrast the white dial. The flinque dial is complemented by leaf-shaped blued steel hands. Functions on the watch include date, day and month subdials alongside a moon phase indicator. The movement of the watch is quartz.
Do you agree with our choices for the top 5 affordable moonphase watches? What do you think of the moonphase complication? Let us know in the comments below.
