Introducing a masterpiece moon phase display model from the new 2025 watches. Enjoy the waxing and waning of the moon on the dial.

Let's take a look at some of the masterpieces featuring moon phases, released in 2025. The moon phase display, which shows the regular phases of the moon on the dial, is a function that has been incorporated into watches since ancient times. One of the charms of moon phases is that by watching the moon's phases, which change more slowly than the hands of a watch or a date display, you can sense the changing of the seasons.

A look at the moon phase display, which has historically been featured in many models

　Here, I'll introduce five moon phase models released in 2025 that I feel are masterpieces. Looking back at the history of watches, watches used to manage time have often been treated as symbols of power and authority. With improvements in manufacturing technology, astronomical phenomena related to the calendar (which is determined by those in power) began to be incorporated into watch functions, leading to the creation of moon phase displays that show the phases of the moon. In addition to this symbolic background, moon phase models also have an appealing craftsmanship aspect, showcasing the advanced technology that makes it possible, and a practical function, allowing users to check the state of the moon, which was closely related to nighttime visibility in an era without light.

　Just as the moon changes its appearance depending on where you look at it, the moon phase has many different aspects, so why not take a look at it this time and think about how each brand perceives and interprets it?

Orient Star "M45 F8 Mechanical Moon Phase Hand Winding" Ref. RK-BW0001S

　Our first selection comes from Orient, which has many moon phase models. We'll be looking at the new "M45 F8 Mechanical Moon Phase Hand Winding" Ref. RK-BW0001S, a new addition to the Orient Star "M45" series, inspired by the Pleiades star cluster (Subaru). What's noteworthy about this watch is its classic design and the use of a newly developed hand-wound movement.

　While the previous M45 model, the "M45 F7 Mechanical Moon Phase," has a case diameter of 41.0mm and a thickness of 13.8mm, this model is smaller and thinner, measuring 39.5mm in diameter and 11.9mm thick. The dial is white and features a simple design with a railway minute track, Roman numerals, a power reserve indicator, and a moon phase display at 6 o'clock. This compact and simple design creates a classic feel, contributing to the appeal of this model.

　The Cal. F8A62 movement that it is equipped with is a newly developed manual winding movement based on the concept of "creating a relaxed time." This is not a movement that simply eliminates the automatic winding mechanism, but rather incorporates specifications for displaying the moon phase, such as a large plate decorated with a motif inspired by the trajectories of the stars and a crescent-shaped notch on it. In an age where only a select few enthusiastic fans are said to purchase manual winding watches, this watch, which has enhanced aesthetics and originality, could be said to be a new challenge for Orient Star.

Blancpain Villeret Complete Calendar Moon Phase Ref. 6654N 3642 55B

　Next up is Blancpain's Villeret collection. The Villeret collection traces its roots back to the Six Masterpieces, released by the brand in 1983. While it has steadily evolved, it remains true to its basic style, such as its case design and dressy dials with Roman numerals. The moon phase model is one of the most well-known examples in the collection, and is not to be missed as a must-have selection.

　This timepiece is the new Villeret Complete Calendar Moon Phase, Ref. 6654N 3642 55B. The case design has been revised to coincide with the release of this new model, with a slimmer bezel, a larger crown, and redesigned lugs. The result is a strikingly elegant finish.

　The design theme of the new model is "Golden Time." The dial of this model is matte opaline, while the model released at the same time uses a golden brown sunburst finish, creating a soft color scheme reminiscent of autumn sunlight and autumn leaves. The month and day of the week are displayed in two windows at the 12 o'clock position, with a pointer date in the center and a moon phase display at the 6 o'clock position, which is the theme of this model. The moon phase display on this model has been changed to ceramic. When you pick up the watch in a store, it is a good idea to pay attention to these changes from the previous model.

Tudor "Tudor 1926 Lunar" Ref. M91560-0001

　Following on from this long-selling model, we now turn to the Tudor 1926 Lunar, the brand's first moonphase model. The name of the model comes from the year "The TUDOR" was first registered under the name of Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf. This model, whose name evokes the brand's origins, is brimming with Tudor flair.

　Tudor continues to manufacture highly reliable models, and a prime example of the technology behind this is its high water resistance. This model features a classic round case design, but is water resistant to 100m thanks to a screw-down crown. The case is made of 316L steel, a material also used for medical purposes. Furthermore, Tudor's bracelets are known for their high level of perfection, and this model features a bracelet made up of seven rows of links, providing a comfortable fit.

　The featured model is a champagne-colored model reminiscent of a shining full moon. Its slightly sporty dial design, featuring Arabic numerals and wedge-shaped indices, is complemented by three-dimensional leaf-shaped hands. The moon phase display is finished in black, evoking the image of the night sky. The design naturally draws the eye to the moon floating in the sky.

Omega "Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite" Ref. 304.30.43.52.06.001

　The appeal of the moon phase display is that it brings the celestial phenomenon of the waxing and waning of the moon to your wrist, enhancing your sense of space romance. The next watch we will look at is a special one from a collection that has a deep connection to space, featuring a dial made from a real meteorite that came from outer space.

　One of these watches is the Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite. The meteorite dial of this model is made from an iron meteorite. Iron meteorites are believed to be part of the core of a celestial body that was scattered by some kind of impact. They contain a large amount of nickel in addition to iron, and as they slowly cool over an extremely long period of time in space, they develop a unique crystalline structure known as the "Widmanstätten structure." To highlight this crystalline structure, this model is given a galvanic gray finish, creating a gray hue reminiscent of the moon and a dial with a unique look.

　Also noteworthy is the newly developed manual-winding movement, Cal. 9914, which was developed specifically to realize the moon phase display. Like the latest generation of Omega movements, it employs a Co-Axial escapement and is Master Chronometer certified. The key feature of the moon phase display, located at 6 o'clock, is unique in that it features two cabochon-shaped lunar meteorites and displays the lunar phases of both the northern and southern hemispheres. Furthermore, the starry sky depicted as a backdrop for the moon disc is a reproduction of the starry sky seen from Omega's headquarters in Bienne, Switzerland, during the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969.

Hermès "Arceaux L'Heure de la Lune Blue Grey Moon"

　The last watch we'll look at is the Hermès Arceau L'Heure de la Lune Blue-Grey Moon, which expresses the phases of the moon throughout the watch. This unique design reflects Hermès' philosophy and thoughts on watches. Hermès does not see watches as "tools for telling time," but rather designs them as "poetic reconstructions of time." In other words, Hermès watches can be said to be objects that embody the concept of time.

　The base of this watch's dial features two moons. A closer look reveals that the moons have different expressions, with the moon as seen from the Southern Hemisphere depicted at 12 o'clock and the moon as seen from the Northern Hemisphere depicted at 6 o'clock. An offset dial displaying the hours and minutes and a date display dial are also located via a link in the center of the dial. With each passing day, the two dials revolve, completing one rotation every 59 days. This movement causes each dial to obscure a portion of the moon at the base of the dial, functioning as a moon phase display for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This operation evokes the passage of time and the existence of the moon orbiting the Earth, truly expressing the concept of time.

　The Arceau L'Heure de la Lune Blue-Grey Moon featured here features a blue-grey case, strap, dial display, and moon, just as the model name suggests. The base of the dial is made of lunar meteorite, a lunar rock. The blue-grey coloring, reminiscent of the night sky and the cold glow of the moon in the night sky, and the use of real lunar rock, are a perfect match for this lunar-themed watch.