The Best Moon Phase Watches at European Watch Company

For this guide, we’re turning our gaze skyward and focusing on the celestial beauty of the moon phase complication. A moon phase complication, while not as visually interesting as a Tourbillon, tracks the quiet and steady dance of the moon across the night sky. At its heart, this intricate feature displays the current phases of the moon as observed from Earth. It’s not merely about aesthetics – it’s a nod to ancient methods of timekeeping that relied on the cycles of the moon. The moon phase, while primarily a functional indicator, often carries a deep personal resonance for many enthusiasts — a reflection, perhaps, of the eternal romance between humanity and the cosmos. But how do these timepieces fare in the world of high horology? As we dive into our top picks, we’ll do our best to unravel the mastery that goes into capturing lunar cycles on a wristwatch, blending art with precision engineering. Let’s embark on this astral journey together!

A. Lange & Sohne Little Lange 1 Moon 182.086

Price: $50,000- $60,000, Case Size: 36.8mm, Thickness: 10.4mm, Lug-to-Lug: 43.8mm, Lug Width: 19mm, Water Resistance: 3 ATM, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: White Gold

The A. Lange & Sohne Little Lange 1 Moon Ref. 182.086 is a true marvel in horological engineering. A. Lange & Sohne is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, and this timepiece showcases a mesmerizing moon phase display on the brand’s classic off-center dial. Beyond the moon phase complication, the blue aventurine dial adds a bit of spectacle and reminds us of the cosmos. The time subdial plays into the out of this world theme, with roman numeral markers at 12, 3, 6, and 9 and stars representing the remaining hour markers. At just 36.8mm, this watch is the perfect fit for those with smaller wrists. While it’s undoubtedly a technical masterpiece, the Little Lange 1 Moon offers an elegance that will appeal to both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.

A. Lange & Sohne Grand Lange 1 Moon Lumen 139.035

Price: $130,000-$140,000, Case Size: 41, Thickness: 9.9mm, Lug-to-Lug: 49.1mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Platinum

The Grand Lange 1 Moon Lumen Ref. 139.035 showcases A. Lange & Sohne’s distinctive ability to blend innovation with tradition. At first glance, the watch’s translucent smoked sapphire dial reveals an ethereal luminescence, offering a stunning view of the mechanism that operates the oversized date display and glowing moon phase. This timepiece is powered by an in-house hand-wound movement, an interesting choice given the nature of a moonphase complication. Housed in a 41mm platinum case, the watch has enough unique attributes to be considered a true statement piece. The Grand Lange 1 Moon Lumen is a little bolder than Lange’s classic offerings, and that’s why we like it so much!

A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Luna Mundi 119.026

Price: $90,000-$100,000, Case Size: 41.9mm, Thickness: 10.4mm, Lug-to-Lug: 50.3mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: White Gold

The Lange 1 Luna Mundi is our final Lange on this list. The watch is offered in both white and rose gold, but the two models are not quite the same. These two watch form a set of sorts, as the white gold variation (Ref. 119.026) features a moon phase indication for the Northern Hemisphere and the pink gold variation (Ref. 119.032) features one for the Southern Hemisphere. So if you are lucky enough to have both models, you will be able to see the complete lunar cycles of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Beyond the moon phase complication, the watch features Lange’s classic asymmetric dial layout and the constellation Ursa Major on the time subdial. The Lange 1 Luna Mundi has a more traditional aesthetic than the previous two Lange’s on our list, and that’s why it deserves a spot on this list.

IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Moon Tide IW344001

Price: $25,000-$27,000, Case Size: 44.6mm, Thickness: 13.4mm, Lug-to-Lug: 52.5mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Water Resistance: 60M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Rose Gold

The IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Moon Tide (Ref. IW344001) is the perfect companion for those with a nautical inclination. This watch doesn’t just offer the standard moon phase, it also boasts a tide indicator, a vital tool for yachtsmen and marine enthusiasts. With its signature clean IWC design, the watch incorporates both these complications without appearing cluttered. Housed in a robust 44.6mm 18kt rose gold case, the watch is on the larger side, but with its integrated rubber strap and blue dial, it’s the perfect blend of practical functionality and sporty fun.

