Baselworld 2015: Moon Phase Watches
Masterful interpretations of the classic watch complication
A rather popular complication in luxury watchmaking, a moon phase indicator is often a nice design touch rather than a useful tool—unless one looks to the stars for more than inspiration. At this year’s Baselworld, many brands presented stellar updates to the moon phase feature. The following five selections bring the power of the lunar orb to the wrist—visually stunning to the eye and reflecting true skill within.
Longines: Conquest Classic Moonphase
Known for their equestrian-inspired pieces, Longines incorporates this design heritage love into their new Conquest Classic Moonphase by way of a sporty chronograph function—in addition to the exquisite moon phase indicator. While dynamic and bold, the watch is also elegant. And as far as further functionality goes, this self-winding mechanical timepiece carries a day-and-month display and Super-LumiNova indicators. ($3,200)
Hermès: Slim d’Hermès Perpetual Calendar
From original in-house typography for the numerals to an emphasis on readability paired with functionality, the new Slim d’Hermès line from luxury brand Hermès stuns. Internally, the watch carries an in-house manufacture, which happens to be ultra-slim and lends the Perpetual Calendar version a refined air. (It also happens to be unisex.) The moon phase itself is white mother of pearl, set atop aventurine glass. Altogether, it’s ornate but so cleanly organized that balance defines the piece. ($38,900)
Patek Philippe: Model 6102
Beyond a moon phase, Patek Philippe‘s new Model 6102 comes complete with a map on the Milky Way galaxy—and it happens to shift over a 23 hour and 50 minute period. Truly majestic, the function is the result of an entire disc laid atop the dial. This mechanical self-winding piece invokes inspiration, while reveling in the fact that the craftsmanship behind it is top-notch. ($324,000)
Girard-Perregaux: 1966, Large Date and Moon Phases
Annual innovator Girard-Perregaux debuted their latest 1966 iteration which happens to showcase a superb moon phase sub-dial. Set upon an opaline dial, and among luminescent leaf-shaped hands, it manages to deliver balance and class. It’s also the product of a 290 component in-house automatic movement. ($24,360 Rose Gold, $26,060 White Gold)
Jaquet Droz: The Eclipse Onyx
The beautiful clarity of the Eclipse Onyx, coupled with nuances only found at Jaquet Droz—be that the wavy seconds hand or the application of the brands signature stars—yield an impressive piece worthy of collector’s attention but direct enough for every day use. This self-winding mechanical watch sports a shifting indicator that slowly reveals an illustrated application of the moon. ($17,900)
Hermès, Patek Philippe and Girard-Perregaux images by Cool Hunting, all other images courtesy of respective brands
