Cazalea shares a deeply personal journey into the world of moon phase complications, showcasing a diverse collection that spans two decades. This post highlights the enduring appeal of the moon phase, not just as a technical marvel but as a source of fascination for collectors. It offers a unique perspective on how this specific complication can shape a collecting philosophy.
When I first got interested in watches about 20 years ago, the moon phase display caught my attention.
I suppose next to a Chrono, the Moon is most visible complication on a dial. Larger is better.
So I started to build a collection of every Seiko moonphase watch -- that is, until I realized that Seiko has made dozens, if not hundreds of moonphase watches. This was the first one.
State of the collection in February 2005.
This is the oddest, and in a strange way the most appealing to me of the Seiko moons. "Gold" and "Diamonds" and "engraving" all make a striking appearance along with great architecture of the case
and insane complexity of the bracelet, all housing a hard-working mechanical movement.
OF COURSE, being a collector I couldn't just buy Seiko moonphase watches. These came in 2005.
The IWC perpetual GST in Titanium. Captain of my watch fleet.
Moonphase math, if you want to make your own, get 7, 90, 90, 30, 32, 2 gears and pinions, set them up properly, and there you have it.
Moon and GOld. What's not to like about this watch? (Get it? GO ld?)
My first Credor bought in 2006 from a pal who made regular business trips to Japan. The Spring Drive movement has been flawless for 18 years now.
This has the finest second hand ever; it's almost invisible, and because there's a bit more gold tone to the dial than shown here, that doesn't help.
Mechaquartz moon from IWC / Porsche Design. I sold this to a pal who has almost never worn it. I suppose I should get it back ...
This came from Tim Jackson, and eventually went back to him in a multi timepiece and vehicle trade.
The watches weren't enough so I went after moonphase clocks, such as this School House Clock. It has two movements, one for the hands and moon, and another for the seconds.
This has a single movement and has been on my desk for the last decade or so.
Not limiting the search to Seiko clocks, I found this which was very cool with a shroud that obscured the moon, but eventually (being all plastic) it died.
Cazalea
PS - remember bigger IS BETTER, size matters.
