Moon Phase: An Under-Appreciated Complication

cazalea · 2024-06-27T14:50:17Z

Explore the moon phase complication with cazalea's extensive collection, from Seiko to IWC. Discover its appeal, practical uses, and personal significance.

cazalea

WPS member · Seiko forum

17 replies11158 views19 photos

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.

Key Points from the Discussion

The moon phase complication, while rarely practical, offers enjoyment and can be useful for activities like night boating, especially when paired with a perpetual calendar for easier adjustment.
Personal experiences with tides, such as navigating a cruise ship under a bridge at low tide or timing boat departures, underscore the real-world relevance of understanding lunar cycles.
The complexity of tidal patterns, influenced by factors like ocean inlets and local geography, can make predicting tides challenging even for experienced boaters.
Surfing conditions, particularly in locations like Santa Cruz, can be surprisingly better at low tide, suggesting an interesting interaction between wave dynamics and reduced water depth.
A moon phase display can be a source of daily enjoyment and aesthetic pleasure, brightening one's day even without practical application.
The moon phase complication can be found in various forms, from wristwatches to antique clocks, demonstrating its broad appeal across different timekeeping devices.

The Discussion

dte2

Jun 27, 2024

Do you look up at the actual moon very frequently?

cazalea

Jun 27, 2024

It lights up our house, even more when the street lights aren't functioning. And it often brightens my day too. As you might expect I have taken photos of the moon, often. But have never been there ... Fairly frequently we see it in the mornings

roundel

Jun 27, 2024

but feel it is best with a perpetual calendar. I usually advance the calendar with the crown of my GO because the pusher that advances the whole calendar a day a push, doesn’t advance the moonphase. It’s not easy to get the full moon just right. The moonphase is rarely practical, but is fun to know if planning to boat at night.

cazalea

Jun 27, 2024

Here’s a fascinating site www.timeanddate.com

roundel

Jun 27, 2024

I have been learning surfing this past year, so interest in tides and waves has surged. Surprisingly to me, the surfing is often better in Santa Cruz when tide is low. I think the waves are accentuated by the reduced depth along the shore. It’s amazing that the average tidal range in the middle of the ocean is about 1 meter and a spring tide is only 5cm higher than normal.

cazalea

Jun 27, 2024

On a cruise around Japan we had to take a detour due to storms. No cruise ship our size had sailed under a certain bridge, so we had to wait until the lowest tide to chance it, and the crew spent some time balancing fuel and water to get the ship as level as possible so there were no surprises. We could have snagged some lines under the bridge it was so close. Then on our sailing from San Diego to Seattle that same year, my skipper Jim and I had to do some 4 or 5 am departures from some ports to

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Seiko forum with 17 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Moon Phase: An Under-Appreciated Complication

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum