Humans have long looked to the phase of the moon as both a guiding light and a source of mythology. And with the craft of watchmaking spanning back across centuries, our fascination with the moon has been reflected in countless timepieces both high quality and not so much.
If you’re looking for a moon phase watch under 500 dollars, you’re going to run into watches both awesome and not so much. Thus are the perils of shopping for watches on a budget, let alone reliable moonphase watches which show exactly where the moon is at in its current lunar cycle. Some budget moonphase watches just don’t have the design clarity and durability to be worth your hard-earned money.
We’re not interested in those watches. In fact, we’ve tested dozens of moon phase watches with moonphase indicator sub-dials, whittling things down into our definitive list of the 6 best moon phase watches for under $500. We’ve even added an informative Frequently Asked Questions section which will give you more information on chronograph moon phase watches and what they do.
Let’s get things going on our countdown with our #6 entry!
6 Best Moon Phase Watches Under $500
6) Corgeut Men’s Fashion Moon Phase Automatic Mechanical Watch
- Automatic watch: Corgeut brand Automatic watches for men, exquisite workmanship and exquisite materials that use the ST1655 movement.
- Waterproof 50M: The watch is waterproof 50m design, it can do justice to your swimming and everyday life Waterproof, but it is not recommended to wear a watch shower or to come into contact with hot water.
- Material of the watch: Special Scratch Proof Mineral Glass and Leather Strap.
- Multifunctional fashion watch with year, month, day and week functions.
- After the sale: 1 year warranty, 30 days money back guarantee. Contact us if you have any questions.
A hidden moon phase watch gem with a quality automatic movement and one of the simpler dial aesthetics on this list, the Corgeut Men’s Fashion Moon Phase Automatic Mechanical Watch is also a steal of a watch deal which usually retails for under $100. The white dial has a very crisp look and the sub-dials don’t distract from this, and the balance of the dark brown color strap really ties the entire presentation together. The radial moon phase sub-dial design is also well done for a watch at this price, making this a watch worth wearing any day of the week (or lunar cycle).
Features
Dial Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 42 mm
Case Thickness: 13.5 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 21 mm
Strap Color: Brown
Dial Color: White
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistant Rating: 50 meters
Movement: Automatic
Pros
- This watch looks like it costs multiple times more than it actually does. It’s that attractive both in pictures and in person.
- The stainless steel case is actually pretty durable and scratch resistant for a watch this cheap.
- We love the look and accuracy of the 6 o clock moon phase sub-dial, especially at this price.
Cons
- The rotor is loud and can be distracting in quiet environments.
- While we love the look of the brown leather strap, it’s a bit unforgiving and hard to work with for larger wrists.
5) Peugeot Men’s 14K Gold Plated Sun Moon Phase Analog Watch
- This Peugeot watch features a long lasting 14k plated 40mm case that will not lose its color for a long time
- A lunar window displaying sun & star imagery rotating every 24 hours coinciding with the sun-moon phases
- Easy reader watch with roman numerals and vintage style hands makes easy to tell the time at a glance
- This moon phase watch is matched with a handsome lizard embossed genuine leather strap adjustable to fit wrist size for 6.5 inches to 8 Inches. Additional holes can be added for smaller wrists
- All Peugeot watches are fitted with accurate quartz movement made by Seiko and backed by Lifetime warranty which includes battery replacement at no charge. Watch comes in a presentation box ideal for gift giving
If you thought the last watch on our countdown was great for a budget astronomer or astrology lover, you’re going to love this one! The Peugeot Men’s 14K Gold Plated Sun Moon Phase Analog Watch actually usually retails for about half the price of our #6 offering! The bosom moon phase function sub-dial takes up the majority of the center of the dial, acting as an attractive centerpiece for an attractive budget watch. It may not be the most durable and offer all the features of most automatic moon phase watches, but it’s one of the best options you’re ever going to find at such a reduced price point.
Features
Dial Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Metal
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 20 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Metal
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Pros
- The 14K gold plated case is durable and will withstand a beating better than much more expensive watches in the same category.
- Peugeot offers a lifetime warranty for this watch for defects not caused by human neglect or error.
- This watch is perfect for moon lovers who are scrimping and saving. The watch face is attractive and makes this watch appear much more costly than it really is.
