Four Watches That Will Put You Over Moon In 3D

Four Watches That Will Put You Over Moon In 3D

Martin Green
By Martin Green December 3, 2019

The moon has always had a great attraction to humankind. So when the first clocks where developed, displaying the moon phase was among the premiere complications that where added. It went the same with the pocket watch, and even on the wristwatch, the moon phase indicator made an early entrance. The majority of these watches utilize a disc on which two moons are printed and which is shown behind a window on the dial. But some watches are different and show the heavenly body closest to earth in its three-dimensional fashion.

ulysse-nardin-marine-mega-yacht

Ulysse Nardin Marine Mega Yacht
With the Marine Mega Yacht did Ulysse Nardin create the ultimate watch for any superyacht owner. Its 44mm large case is crafted from platinum, while on its dial, we see the bow of an imposing ship among bright blue colors of grand feu enamel, representing the water. It features a propeller-shaped tourbillon, while the power reserve indicator is shaped like an anchor and chain. Among all this grandeur did Ulysse Nardin still find the space to include a rather large spherical moon phase indicator. It complements the tide indicator, a hallmark complication of Ulysse Nardin, making the Marine Mega Yacht the ultimate nautical watch one could wish for.

Graff MasterGraff GyroGraff World

Graff MasterGraff GyroGraff World
Graff places their three-dimensional moon phase exactly where it belongs; among the stars. The dial of the Graff MasterGraff GyroGraff World features a miniature painting in grand feu enamel of a distant galaxy. What stands out is the moon itself, with one side covered in black, while the other side shows the moon’s surface, sculpted in great detail. Another cutout in the dial accompanies it, which gives room for the multi-axis tourbillon to do what it does best; entice with its mesmerizing battle against the influence of gravity on the precision of the movement. This is all framed by a bezel that features a seamless setting of the finest colorless diamonds the world has to offer. This watch is, after all, a Graff.

Christiaan van der Klaauw

Christiaan van der Klaauw Real Moon 1980
Dutch brand Christiaan van der Klaauw has always had its eyes aimed at the heavens. Astronomical complications rule supreme within their collection that includes the wristwatch with the smallest mechanical planetarium in the world. No wonder that even an esteemed brand such as Van Cleef & Arpels calls on them to develop an astronomical watch with. Within their collection, the Real Moon 1980 is an impressive creation. It features a large, three-dimensional moon, which is set on one side with colorless diamonds, and on the other with black diamonds. The dial is made from aventurine, representing the depths of space.  Next to the moon phase does this extraordinary watch also tells you the date and month, as well as the declination of the sun and indicates both the solar as well as the lunar eclipse, turning you in a proper astronomer with just a twist of the wrist.

DeBethune DB28 Yellow Tones

DeBethune DB28 Yellow Tones
If there is one brand that is an absolute master in the thermal oxidation of metal, it is DeBethune. They use this ability to give many of their creations its signature blue color, but that is not all they can do. The DB28 Yellow Tones show that they can also achieve completely different hues through this process. Crafted primarily from titanium, this watch imposes not only by its colors, or the unique shape of its case but also by its movement. Nearly symmetrically shaped, it highlights the balance wheel, with below it the three-dimensional moon phase. To give it two sides, one part of the moon is crafted from polished palladium while the other is a beautiful shade of  flame browned steel, as the finishing touch of a watch that will definitely make you feel over the moon when wearing it.