In the world of horology, there exists a fascination with watches that go beyond telling the hours, minutes and seconds. Moonphase watches embody this enchantment, as they tell time but also track the dance of the moon across the sky. In this exploration, we delve into the moonphase complication, unraveling the mysteries and highlighting the reasons behind their enduring appeal.

What is a moonphase watch?

  • A complication to track the phases of the moon

    For thousands of years, humans have looked to the moon not just for wonder, but for rhythm, navigation, agriculture and timekeeping.

    Long before clocks the lunar cycle (29.53 days) guided harvests, ocean tides, religious calendars and sleep patterns. In horology, this fascination evolved into one of the most romantic and poetic watch complications ever created: the moonphase. Rather than simply showing time and date, a moonphase watch displays where the moon truly sits in its cycle, bringing a miniature universe to your wrist

    From ancient mariners sailing by moonlight to modern collectors searching for celestial craftsmanship, the moonphase remains a rare blend of astronomy, engineering, and art. Learning how the lunar phase works adds a whole new dimension, whether you appreciate watches for their mechanics, history, or the stories they tell. A dimension that connects your everyday life to the cosmic rhythm above.

  • Seiko 7434-7000 dress watch with moon phase in showcase next to other Seiko dress watches

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What we love about a moonphase watch

  • Celestial connection

    Highlighting the emotional and aesthetic allure of moonphase watches, showcasing their unique ability to forge a connection with the celestial realm and the captivating beauty of the lunar cycle.

  • Romantic symbolism

    Moonphase watches sparkle with romance, drawing wearers into their enchanting spell. Each glance evokes the serene beauty of the moon's phases, igniting a sense of wonder and fascination.

  • Historical context

    Ancient civilizations observed the Moon to track days and predict events. This practice influenced the development of timekeeping. Patek Philippe first developed the moonphase complication for a wristwatch in 1925, marking a milestone in horological innovation.

"Love you to the moonphase and back"

Curated by WATCH WAVE: Moonphase complication watches

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Seiko 7434-7000 & the Seiko 2A24-0040 displayed together

How to set the moonphase complication

Setting the moonphase complication requires a bit of precision and patience, but the process is relatively straightforward.


Step 1

Locate the crown to adjust the moonphase complication.


Step 2

Depending on the watch model, you may need to pull the crown out to a specific position designated for adjusting the moonphase. some models have a push button to adjust the moonphase complication.

Step 3

Turn the crown or push the button to advance the moonphase indicator until it aligns with the current phase of the moon. For accuracy, it's advisable to consult a lunar calendar to determine the precise phase.

Step 4

Once set, simply push the crown back in, and your moonphase watch is ready to accompany you on your celestial journey.