MoonPhase

Linde Werdelin Oktopus Moonphase Watch Hands-On

Face time with the Linde Werdelin Oktopus Moonphase watch yields good results from the superhero dive watch with a moonphase indicator from one of the edgiest upcoming brands out there today. For detailed specs on the piece you can refer to my seminal article on the Oktopus Moonphase here. The watch is water resistant to 888 meters and is the chunkiest of the Linde Werdelin line (non moonphase Oktopus watches are water resistant to 1,111 meters). It has larger-than-life hands, and a grippy rotating diver's bezel. Unique is an interesting moonphase indicator that uses newsprint style images of the moon on a moving disc. The complication is potentially quite useful as well, given the need for divers to be aware of tides, and the moon's influence over the tides.

The watch is in titanium and rose gold - that is used for the bezel, highly polished hands, and hour indicators. Really a good looking dial that is easy to read. Gold usually mixes nicely with titanium. The watch fits well via the special alligator strap. Inside the watch is a Frederic Piguet (ETA is the parent company) high-end automatic movement that is finished and modified by the highly regarded watch maker Svend Andersen. Price for the Linde Wedelin Oktopus Moonphase is 21,700, and it will be part of a limited edition of just 29 pieces.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2010, Basel, Baselworld 2010, gold, linde werdelin, LindeWerdelin, moonphase, oktopus, watch

Glashutte Original PanoMaticLunar XL Watch For 2010

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The newest Glashutte Original PanoMatic watch has been updated in design to be more streamlined and minimalist. This moonphase version is the PanoMaticLunar XL and further has a trendy gray demeanor to it. If brown is the new hot color to match with gold, then gray is the new hot color to match with steel, white gold, or platinum. As such, this 42mm wide watch comes in steel - finished really well by Glashutte Original.

Inside the watch is the in-house made Calibre 90-02 automatic movement. Functions include a big date, off-centered watch dial with subsidiary seconds, and a moon phase indicator. All in various shades of gray. You can see the movement through the watch's sapphire caseback window. The strap is in charcoal shaded alligator. It is hard to say whether the watch will be a hit. Emphasis here is more on the dial and functions than the presentation or the case. Part of me feels that the case is too simple looking. At the same time, the information delivery on the dial is very straightforward and comfortable. Look for the watch in Glashutte Original boutiques or retailers soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2010, Baselworld, Glashutte Original, GlashutteOriginal, moon phase, MoonPhase, PanoMaticLunar, watch, XL

Updated De Bethune DB025 Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

In the pursuit of ever greater efficiency comes comes a host of arguably small changes makes De Bethune an even more capable watch maker with the DB025 line. Inside the watch is a movement that does not need adjustment and that now has a silicon balance wheel. There is also hardened non-magnetic steel in the case, which itself on the outside is either 18k white or rose gold - large at 44.6mm wide. The DB2105 movement has a power reserve of a full 6 days with a power reserve indicator located toward the side rear of the case.

There are two dial options available - either the most classic white tone with Roman numerals, or my favorite, the pictured flame blued steel with gold stars. It really compliments the spherical moon phase indicator wonderfully and looks beautiful with the hand-polished steel hands. Classic looks still meld well with a modern feel in the design, which is enhanced by the skeletonized lugs. The movement is manually wound, but I would like to see an automatic in the future. Being highly limited De Bethune watches are high priced, but also high exclusivity.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: db025, DB25LWS3V2, de bethune, DeBethune, moon phase, MoonPhase, watch

Vacheron Constantin Malte Moon Phase Power-Reserve Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Combining a moon phase with a power reserve indicator is a rare mix of complications to have with the time (when it is just these three), though it makes sense on this manually-wound watch. This is the new Vacheron Constantin Malte Moon Phase Power-Reserve watch and it comes with an in-house made Caliber 1410 movement that bears the Seal of Geneva.

