Patek Philippe's considerable expertise in perpetual calendars goes back to the early 20th century, and this heritage-inspired iteration draws on the classic dial formation that has been a staple of the complication since 1941. This includes a double aperture showing the day and month at 12 o'clock, while here the subsidiary counter displays a subtle and unobtrusive moon phase. The vintage influence is seen across further design touches, from the sharp-tipped luminous hands that recall a chronograph from the 1950s to the three-tier lugs borrowed from the sought-after Ref. 2405.
The Grande Seconde, signified by the sophisticated curves of two overlapping circles on the dial, is a staple of Jaquet Droz's collections, inspired by a pocket watch created in 1784 by Pierre Jaquet-Droz. This latest iteration sees a very natural evolution of the design, incorporating a refined moon-phase indication into the bottom half of the motif. Just as with the watchmaker's other creations, as much attention has been paid to the inside as the out; here the brand has opted for a complex astronomical moon phase, achieved through its specially developed and incredibly precise "mechanism 135", which requires adjustment only every 122 years and 46 days.
Les Cabinotiers Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication 36009720C-000G-B281
Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication 3600
This extraordinary timepiece was undoubtedly one of the stars of the show at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH). The one-of-a-kind creation has been five years in the making and ranks among the most accomplished pieces of horology today. Counted among its impressive 23 complications is a plethora of astronomical tools, from the everyday to the mind-bogglingly complex, including sidereal time, equation of time and an impressive sky chart of the northern hemisphere displayed on the rear of the case.
Moon-phase watches are seldom sporty, but this is the stylish exception to the rule. This is big news for fans of Audemars Piguet's iconic Royal Oak as it is the first of its kind to feature a non-metallic case. The sleek all-black timepiece is crafted from tough zirconium oxide ceramic and comes equipped with a perpetual calendar on top of the subtle moon-phase sub-dial at 6 o'clock.
This handsome timepiece draws on the very best of the historic Glashutte watchmaker's horological expertise. Its classic and gentlemanly pocket watch-inspired exterior houses a slim movement featuring the date, day of the week and the month, in addition to a moon phase calculated to remain accurate for 122.6 years.
When Cartier debuted the Drive last year it immediately won favour for its sophisticated take on the sports watch, marking a new direction for the brand. This latest addition to the collection doesn't disappoint, retaining its pleasingly proportioned cushion-shaped case and distinguished and classic typography on the dial. Here it features a subtle moon phase neatly encased within a circle in the six o'clock position, with hues of the night sky reflected in the sword-shaped blued-steel hands.
While moon phase watches for women can often be fussy, overly decorated affairs, this sleek, modern and minimalist offering from Zenith is a breath of fresh air. Its best feature is the alluring silver-toned, sunray-patterned dial, contrasted against the graphic and understated blue moon phase display at 6 o'clock. It is powered by the automatic Elite Calibre 692 developed by Zenith, ensuring the precision timekeeping for which the brand is renowned, alongside a 50-hour power reserve, encapsulated in a streamline movement that is just 3.97mm thick.
Few collections epitomise Harry Winston's unique brand of New York glamour as much as the Avenue C. This timepiece is imbued with the company's trademark Art Deco aesthetic, expressed through the streamline, elongated rectangular case, gently arched to sit comfortably on the wrist, and the distinctive, angular minute track that adorns the white mother-of-pearl dial. The 47 brilliant-cut diamonds set into the case demonstrate the jewellers' expertise, while its watchmaking know-how comes through with the addition of the delicate moon-phase display; the dainty quartz movement is one of the smallest featuring the complication on the market, at just 2.7mm thick, allowing the watch to retain its delicate proportions.
This latest addition to Bulgari's popular Lucea line showcases both the Italian brand's watchmaking and jewellery prowess in its best light. The self-winding movement powers a moon-phase display that elegantly arches across the top half of the mother-of-pearl dial, set against a delicate smattering of diamonds for the indices.
As romantic and whimsical as the name suggests, this watch is stunning in its simplicity. As night approaches, the aperture at 6 o'clock turns a deep, shimmery blue, achieved through the grained surface of the disc. The exquisite attention to finishing is continued across the dial, decorated with an intricate geometric guilloche motif.
IWC's Da Vinci range takes its name from the famed artist's mathematical approach in the search for beauty. Its latest addition is a sophisticated new automatic timepiece for women, which is confident in its femininity, expressed through its delicate curves and proportions rather than copious amounts of bling. The moon-phase indicator is the main attraction of its classic, clean dial, which sees a glistening gold moon and stars emerge in the 12 o'clock position.
Drenched in deep blue, reminiscent of the midnight sky, this feminine timepiece from Baume & Mercier catches the eye with its beautiful curves and pared-back aesthetic. Part of the brand's Promesse line, launched in 2014, this iteration sees an elegant moon-phase arch across the top half of the dial, which has been decorated using lacquer to create a subtle gradient in colour. A touch of sparkle is added to the 34mm-diameter polished steel case with the delicate addition of diamonds, with more of the precious stones used to mark the indices, while a bold blue alligator strap adds a stylish finishing touch.
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