moon phase

Seiko Ananta Spring Drive Moon Phase Watch Hands-On

The new classy contender for 2010 from Seiko (at least in the US) is the Seiko Ananta Spring Drive Moonphase watch (ref. SNR023). Ananta, the highest-end world model for Seiko has split in two to personalities - sport models and suit models. The new "suit" model (suggesting they are more classy watches meant to be worn with more formal attire) is the pretty new Spring Drive Moon Phase. The powerfully sophisticated Spring Drive movement now comes with a moon phase complication in the Ananta range. Though this isn't the first time a Moon Phase has been included in a Spring Drive watch. The special "blade" polishing on the 46mm wide steel case is impressive. Despite the glimmer and shine, the watch is very legible. Unlike the sporty models, the bezel is totally mirror polished for a different type of look.

Inside the watch is the Seiko in-house made in Japan Spring Drive 5R67 automatic movement. Functions include the time, date, power reserve indicator, and moon phase. The movement is beautifully decorated and visible through the sapphire caseback window. The front facing crystal over the dial is also sapphire, and coated with AR to reduce glare. Those not familiar with Seiko Ananta collection watches will easily see the superior quality compared to lower priced Seiko watches they may be familiar with. While Seiko still places function and utility first, these are very impressive luxury watches that even impress big shots of the Swiss brands (even though they don't always admit it publicly).

Seiko Ananta Spring Drive watches are beautiful to look at and really comfortable. The large hour markers are diamond polished for a fantastic look shine and luxurious appearance. The movement has three days of power reserve and is accurate to about 1 second a day. In Europe, the Ananta Spring Drive Moon Phase will retail for 4,000 euros, with the price in the US being in the same range give or take a bit. Click "READ MORE" below for more images of this Seiko Ananta Spring Drive Moon Phase watches.

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

Tags: moon phase, seiko, SNR023, spring drive, watch

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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

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