Sarpaneva Korona K3 Black Moon

Price: $15,000-$17,000, Case Size: 44mm, Thickness: 9.6mm, Lug-to-Lug: 46.6mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: DLC Coated Stainless Steel

Unique case shapes and striking dial designs are Sarpaneva’s design DNA. The Korona K3 Black Moon, in particular, perfectly showcases the brand’s avant-garde design language. Crafted in Finland, this piece integrates a unique “Angry Moon” display into a skeletonized dial and 44mm black DLC case. Interestingly, while the watch is on the larger side, the case is actually fairly thin, at just under 10mm thick. To achieve this, Sarpaneva modified the mainplate of the movement. Sarpaneva’s bold design elements combined with traditional watchmaking techniques create a stunning combination of old and new. If you are seeking something out of the ordinary, the Sarpaneva Korona K3 Black Moon stands out as a great choice.

H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Perpetual Moon Concept Aventurine Dial Limited Edition

Price: $30,000-$35,000, Case Size: 42mm, Thickness: 13.4mm, Lug-to-Lug: 48.4mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Stainless Steel

H. Moser & Cie is known for blending minimalistic designs with complicated movements and the Endeavour Perpetual Moon Concept is a perfect example of this ethos. The watch features not just a moon phase indication, but a perpetual moon phase indication. This means that the display will remain accurate to within a single day’s deviation for roughly 1027 years. While the overall design is quite simple, the blue Aventurine mineral glass dial more than makes up for it (it also looks great on its matching blue alligator leather strap)! A limited edition of just 50 pieces, the Perpetual Moon Concept is highly coveted among collectors.

Patek Philippe 5575G 175th Anniversary World Time Moon Phase

Price: $90,000-$100,000, Case Size: 39.8mm, Thickness: 9.7mm, Lug-to-Lug: 45.3mm, Lug Width: 21mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: White Gold

The Patek Philippe 5575G is not just a watch, it’s a piece of history. Commemorating the 175th Anniversary of Patek Philippe’s founding, this limited edition of 1,300 pieces fuses a world-time function with a moon phase display (the first time Patek combined these two complications). At 39.5mm, the 5575G packs a lot of complications into a moderately sized package. Notably, the 5575G can track the time in 24 different locations at the same time. A must-have for collectors, it’s a tangible testament to Patek Philippe’s legacy in the world of high horology.

Patek Philippe 5326G Calatrava Annual Calendar Travel Time

Price: $85,000-$90,000, Case Size: 41mm, Thickness: 11.1mm, Lug-to-Lug: 48.9mm, Lug Width: 21mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: White Gold

The Patek Philippe 5326G Calatrava is hands-down one of our favorite dual time watches on the market today. Not only does this piece offer a dual-time complication, it also has an annual calendar AND moonphase. In fact, this watch marks the first time ever that Patek Philippe combined annual calendar and dual-time complications. Beyond its functionality, the watch is a work of art. It comes in an unassuming 41mm white gold case, with a unique charcoal gray degradé dial. Inside the watch is the new caliber 31-260 PS QA LU FUS 24H automatic movement. It is made up of 408 different parts and is incredibly well-finished throughout (which is something we’ve come to expect from all Patek movements!). If you’re looking for a sportier Patek that is the perfect companion for your travels, the 5326G is a great option.

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712/1A

Price: $95,000-$100,000, Case Size: 40mm, Thickness: 8.52mm, Lug-to-Lug: 43mm, Lug Width: N/A, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic, Material: Stainless Steel

An icon in the world of luxury sports watches, the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712/1A is both sporty and sophisticated. Like its more well-known brother, the 5711, it sports Gerald Genta’s distinctive porthole design. However, it is the asymmetrical integration of the moon phase indicator, date, power reserve, and a small seconds sub-dial that collectors love (or hate). Now that the 5711 is discontinued, the 5712 is arguably the most sought after steel Nautilus. And because of this demand, expect to pay well over the retail price for one on the secondary market.

Cartier Pasha Perpetual Calendar Moon Phase

Price: $15,000-$20,000, Case Size: 38mm, Thickness:10mm , Lug-to-Lug: 45mm, Lug Width: N/A, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Yellow Gold

While many may think of Cartier as purely a jewelry maker, the company has long produced high-end timepieces that compare favorably to the top luxury watch brands in the industry. Case in point: the Pasha Perpetual Moon Phase Automatic watch Ref. 2113. Introduced in the 1990s, the watch pays tribute to the Pasha of Marrakesh, a devotee of grand watchmaking and a lifelong customer of Louis Cartier. Featuring a round 38mm yellow gold case and an exquisite guilloche white dial with a gold flinqué and blue moon phase display, the piece also includes a perpetual calendar. The watch runs on an automatic ETA caliber 039 movement (based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 889/1) that was refinished by Cartier, with a module developed by Gerald Genta. The combination of function and form, with a touch of Cartier’s signature panache, makes this a desirable piece and one of our favorites from the Pasha collection.