Vacheron Constantin's classic line of watches continues to evolve, slowly but surely. It is hard to separate this watch from the rest of their collection, but enthusiasts should be able to pick out the differences. The case is in various shades of 18k gold and 39mm wide in a tonneau shape. The moon phase is specially made to be accurate for about 100 years, while the round dial helps with legibility even though it is in a barrel shaped case. The mix of applied Roman and Arabic numerals makes for a sophisticated look that I don't recall seeing in other Vacheron Constantin models. The watches each have a silvered gold dial. Which begs the question of why they even used gold to begin with. The watches comes with a brown or black alligator strap with a folding deployment. Overall the timepiece is a satisfying rendition of what people enjoy most about Vacheron Constantin without straying much from the core appeal of the brand.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: malte, moon phase, MoonPhase, power reserve, PowerReserve, tonneau, vacheron constantin, VacheronConstantin, watch

David Yurman Classic Moon Phase Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

There is a reason this new watch from David Yurman has the word "classic" in it. This is because the design references not only the classic "triple calendar" look, but also a classic style and decor. Triple calendar refers to the fact that the watch displays the date, date, and month. It also has a moon phase display and of course the time. Thus, the timepiece has the unoriginal name of "David Yurman Classic Moon Phase."

In an 18k white gold case, the watch is 43.5mm wide - certainly modern in stature. The crystal is sapphire with an AR coating making for a nicely legible luxury watch. The only other thing it could have used to make the dial easier to read are lume covered hands. Still, the tapered and faceted hands look nice. The watch has an automatic Dubois Depraz caliber 9000 movement inside. This is an ETA 2892-2 movement with a module attached for the calendar and moon phase functions.

Around the edge of the watch on the side, you'll find the signature "rope" design that David Yurman is known for. The Classic Moon Phase is a handsome and competent watch that makes up with classic appeal, what it loses in lacking much originality. The strap is black alligator, and the watch should be available relatively soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: classic, david yurman, DavidYurman, moon phase, MoonPhase, timepiece, watch

Harry Winston Ocean Lady Moon Phase Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

This is the newest timepiece for women from watch and jewelry maker Harry Winston. While typically presenting aesthetically and mechanically impressive timepieces with complex mechanical movements, this Ocean Lady Moon Phase leans much more on just the good looking side of the fence as it has a quartz movement inside - as opposed to something mechanical. No worries though as most women who are lucky enough to enjoy wearing this watch won't mind. In addition to the time there is a larger-sized central moon phase display.

The 36mm wide case comes in either 18k white or rose gold, a typical offering, with each having a plate of mother of pearl on the dials as well as a large amount of diamonds for decoration. The case is set with 57 (2.1 carats) brilliant cut diamonds while another 195 (0.6 carats) diamonds reside on the dial of the watch. Lastly, you have another 33 (0.3) diamonds on the gold buckle attached rubber strap. Yes, rubber is an odd material for such a watch as it is formally dressed with a technical strap. Still it is an interesting look and I have no doubt that alternative straps are available for use during the right occasions. The watch is 100 meters water resistant, so the rubber strap might come in handy if you get curious to see how all the diamonds appear sparkling under water.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 400UQMP36RC.MKDOD3.1, 400UQMP36WC.MDOD3.1, harry winston, HarryWinston, lady, moon phase, MoonPhase, ocean, watch

A. Lange & Sohne Petite Lange 1 Moonphase Limited Edition Watches

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

A Lange & Sohne Petite Lange 1 Moonphase Limited Edition Watches

The beautiful Petite Lange 1 gets a moon phase complication in this lovely decorated model for the ladies. Also known at the "little Lange 1," this very feminine watch collection extends the look of the Lange 1 watch dial layout over two types of mother of pearl faces in either a white color or a dark blue. Functions include the time, subsidiary seconds dial, out-size date, power reserve indicator, and moon phase indicator as part of the seconds dial. Powering the watch is A. Lange & Sohne's in-house made manually-wound L901.9 movement - a very complex little machine with over 400 parts and a 3 day power reserve.

The watch case is in 18k white gold, about 37mm wide, and 10mm thick. The bezel is lined with 58 brilliant cut diamonds totaling about 0.9 carats. The hands and markers on the watch are also in gold. In addition to the two mother of pearl dials, there is a solid silver face available. The pictured white version has a supple alligator strap, while the dark blue Petite Lange 1 has a stingray strap. The case back of the watch is covered with a sapphire crystal for a splendid view of the meticulously decorated movement.