Cons
- This watch lacks the functionality of most mid-range moon phase watches, let alone luxury moon phase watches like those from Rolex or the like.
- This feels too stiff and the overall design may appear a bit to hokey to be mistaken for a dress watch.
4) Orient Men’s Sun and Moon Version 4 Watch
- Orient F6B24 Automatic, Hand-Winding, Hacking Movement
- Sapphire Crystal
- 22 mm Lug Width
- 42. 5 mm Case Diameter
- Water resistant to 50m (165ft: in general, suitable for short periods of recreational swimming, but not diving or snorkeling
The Orient Sun and Moon series of watches is one of our favorite cost-effective collections of moon phase watches, and it’s the Version 4 which really stands out to us. Firstly, the synthetic sapphire crystal glass dial window resists scuffs and scratches, keeping the beautiful beige dial and its sub-dials as clear as day (or night). This watch is easy to read with beautiful Arabic numerals and beautifully contoured watch hands. It’s a gorgeous timepiece through and through, accentuated perfectly by its leather band. It may not be as accurate as a watch with a quartz movement, but it has a healthy power reserve for a cheaper automatic watch. An essential buy for moon lovers and watch lovers alike.
Features
Dial Window Material: Synthetic Sapphire Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Deployment Clasp
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 42.5 mm
Case Thickness: 14 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 20 mm
Strap Color: Brown
Dial Color: Beige
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistant Rating: 50 meters
Movement: Japanese Automatic
Pros
- This moon phase watch has an atypical design for watches at its price level, and that’s a really good thing. It stands out.
- The synthetic sapphire crystal window protects the watch display and keeps the moon phase indicator clear and easy to interpret.
- The leather band is comfier than most leather straps out of the box.
Cons
- The Japanese automatic movement loses time pretty quickly, so you’ll need to do a bit of maintenance.
- The lack of illumination on the watch hands and the dial design makes it hard to read in low light.
3) Casio Men’s AQW101-1AVCF Active Dial Sport Watch
- Case Diameter : 46 mm
- 200M Water Resistant, EL Backlight with afterglow, Thermometer
- Display range: -10 to 60 C (14 to 140 F); Display unit: 0.1 C (0.2 F); Temperature tendency graph
- Fishing mode: The suitability of a specific date and time for fishing as indicated as one of five levels, Moon Data (moon age of input data, moon phase graph)
- 30 time zones (50 cities), city code display, daylight saving on/off; 1/100 second stopwatch
The only digital watch on our countdown, the Casio Men AQW101-1AV CF Active Dial Sports Watch marries the durability of a great Casio sports watch with all of the moon phase data of the best timekeeping instruments out there. In lieu of hands and a pretty moonphase sub-dial, the Casio AQW101-1AV CF Active Dial Sports Watch has a clean digital display with an easy to read moon phase indicator in the top right corner. The mineral crystal dial window is stronger than most of its kind, and the added boost of 200 meters of water resistance and good shock resistance make this the perfect low-cost moon phase watch option for those with active lifestyles.
Features
Dial Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Digital
Clasp Style: Tang Buckle
Case Material: Resin
Case Diameter: 46 mm
Case Thickness: 15 mm
Strap Material: Resin
Strap Length: 9 inches
Strap Width: 26 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Digital
Bezel Material: Resin
Water Resistant Rating: 200 meters
Movement: JapaneseQuartz
Pros
- This watch has fantastic water resistance and solid shock resistance which is on par with some of the best Casio watches out there.
- The date display and moon phase indicators are easy to read and super clear.
- The mineral crystal dial window isn’t as flimsy as some others of its kind. It actually holds up and resists scratches well.
Cons
- The addition of analog hands on top of the digital dial can be hard to see and a bit confusing.
- This watch may be a turnoff for those looking for a dress watch out of their moon phase timepiece.
