

Naturally, the details of the underlying moon disc will vary based on the design of the dial and aperture, while the driving wheel remains a constant. After a single 29.5 day lunar cycle is completed, the second moon appears in the aperture, hence the total of 59 teeth (29.5 x 2). Controlling the movement of the disc is a 59-tooth driving wheel, which uses a mechanical finger to advance the disc once per day.

One of the earliest watch mechanisms ever developed, moonphase complications typically involve placing two identical moons on a disc under the dial. The other type is known as a “radial” moonphase watch, and it uses an indicator hand to track the lunar cycle.

The most common is known as a “bosom” moonphase watch, which takes a graphical approach by physically showing the moon in its various phases inside a crescent-shaped aperture. There are two basic types of watches with moonphase complications. As one might imagine, specific designs and visuals vary from piece to piece. Likewise, the bulk of moonphase watches present the moon in its current phase of the lunar cycle, using the aperture to hide any non-luminous parts. A moonphase, by the way, is mankind’s practical way of describing the luminous (or visible) portion of the moon as it orbits the planet. That’s also known as a moonphase complication, complication meaning any feature on a watch that’s not directly related to the time display. Rolex ‘Hulk’ Submariner – A History & Reviewīy definition, a moonphase watch is one that relays the 29.5-day lunar cycle by exhibiting the current moonphase in an aperture on the dial. Let’s dive into moon phase watches together. But what is a moonphase watch exactly? And how does it work? No need to Wiki “mooon phase watch” because we’ve got you covered below. Hence, the moon phase watch is more than just a cash grab or gimmick–it’s a downright nifty way to track the lunar cycle. Oh, and let’s not forget about the moon’s perennial influence over the rising and lowering of the tides, something that we Aussies basically live by. After all, we might schedule meetings and take lunch breaks in accordance with the sun’s daily trajectory, but it’s the moon that reigns over the month itself, thereby determining the course of important events like birthdays, due dates, and exotic pagan rituals. Not only do the best ones emanate with an illustrative aesthetic, but they furthermore remind us of just how important our lunar companion can be. Speaking personally, we’re big fans of watches with moonphase complications.