Omega Speedmaster Moon Phase Skeleton Platinum Limited Edition 3688.30.32

Price: $60,000-$70,000, Case Size: 42mm, Thickness: 13.8mm, Lug-to-Lug: 48mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Platinum

Released in 2003, the Omega Speedmaster Moon Phase Skeleton (Ref. 3688.30.32) was only the 6th Speedmaster to feature a skeletonized dial. Besides the ubiquitous chronograph (found on all Speedmasters), what really stands out on this watch is the dial. The dial is openworked, showcasing the ornate caliber 3604 manual-winding movement that powers the watch. In order to achieve such a stunning dial, Omega partnered with independent watchmaker Armin Strom, who engraved and hand-finished every visible surface of the beautiful openworked Swiss-made movement. Because of the time and effort required to create such a beautiful piece, it is an extremely rare watch, limited to just 57 pieces worldwide. And this is no standard steel Speedmaster. The 42mm case is platinum, making it one of the few Speedmasters to ever be crafted in the precious metal.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moon Phase “Blue Side Of The Moon” 304.93.44.52.03.002

Price: $10,000-$13,000, Case Size: 44.25mm, Thickness: 17.4mm, Lug-to-Lug: 49.6mm, Lug Width: 21mm, Water Resistance: 50M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Ceramic

The second Speedmaster on our list is just as stunning as the first, though in a completely different way. The Omega Speedmaster Moon Phase “Blue Side of the Moon” does not feature a skeletonized dial, instead, it dazzles with a beautiful blue aventurine dial and a matching blue ceramic case. Its 44.25mm case is a little on the larger side for a Speedmaster (traditionally sized at 42mm), but if you’re looking for a Speedmaster with a little more presence, the “Blue Side Of The Moon” might be the watch for you.

F.P. Journe Astronomic Souveraine Tourbillon Minute Repeater Grand Complication

Price: $2.2M-$2.3M , Case Size: 44mm, Thickness: 13.7mm, Lug-to-Lug: 48mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Stainless Steel

In the world of haute horlogerie, F.P. Journe’s Astronomic Souveraine is a masterclass. There’s no other way to put it. This watch boasts a multitude of complications, including a second time zone, sidereal time, day/night indicator, sunrise/sunset indicator, moon phase, and power reserve. And that’s just on the front! Flip the watch over, and there’s an annual calendar and equation of time. The fun does not stop there — the impressive caliber 1619 in rose gold also features a one-minute tourbillon with remontoir d’égalité and minute repeater. Enclosed in a sleek 44mm case, the watch offers practically every complication you could ever need and then some. It’s a horological revelation, but then again, you’d expect nothing less from F.P. Journe.

F. P. Journe Octa Automatique Lune Havana Dial

Price: $80,000-$90,000, Case Size: 40mm, Thickness: 10.5mm, Lug-to-Lug: 48mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Rose Gold

While not as technically advanced as the other Journe on this list, the F. P. Journe Octa Automatique Lune still represents a sublime union of craftsmanship and precision. The guilloché dial, tinted a warm brown hue (hence the “Havana” moniker), provides a rich backdrop for the moon phase complication at 7 o’clock. Beyond this, it features a power reserve indicator (to track the impressive 120-hour reserve), a big date, and small seconds subdial. At 40mm, the watch strikes a delicate balance between presence and subtlety.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26586IP Perpetual Calendar Ultra Thin

Price: $200,000-$220,000, Case Size: 41mm, Thickness: 6.3mm, Lug-to-Lug: 50.3mm, Lug Width: N/A, Water Resistance: 20M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic, Material: Titanium and Platinum

Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak 26586IP Perpetual Calendar Ultra Thin is the embodiment of sophisticated engineering. With an ultra-thin profile of just 6.3mm, it was the world’s thinnest automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch when it was released. Crafted in 41mm of titanium and platinum, the watch eschews the typical “Grande Tapisserie” dial, instead favoring a blue satin-brushed dial to showcase the moon phase alongside day, date, month, leap year, and day/night complications.