2) Frederique Constant Men’s Business Time Watch
- Silver moon phase dial with week, day and date display
- Black leather strap
- Swiss-quartz movement
- Case diameter: 40mm
- Water resistant to 165 feet
An absolute mini-masterpiece of simplicity and quality watch design, the Frederique Constant Men’s Business Time Watch has everything you’d want out of a great budget moon phase watch, yet with more oomph. It starts with the anti-reflective sapphire crystal dial window and its aversion to scratches and scuffs, and it continues with the accuracy and reliability of its fantastic Swiss quartz movement. Someone who wants a simple, gorgeous timepiece with accurate kinetic moonphase information and gorgeous aesthetic touches (including svelte Roman numerals and a red arrow tip on the second hand) is going to fall in love with this undeniable beauty.
Features
Dial Window Material: Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Thickness: 10 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 20 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: White
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistant Rating: 50 meters
Movement: Swiss Quartz
Pros
- Simple and well made like the best Swiss watches, this moonphase watch is easy to interpret and super attractive to wear.
- The accuracy of the Swiss quartz movement may be the best on this entire list.
- This timepiece has one of the stronger dial windows you’re going to find at this price.
Cons
- Setting up this watch is pretty complicated for the uninitiated.
- The leather band is a bit stiff and needs breaking in before wearing it for long intervals.
1) WhatsWatch Parnis Men’s Hand Wind Mechanical Watch
- Imported
- Brand: Parnis
- Movement: Seagull Hand Wind ST36
- Feature: Display at six o'clock
- Leather: Genuine Black Leather ,Buckle: Pin Buckle
While it doesn’t offer a self-winding movement or luxury features of more expensive automatic moonphase watches, the WhatsWatch Parnis Men’s Hand Wind Mechanical Watch is our pick for the best moonphase watch at its price level. Why? Well, it’s a stunning combination of understated good looks, a beautiful 6 o’clock indicator and textured dial scheme, and a comfortable black leather strap that fits nicely on wrists of all sizes. It may not boast the accuracy of a great quartz movement or moon phase complication data and advanced features, but it does what it does extraordinarily well while looking the part with stunning gravitas which belies its cost.
Features
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 43 mm
Case Thickness: 13.5 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 22 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: White
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistant Rating: 30 meters
Movement: Seagull Movement ST36
Pros
- As a complete package, this moon phase watch has so much going for it for so little money. Attractive looks and great functionality on a budget? This is it!
- The hand-wound Seagull Movement ST36 may lose time here and there, but it’s quite accurate for a hand-wind movement at this price.
- The little touches like the Roman numerals for hour markers and graphics on the 6 o clock moon phase indicator make all the difference.
Cons
- This watch is hard to read in low light.
- A hand-wound movement means more maintenance and more work than a quartz movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a great moon phase watch under $500?
Moonphase watches have been around for the vast majority of watch history, as our fascination with the moon and its cycles has been a focal point for watch brands when creating timepieces for centuries now. With that being said, you should demand a lot out of the best moonphase watches when it comes to aesthetics and functionality. The best moonphase watches under $500 should of course have a reliable moon phase indicator to their credit, but they need to have much more than a good moon phase indicator to be worth your money.
Other key features to look for in a great moon phase watch include a sun and moon dual indicator, a durable dial window made of scratch resistant sapphire crystal (synthetic or otherwise) or something of comparable durability, a genuine leather strap or comfortable band of equal quality, clear Arabic numeral hour markers or Roman numeral hour markers, an accurate automatic or quartz movement, and extended features that go way past a normal wrist watch sold for under $500.
What does a moon phase watch do exactly? And how does a moon phase watch work?
A moonphase watch has a dial or sub-dial which is attuned to the 29.5 day lunar cycle. It uses either graphics (a bosom moon phase watch) or a small watch hand (a radial moon phase watch). A bosom moon phase watch shows the moon in its current phase, usually mimicking the visible portion of the moon by hiding the parts that are not illuminated with the watch aperture. A radial moon phase watch will have different markers and indicators which its hand will point to when displaying where the moon is at in its current lunar cycle. Moon phases are easy to track with the help of a moon phase calendar as well, but a watch sub-dial does all the work for instantly.
Closed Thoughts
The best moonphase watches under $500 are more than their price point. They are an absolute blessing for watch aficionados who find themselves looking up to the sky. If you grab one of the six moon phase watches on the list above, you’ll instantly become a fan of their quality and gorgeous presentations. And with a moon phase sub-dial on the watch around your wrist, you’ll always know what to look for when gazing at the sky in contemplative joy.