Each watch is very attractive and still sophisticated. One of the most beautiful women's watches, it is as much artistically designed as it is a serious horological item of interest and exclusivity. Each version of these A. Lange & Sohne Petite Lange 1 Moonphase watches is limited to 150 pieces.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: A. Lange & Sohne Petite Lange 1 Moonphase

Tags: a lange sohne, ALangeSohne, lady, lange 1, Lange1, moon phase, MoonPhase, petite, timepiece, watch, womens

Daniel Roth Athys Moon 2134 Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Daniel Roth's most marketable claim to fame for this new Athys Moon 2134 watch is that it will not require any moon phase calendar adjustment for 125 years. That is of course unless you forget the wind the manually-wound movement and then you are out of luck for that whole impressive 125 year number. Though I have a feeling if you are a proud owner of this watch you'll be very happy to wear it (and wind it) often.

What makes the moon phase function in this watch different than those in other moon phase calendar movement based watches? It has to do with the moon phase complication. Instead of the normal gearing that requires a moonphase to be adjusted every few years, that in the Daniel Roth Calibre 2300 (DR2300) movement has a much larger gear with more teeth. This allows for the movement of the moon through its phases to be much more precise (combined with other mechanisms and gears of course) and thus not require adjustment for such a long period of time. Truly the type of issue only your heirs, or heirs' heirs need concern themselves with.

The Athys Moon 2134 is available in 18k red or white gold in the traditional Daniel Roth watch case shape that you either love or don't. but don't knock it until you get one on your wrist. The moon phase disc is rendered with a more realistic image of the moon's surface while the the rest of the watch dial has the time, a subsidiary seconds dial, and the date. A really good looking and classic watch with a unique take on engineering the moon phase, one of the most desirable and popular complications in the horological enthusiast community.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2134, 2300, athys moon, AthysMoon, daniel roth, DanielRoth, moon phase, MoonPhase, perpetual calendar, PerpetualCalendar, watch

Montblanc Star Eternal Set Lady's Watches

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

This set of three watches from Montblanc represents a unique collection each with emphasis on using diamonds in different aesthetic manners - showcasing three of the ways that diamonds are frequently used on women's watches to make them (and the wearer) more beautiful. The collection is the Star Eternal Lady line of watches and includes an automatic three hand model, an automatic with a moon phase indication complication, and a quartz movement based model.

What each model shares in common is the highly decorated 18k white gold case set with diamonds all over the case including 42 on the bezel, as well as a mother of pearl dial. The Star Lady Diamonds Automatic model features a clustered dial look. In addition to the 'galaxy' of diamonds, there is a special array of diamonds that shapes the iconic Montblanc emblem. Next, the Star Eternal Lady Moonphase Diamonds automatic features a more traditional use of diamonds used for hour indicators as well and for rings around the various dials. The third model, being the Star Eternal Lady Diamonds with the quartz movement represents use of diamonds to create organic patterns on the bezel - a particularly common use of diamonds, but difficult to pull-off well. In total, the three watches have over 1,500 Wesselton diamonds total which amount to over 10 carats. The watches come together in a box set.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: automatic, eternal, lady, monthblanc, moonphase, star, timepiece, watch, womens

Zenith Class El Primero Moonphase Watch For 2009

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

A lot of new luxury watch offerings are discernibly more subdued than the flamboyant parade of watches we have come to expect over the last few years. Zenith, who is typically very experimental in design has actually had one of the most conservative line of new models at Baselworld this year. That doesn't mean the watches are boring, but rather refreshingly elegant in their focus on being modern classics. A good example is this Zenith Class El Primero Moonphase watch. The watch features a full annual calendar with a moonphase and a chronograph. The El Primero automatic calibre 4100 movement is the only movement with an annual calendar and column wheel based chronograph complication.

Two case sizes are available at 40mm and 44mm, with the pictured version being in steel. The dial is handsomely decorated with engravings and applied hour markers. To enhance legibility, Zenith has clustered the complications toward the center of the face allowing for space around the dial to be dedicated to telling the time. With hour and minute hands that are properly sized for the watch, it offers a lot of function with minimal visual distraction. You just can't argue about its solid good looks and handsome demeanor. Look for availability this spring.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: class, el primero, ElPrimero, moonphase, timepiece, watch, zenith

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Seen Wearing Breguet Moon Phase Power Reserve Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

In Russian politics, I've seen a trend sometimes that seems to translate into "with great responsibility comes great humility." Russian leaders are expected to connect well with the people. Current elected Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is generally well liked and considered more liberal than his friend and predecessor Vladimir Putin (according to Wikipedia). Interestingly enough, the same source reports that Medevdev earned an income of $80,000 in 2007 with a similar amount of money in savings. How is it then that he is seen in this picture wearing a watch valued at around $30,000?