Breitling Premier B25 Datora Salmon Dial AB251020/K1P1

Price: $8,800-$9,000, Case Size: 42mm, Thickness: 15.6mm, Lug-to-Lug: 50mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Water Resistance: 100M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic, Material: Stainless steel

The Breitling Premier B25 Datora is one of the most classically designed pieces in Breitling’s current lineup. Its stunning salmon-hued dial, with triple sub-dial configuration, features a chronograph, moon phase, and annual calendar function — an impressive complement of complications rarely seen in Breitling’s price category. The watch, measuring 42mm across the stainless steel case, is powered by the Breitling B25 movement. Its tachymeter scale, day-date complication, and numeral hour markers reinforce its practicality, all while retaining a classic elegance. A piece that truly punches above its weight, the Breitling Datora is the definition of baller on a budget!

Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Open Face 4020T/000G-B655 & 4020T/000R-B654

Price: $40,000-$50,000, Case Size: 41mm, Thickness: 11.05mm, Lug-to-Lug: 48.2mm, Lug Width: 21mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: White Gold or Rose Gold

Vacheron Constantin’s Traditionnelle Complete Calendar is a stunning example of classic watchmaking with a twist. With an openworked design, the wearer can see the watch’s moon phase function alongside day, date, and month complications. The watch, which is 41mm in diameter (and available in white or rose gold), showcases Vacheron’s watchmaking prowess. Its transparent case back also reveals a beautifully decorated movement, something that Vacheron Constantin has been known for for generations.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin 4300V/120R-B642

Price: $160,000-$175,000, Case Size: 41.5mm, Thickness: 8.3mm, Lug-to-Lug: 49mm, Lug Width: N/A, Water Resistance: 50M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Rose Gold

One of our absolute favorites, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas 4300V with blue skeletonized dial, is more than just a moophase. In addition to the twin golden moons located at 6 o’clock, it also offers a perpetual calendar complication. What makes this even more impressive is that the watch is just 8.1mm thick! While some may think of a perpetual calendar complication as most at home on a dress watch, it also works extremely well on a sport watch like the Overseas. Available in white and rose gold and with traditional or skeletonized dial, the Overseas 4300V is a great watch to dress up or down.

Glashutte Original PanoMaticLunar 18k Rose Gold Green Dial 1-90-02-23-35-30

Price: $15,000-$18,000, Case Size: 40mm, Thickness: 12.7mm, Lug-to-Lug: 47.2mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 50M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Rose Gold

Glashutte Original’s PanoMaticLunar, with its distinctive green dial, is a testament to German watchmaking. Glashütte is a hotbed for some of the best watchmaking Germany has to offer (the Lange and GO workshops are a stone’s throw away from each other!), and it’s mechanical watches like this that really show why. The asymmetrical layout offers a fresh take on design, with a small second sub-dial neatly overlapping the hour and minute display. Crafted in 18k rose gold and measuring a very wearable 39.3mm in diameter and 11.9mm thick, the watch showcases a large panoramic date function alongside an offset moon phase indicator. The assymetrical dial layout may be interesting enough on its own, but it is the rich fumé green dial that really brings the piece to the next level.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Sun Moon 2756440

Price: $28,000-$33,000, Case Size: 42mm x 26mm, Thickness: 10mm, Lug-to-Lug: 42mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 25M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Platinum

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso was originally designed to help British army officers protect their watches while playing polo in colonial India. When playing a match, the player would simply flip the watch’s dial over, protecting the crystal and bezel from being damaged. Although there have been new variations that eschew the traditional single dial models for a “duoface” design, it is the monoface models that stay truest to the original. The Reverso Sun Moon in platinum is one of our favorite monoface models with complications. The watch seamlessly combines the Reverso’s Art Deco aesthetic with modern horology and features not only a moon phase, but day-night and power reserve indicators as well. Instead of the traditional solid steel caseback, you see the watch’s beautifully finished movement through a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback. If you’re looking for a moon phase in a rectangular case, the Reverso Sun Moon in platinum is the obvious (and possibly the only!) choice.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Quantième Lunaire Q6042520

Price: $25,000-$30,000, Case Size: 42mm, Thickness: 14mm, Lug-to-Lug: 50.5mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 50M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Rose Gold

Beyond the iconic Reverso, Jaeger-LeCoultre has some amazingly complicated and interesting pieces in their catalog. The Duometre stands out with its innovative Dual-Wing system, which serves as a way to separate the energy that powers the complication from the power that runs the movement, thus enhancing the watch’s precision. Two entirely separate mechanisms are neatly enclosed within the same case, each with its own independent power source, connected by a single regulating component. The first is used solely for time measurement, meaning that the watch’s accuracy is not affected despite the numerous complications. The second mechanism then solely powers the additional functions — and there are plenty on offer with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre. It features an array of complications, such as a moon phase, chronograph, and dual power reserve indicators. Housed in a 40.5mm rose gold case, the Duometre Quantième Lunaire packs a lot of horological punch.

