In the fascinating world of horology there are many exciting watches to write about. Watchmakers are really trying to push the boundaries by creating a range of innovative designs. Recently timepieces with moon phase indications have become extremely popular. As the Earths only natural satellite, it has formed the basis for many ancient calendars. For that reason many brands have incorporated the lunar cycle into the design of their watches. Here are five exciting timepieces that successfully illustrate this point.
Cabestan Terra Luna
In the watch industry brands do not come much more exciting than Cabestan. In March 2013 the entrepreneurial and dynamic Lionel Betoux acquired the business. Essentially this marked a new horizon in the company’s history and they released the wonderful Terra Luna. What makes this timepiece so amazing is the multi layered dial with a three dimensional rotating moon. Dimensionally the watch measures 50.8mm x 46.5mm x 19.1mm and is designed to make a bold statement. Beneath the luxurious exterior lies a highly complicated manual winding tourbillon movement devised by Eric Coudray. The Calibre CAB EC 102L comprises 46 rubies and oscillates at a frequency of 21, 600 vibrations per hour.
Ochs und Junior Moon Phase
Ochs und Junior is a small independent watchmaker based in the picturesque location of Lucerne, Switzerland. Approximately a year ago I was privileged to try on their marvellous Moon Phase Patina. What makes this watch so attractive is the understated and minimalistic design. Clients can essentially customise the dial to their own specifications and have a broad variety of colours and materials to choose from. One of my personal favourites is the Nebra, which has a sublime turquoise (heat treated copper) textured dial with 24-karat gold leaf inlays. Powering the watch is a reliable 25-Jewel ETA 2824 self-winding mechanical movement.
Sarpaneva Watches Korona K3 Harvest Moon
Sarpaneva Watches is a small boutique watchmaker located in Helsinki, Finland. The company is the brainchild of Stepan Sarpaneva and was established in 2003. Each of his timepieces is meticulously handcrafted in his own workshop. For that reason numbers are seriously limited and sell out exceptionally fast. The K3 Harvest Moon is a perfect example of his skills. What makes this watch so alluring is the multi-layered dial with two engraved red gold moons. This gives the timepiece an elegant and highly sophisticated appearance. At the heart of the watch is a modified 25-jewel Soprod A10 self-winding movement that oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.
MB & F Moonmachine
In the last decade MB & F (Maximilian Büsser and friends) have become one of the most progressive watchmakers in the industry. Nearly two years ago I had the great fortune to test their exquisite Moonmachine. This incredible watch was designed in collaboration with Stepan Sarpaneva and felt marvelous to wear. What makes this timepiece so extraordinary is the blue Northern Sky Rotor with laser pierced stars and Sarpaneva’s trademark engraved moon. Hours and minutes are cleverly displayed on two vertical domes. Beneath the lightweight titanium case is a highly sophisticated 36-jewel mechanical self-winding movement.
Konstantin Chaykin Lunokhod
There is no doubt that Konstantin Chaykin is Russia’s most famous watchmaker. Over the last few years he has produced some wonderful timepieces and has recently become a member of the prestigious ACHI (Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants). The Lunokhod is definitely one my favourite models because of its eclectic and futuristic façade. What makes this watch so striking is the use of Wootz steel for the three-dimensional central moon and case. This textured material gives the timepiece a highly distinctive appearance. At the heart of the watch is a 31 jewel mechanical movement, which oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
