Moonphase Watch: Our 7 Most Beautiful Picks for the Ladies

A watch that displays miniature representations of the different moon phases — what woman wouldn’t be moonstruck by that?

The most romantic yet the least practical of all watch functions, the moonphase is a well-loved watch complication. It’s not surprising that a ladies’ moonphase watch has found its way onto the wrists of discerning watch lovers.

Most often, it’s the aesthetic value rather than the technical prowess that draws watch enthusiasts to the timepiece. First seen in the Antikythera mechanism in 205 BC — an ancient Greek analogue device used to predict astronomical events — the moonphase complication was later on incorporated into clocks and pocket watches. It was only in the 20th century that watchmakers started featuring this well-loved complication in wristwatches.

As we all know, it takes 30 days — or exactly 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 3 seconds — to complete a lunar cycle. And the moonphase complication tracks the current phase of the moon using sophisticated engineering, indicating whether it’s a new, full, half, or quarter moon. As the moon changes its phase, so does the little moonphase indicator on the dial displayed through an aperture.

When it comes to this elegantly whimsical complication, there are many options to choose from. But personally, we can’t help but get excited about these seven beautiful moonphase watches.

Rolex Cellini Moonphase Watch

At 39mm, the elegant Cellini Moonphase watch is suitable for both sexes. Contemporary in design and minimalist in demeanour, this moonphase watch evokes style and sophistication. The 18K Everose gold case and brown alligator leather strap add subtle glamour to the watch.

Admire the moonphase complication at 6 o’clock, which indicates the full moon and new moon rotations through the lunar cycle. Meanwhile, a slim blue hand with a crescent moon tip indicates the date displayed around the circumference of the dial. An in-house, self-winding mechanical movement with a patented moonphase module accuracy for 122 years drives the watch. Boasting a 48-hour power reserve, the Cellini Moonphase watch is water-resistant to 50 metres and features a double bezel.

Fun Fact: The name Cellini took after the Italian Renaissance goldsmith and sculptor Benvenuto Cellini, whose works inspired other artists, including Salvador Dali.

Zenith Elite Lady Moonphase Watch

Next on the list is the Zenith Elite Lady Moonphase watch. From its 36mm dial to the diamond-set bezel and ultra-thin case, the watch is every inch a sophisticated timepiece. Moreover, the brown alligator strap and rose gold case keep the look grounded and refined, making it a unisex watch perfect for men and women.

At 6 o’clock, you can find the moonphase aperture, displaying different phases of the moon against a blue and white subdial. At its heart beats an automatic Elite 692 Calibre movement, with a 50-hour power reserve and 50m water resistance. The mother-of-pearl dial also features a minimalist small seconds indicator at 9 o’clock.

Fun Fact: The ultra-thin automatic movement of the Elite watches was awarded the “Best mechanical movement of the year” by the international press for its various ingenious qualities.

Ballon Bleu de Cartier Moonphase Watch

To the uninitiated, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier moonphase watch may look basic at first glance with its stainless steel case and bracelet. But take a closer look and you will find nothing simple about it.

From its silvered flinqué dial to the moonphase aperture at 9 o’clock — this watch is sophisticated as it gets. The case features convex curves reminiscent of a balloon floating on the wrist, while the blue sword-shaped hands stand out against the white dial.

At 37mm, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier moonphase watch is a perfect-sized watch that appeals to both men and women.

Fun Fact: The blue sapphire cabochon — a signature feature of Ballon Bleu de Cartier watches — inspired the word ‘Bleu’ in the watch’s name.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon Phase Watch

With a pop of vibrant colour, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon watch is both wrist candy and a complex timepiece.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master is a favourite among the manufacture’s followers. So, imagine the delight expressed when they came up with its version exclusively for women! This moonphase watch in silver stainless steel ticks all the right boxes. Dainty at 34mm — check. Ultra-thin and graceful body—check. Moonphase function — check. Colourful leather strap (in blue!) — check. Minimalist, streamlined dial—check.

The moonphase complication at 6 o’clock also features the date placed discreetly around the sub-dial’s circumference. An automatic, self-winding 925/1 Calibre movement beats at the heart of this must-have watch.

Fun Fact: Jaeger-LeCoultre boasts some of the thinnest movements in the history of Haute Horlogerie. The Calibre LeCoultre 145, created in 1907 for pocket watches, remains to this day the thinnest in the world in its category.

Montblanc Bohème Day & Night Moonphase Watch

Another dainty piece with a royal blue appeal is the 34mm Bohème Day & Night watch with an automatic moonphase movement by Montblanc.

An elegant moonphase aperture displays the day/night indicator — a light blue sky and golden sun depict the day, while a dark blue sky adorned with stars represents the night. A small calendar window is at 6 o’clock, beautifully blending in with the rose gold hands and hour markers. An automatic, self-winding MB 24.10 Calibre movement powers the watch, boasting a 42-hour power reserve and 50m water resistance.

To finish off the look, a brand-new blue grené calf leather strap and eight sparkling diamonds perfectly complement the silvery-white guilloché dial.

Fun Fact: Montblanc is originally known for its exquisite writing instruments. In fact, you can match your Bohème Day & Night watch with a Bohème Rollerball pen, perhaps in the same royal blue colour?

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Métropolitaine Sélène Moonphase Watch

With a moonphase mechanism that enchants with its poetic complication, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Métropolitaine Sélène moonphase watch is a practical timepiece for the stylish woman.

Made up of 205 components, the automatic-winding mechanical Calibre PF318 beats at the heart of this elegant watch. It features two series-coupled barrels, allowing the watch to enjoy 50 hours of power reserve. The mother of pearl dial stands out within a diamond-set bezel. Meanwhile, a white calf leather strap completes the whole sophisticated ensemble.

Marvel at the moonphase feature at 12 o’clock, elegantly showing off against a lacework dial. Directly opposite, at 6 o’clock, the date aperture perfectly balances the whole look without looking crowded in a 33.70mm case.

Fun Fact: It’s hard to imagine that Parmigiani Fleurier’s women’s watch collection was only launched in 2008. Just a little over a decade later, the brand carries some of the most sought-after women’s watches in the world.

Longines Conquest Moonphase Watch

A little on the sporty side but nonetheless elegant, this Longines Conquest moonphase watch has smart written all over it.

At 29.50mm, the stainless steel case makes this piece a perfect everyday watch for the busy, professional woman. The silvered polished hands keep the white matte dial looking minimalist and polished. Meanwhile, the moonphase display at 6 o’clock stands out against the streamlined dial. A Calibre L296 quartz movement powers this understated timepiece.

Fun Fact: The Longines Conquest dates back to 1954, proving it to be one of the well-loved collections from the brand.

For another interesting read, check out our story on quartz vs. automatic.