De Bethune Moon Phase DB25 18K White Gold DB25LWS1V1

Price: $75,000-$85,000, Case Size: 44mm, Thickness: 11.2mm, Lug-to-Lug: 51mm, Lug Width: 24mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: White Gold

If you are looking for something different, something that you won’t see on a stranger’s wrist on the street, the De Bethune Moon Phase DB25 is a unique piece that pays added visual attention to its moon phase complication. The moon phase indicator is spherical, made of palladium and flame-blued steel, and sits amongst a sea of gold stars set on a gorgeous blue background. The dial also features a microlight guilloché dial and blued titanium hands, which pair well with the moon phase at 12 o’clock. Housed in a 44mm 18k white gold case, the watch also boasts a 96 hour power reserve (4-days). The De Bethune Moon Phase DB25 is a piece designed for the collector who is looking for something a little out of the ordinary.

Rolex Cellini Moon Phase Ref. 50535

Price: $25,000-$30,000, Case Size: 39mm, Thickness: 13.3mm, Lug-to-Lug: 46.2mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 50M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Red Gold

With all the sport watches in Rolex’s catalog, people often forget that Rolex has consistently had a dress watch in their lineup as well. One of our favorites is the Rolex Cellini Moon Phase Ref. 50535. We love this piece not only because it is so different from everything else that Rolex makes, but because in addition to being a dress watch, it was the only moon phase complication in Rolex’s catalog until it was discontinued in 2023. Despite being Rolex’s only modern moonphase, it has some quite robust specs with a chronometer-certified caliber 3195 that will keep the moon phase astronomically accurate for 122 years if kept fully wound. The Cellini line was a true outlier in the Rolex catalog and its a line that we’re sad to see go!

Panerai Luminor Due Luna Ref. PAM01180

Price: $7,000-$9,000, Case Size: 38mm, Thickness: 11mm, Lug-to-Lug: 46.2mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Stainless Steel

Panerai’s Luminor Due Luna showcases a moon phase that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. With its cushion-shaped case measuring just 38mm, the piece is suitable for smaller wrist sizes which is something of a rarity for Panerai. The automatic P.900/MP caliber offers a solid 3-day power reserve, and the brushed silver dial, coupled with Panerai’s iconic luminous sandwich dial construction, enhances legibility. While this watch is marketed as a women’s watch, it is also a great option for men with smaller wrists, looking for the distinct design aesthetic of a Panerai.

Zenith Chronomaster XXT Open Grande Date Moonphase 03.1260.4047

Price: $4,000-$5,000, Case Size: 45mm, Thickness: 14mm, Lug-to-Lug: 53.4mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Stainless Steel

The Zenith Chronomaster Open Grande Date Moonphase is an intriguing blend of classic and modern design aesthetics. Like many of Zenith’s offerings powered by its iconic El Primero, the dial is partially opened between 9 and 12 o’clock to showcase the powerhouse movement. Additionally, the watch has a large date at 2 o’clock and a moonphase display at 6 o’clock. At 45mm in diameter and 16.4mm tall, the Chronomaster Open Grande Date is a little large, but that doesn’t stop us from appreciating it for what it is!

Arnold & Son HM Perpetual Moon 1GLAS.U02A.C122S

Price: $10,000-$12,000, Case Size: 42mm, Thickness: 11.6mm, Lug-to-Lug: 48.1mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Stainless Steel

When you think of moonphase complications, Arnold & Son is probably one of the first brands that comes to mind. The Swiss brand has been around since 1764, but it is their more recent moon phase collection that has become the bread and butter of Arnold & Son. The HM Perpetual Moon is the perfect example of the Arnold & Son design language. The guilloche dial gives away to a large moon phase indicator at the top half of the dial, making the moonphase the real focal point of the watch. If you are looking for a moonphase where the moon is the star, the Arnold & Son HM Perpetual Moon is for you.