The moon phase display, which shows the phases of the moon on the dial, is one of those mechanisms that inspires the desire to own one. Vacheron Constantin has released many models equipped with this fascinating moon phase display. Here, we will introduce some recommended moon phase models from the brand.
The Moon Phase: A Microcosm on the Dial
The moon phase is a function that displays the phase of the moon on a watch dial for that day. Let's take a closer look at how it works, its history, and high-precision moon phase displays.
How the moon's phases are displayed
Many watches equipped with a moon phase mechanism display the moon rising from the left side, becoming a first quarter moon, reaching a full moon at the 12 o'clock position, and then disappearing to the right.When the moon is not visible, it is hidden by a window, and then it reappears on the left side.
The lunar cycle takes approximately 29.5 days. A typical moon phase indicator incorporates a rotating disc with 29.5 x 2 = 59 teeth, depicting two moons.
The rotating disc has 59 teeth, and as it rotates once, two moons are displayed in their respective phases. This is the basic structure of the Moon Disc.
The history of the moon phase
The moon phase mechanism is said to have originally been created for practical purposes: even on cloudy or rainy days when the moon was not visible, the moon phase display allowed people to visually see the moon's realistic phases.
In the past, the lunar mechanism was closely related to human life, and people were influenced in various ways by the phases of the moon. The need to check the phases of the moon was probably the reason why moon phase displays were often incorporated into watches.
It wasn't until the 1940s that moon phases were incorporated into wristwatches, but the basic mechanism is said to have been invented as early as the 16th century.
High-precision moon phase that keeps moving for a lifetime
The moon phase indicator, which uses a rotating disc with 59 teeth, deviates from the actual movement of the moon by one day every two years and eight months. To compensate for this discrepancy, more accurate moon phase indicators have been introduced.
The standard accuracy for moon phase displays in today's high-end mechanical watches is "with an error of 1 day every 122 years." The high-precision moon phase displays used by Vacheron Constantin are of this type.
With an error of one day every 122 years, there would be no need to adjust the timepiece over a lifetime. IWC has developed an ultra-high precision mechanism with an error of one day every 577.5 years, and A. Lange & Söhne has developed an ultra-high precision mechanism with an error of one day every 1058 years.
Vacheron Constantin Moon Phase Models
Let's take a look at Vacheron Constantin's moon phase models, along with the features of each collection. All models incorporate a high-precision mechanism that only needs to be adjusted approximately once every 122 years.
Fiftysix Complete Calendar
Automatic movement (Cal. 2460 QCL/1). 27 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 40 hours. 18KPG case (diameter 40mm, thickness 11.6mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price: 638 million yen (tax included).
Fiftysix is a collection characterized by its classic design, fusing tradition with modernity to establish a timeless style.
The movement is the Geneva Seal-certified Cal. 2460 QCL/1, and it is equipped with a complete calendar that displays the date, day of the week, and month.
The moon phase display features a waxing and waning 5N 18K pink gold moon, which blends beautifully with the white dial.
Patrimony Moon Phase & Retrograde Date
Automatic winding (Cal. 2460 R31L/1). 27 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 40 hours. 18KWG case (diameter 42.5mm, thickness 9.7mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price: 7,084,000 yen (tax included).
"Patrimony" is a dress watch line that reinterprets Vacheron Constantin's traditions in a modern way. With its classic and orthodox style, it has gained the support of many watch enthusiasts.
The simple dial features a pointer-type retrograde date display and a high-precision moon phase, improving visibility.
The pearl-shaped white gold minute track is an elegant decoration on the gently curved dial.
Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Date
Automatic movement (Cal. 2460 R31L/2). 27 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 40 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 41mm, thickness 10.48mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Estimated price: 6,292,000 yen (tax included). Boutique exclusive.
The Overseas, launched in 1996, is a practical luxury sports watch that exudes elegance while being highly antimagnetic and waterproof.
New for 2023, the Overseas moon phase model combines a retrograde date with a highly precise moon phase for the first time in the collection.
It comes with a bracelet and strap that can be interchanged with one touch, allowing you to change your style to suit the occasion, which is one of its charms.
Traditional Complete Calendar
Manual winding (Cal. 2460 QCL/1). 27 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 40 hours. 18KPG case (diameter 41mm, thickness 10.72mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price: 6,512,000 yen (tax included).
The Traditionnelle, a derivative model of the Patrimony, was released in 2007. If the Patrimony is a reinterpretation of the classics, the Traditionnelle can be said to be a recreation of the classics.
This traditional watch features a moon phase and a complete calendar. The elegant round case with a polished finish is classic, while the slate gray dial gives it a contemporary feel.
The movement used is the same as the Fiftysix Complete Calendar, the Geneva Seal-certified Cal. 2460 QCL/1.
In addition to its stunning design, it is also worth noting that it is designed with practicality in mind, with water resistance up to 3 bar and magnetic resistance.
An elegant moon phase model that is also recommended for women
Vacheron Constantin also offers moon phase models that elegantly adorn women's wrists.
Traditional Moon Phase
Manual winding (Cal. 1410 AS). 22 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 40 hours. 18KPG case (diameter 36mm, thickness 9.1mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price: 6,468,000 yen (tax included).
The Traditional Moon Phase is a refined piece, measuring 36mm in diameter and 9.1mm thick. It is also elegantly set with 81 diamonds, and its case and buckle are made of 18K pink gold.
The case back allows you to admire the beautiful finish of the manual-winding movement, Cal. 1410 AS.
Egérie Moon Phase
Automatic movement (Cal. 1088 L). 26 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 40 hours. 18KPG case (diameter 37mm, thickness 10.08mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price: 814 million yen (tax included).
Égérie is a collection dedicated to women, from Vacheron Constantin, inspired by haute couture and haute horlogerie.
The moon phase is enhanced by a ring set with 36 round-cut diamonds between 1 and 2 o'clock.
A starry night sky spreads above clouds made of layered mother-of-pearl, and as the clouds rotate, two golden moons can be seen.
Enjoy the mysterious and fascinating mechanism
Understanding the mechanism and history of the moon phase will surely increase your interest in and attachment to models equipped with this mechanism. Rather than being merely a decorative element, the moon phase also allows you to learn about the brand's beliefs and the history of watch development.
Take a look at a moon phase watch from the prestigious Swiss brand Vacheron Constantin and enjoy its mysterious and fascinating mechanism.
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