Looking at a blown up image of the picture, I've detected that Medvedev is wearing a Breguet Moon Phase Power Reserve Ref. 3137BR /11/ 986. While his taste is good, it begs the question where the watch (or funds for it) came from. This particular Breguet model is based on a classic pocket watch dial design from Breguet. It features an automatic wound Breguet caliber 502DR movement with the hours, minutes, moon phase, and a power reserve indicator (no seconds). The watch case is about 36mm wide available in yellow or white 18k gold. Typical of all Breguet watch the dial features rich guilloche engraving while the gold rotor seen through the sapphire caseback is engraved beautifully with decorations fit for a king, I mean president.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Dmitry Medvedev Breguet Moon Phase watch and images

Breguet Moon Phase Power Reserve Ref. ref. 3137BR /11/ 986

Tags: breguet, dmitry medvedev, DmitryMedvedev, moon phase, MoonPhase, russian president, RussianPresident, timepiece, watch, wrist

Women's Bvlgari Bvlgari Moon Phase Watch For Baselworld 2009

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

The current economy has not been kind to Bvlgari, both in its watch and jewelry selling capacities. Not to be discouraged, Bvlgari has apparently returned to its roots with new designs that are attractive and conservative, though complex. A barrage of new models will be released at Baselworld in April, and the public reception of these watches will be an indicator of Bvlgari's short-term economic future.

New to the women's line is this updated "Bvlgari Bvlgari" (Bulgari Bulgari) Moon Phase watch. The classic name is taken from the double use of the brand name on the bezel. The dial is mother of pearl with diamond pavé decoration in a crescent moon shape. Opposite is the moon phase display also in mother of pearl. Other than the moon phase display, the complications are simple with just the time and a subsidiary seconds dial. Powering the watch is the automatic mechanical B77 movement, with applied Côte de Genève and perlage polish decorations.

The 38mm case is steel - as the company must remain a bit more modest these days - and is attached to a handsome white alligator strap with a folding deployment clasp. It is a fine luxury watch that is unmistakeably Bvlgari, exactly what the company needs right now. Availability starts in May at select Bvlgari boutiques.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2009, basel, baselword, bulgari, bvlgari, moon phase, moonphase

Vacheron Constantin Kaila Lune Watch

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The Kalla Lune is the latest haute jewelry line of watches from Vacheron Constantin. The Kalia Lune Large model has 816 baguette-cut diamonds, 23 brilliant-cut diamonds and one rose-cut diamond for the crown for a total weight of 42.61 carats. The stones are hand-cut and hand-set to work perfectly with the case. The 18K white gold and diamond bracelet is set with baguette cut diamonds set so that they seem to flow across the wrist. The watch is available in either a 41mm or 36mm case size. The watches uses the manual-wind Vacheron caliber 1410 with Geneva Hallmark movement which has 22 jewels, beating at 28,800 bph and with a power reserve of 40 hours. The watches feature a moonphase indicator.

[via Time Zone]

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Tags: diamonds, moonphase, timepiece, vacheron constantin, VacheronConstantin, watches, wristwatch

Montblanc Star Lady Moonphase Diamonds

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The perfect accessory to compliment your summer tan, this new Montblanc Star Lady Moonphase Diamonds is a bright glistening white with a mother of pearl dial, handmade alligator strap (also available in light blue if you prefer), and a 36mm 18K white gold case. With ETA 4810/908 movement, features also include a moonphase and small second display, 8 diamond hour markers, Breget numerals, domed antireflux sapphire crystal and sapphire crystal case back, fluted crown, and water resistance to 30m. Priced around $10,175.

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Tags: crystal, lady, montblanc, moonphase, sapphire, star, star lady moonphase, StarLadyMoonphase, time, timepiece, timepieces, watch