Ancient explorers used the moon phases as a means of navigation, be it by land or by foot. And while we are now firmly in the age of GPS systems, moon phase watches are around to hearken back to a simpler time.
A moon phase watch displays the current moon phase with an aperture on the dial. Also known as a moon-phase complication, these indicators add a touch of celestial beauty to any timepiece. And the cool thing is that many watch brands have fun with this setup, adding unique miniature pieces of art to the dial that are just so cool to look at.
The way we look at the sky says a lot about us. And the way we choose our watches says a lot too. Rather than leaving you to accidentally purchase a mediocre timepiece from your favorite online marketplace, we’ve distilled things down to the best of the best with our list of the Top 7 Moon Phase Women’s Moon Phase Watches For 2021. Heck, we’ve even included links so you can skip the search and get right to the shopping results.
Let’s get started on our countdown with #6!
The 7 Best Women’s Moon Phase Watches For 2021
7) IWC Da Vinci Moon Phase Stainless Steel Watch
The IWC Da Vinci Moon Phase Stainless Steel Watch is a luxury timepiece that may be out of most watch lovers’ price ranges. However, its craftsmanship makes it a serendipitous fit for anyone who can afford its charms. For a lot more, you get a lot more. This is a luxury watch for those that want a timepiece as beautiful as the sky.
Specs
Display Window Material: Convex Sapphire Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 36 mm
Case Thickness: 11.6 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Width: 18 mm
Strap Color: Dark Brown
Dial Color: Off-White
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Pros
- This watch’s 42-hour power reserve and self-winding movement keep the watch ticking day after day, month after month.
- The artwork within the moon phase indicator is understated yet beautiful.
- The dark brown alligator leather strap is both comfortable and absolutely gorgeous.
Cons
- If you don’t have five figures to spend on a watch, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
- Automatic movements require regular maintenance, so be prepared for that.
6) Oris Artelier Grande Lune Watch
The Oris Artelier Grande Lune Women’s Watch is elegance incarnate. It’s a Swiss-made stunner that doesn’t overdo anything. From the intricate guilloche pattern on the dial to the 11 different diamonds accenting its hour markers, this watch projects refinement without being gaudy. It’s also a very snug, sleek fit thanks to a quality hidden clasp.
Specs
Display Window Material: Scratch-Resistant Sapphire Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Hidden Clasp
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 36 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Width: 18 mm
Strap Color: Silver
Dial Color: Silver
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Pros
- We can’t get enough of the silver dial with guilloche patterning. It’s stately and unique at the same time.
- The diamond hour marker accents are a great touch.
- This timepiece’s scratch-resistant sapphire crystal dial window keeps its clarity for years.
Cons
- The date window is tiny and hard to see for those with visual impairments.
- As we said before, automatic watches require regular maintenance. Be prepared to take this to a watch shop every so often.
5) Frederique Constant Slimline Leather Strap Watch
- 38.8 mm rose gold plated case set with 60 diamonds
- Blue sunray dial with diamonds hour markers and moonphase
- Blue alligator leather strap
- Swiss Automatic movement
- Guaranteed 100% Authentic
The first of two Frederique Constant watches on our list, the Frederique Constant Slimline Leather Strap Watch is the more expensive option of the two. But, its space-themed dial and diamond accents are well worth the extra money spent. And with rose gold tints and a top-quality blue alligator leather strap, all of the components are in place for your next (and last) favorite watch.
Specs
Display Window Material: Convex Sapphire Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 38.8 mm
Case Thickness: 11 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Width: 19 mm
Strap Color: Glossy Blue
Dial Color: Blue
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Pros
- From its functions to its general gravitas, everything about this watch is in perfect sync.
- The dark blue dial and star accents were a fantastic aesthetic choice by the designers. They blend well with the moon phase indicator.
- The convex sapphire crystal dial window is built to last without showing scratches, dings, or scuffs.
Cons
- The price tag is going to scare some people off.
- While it has 30 meters of listed water resistance, we wouldn’t shower or bathe with this beauty.
4) Movado Women’s Heritage Rose Gold Watch
- STYLISH, ELEGANT DESIGN: The Movado Heritage Series Celestograf women’s watch is a stunningly beautiful timepiece and alluring artistic inspiration personified.
- QUALITY MATERIALS, ICONIC STYLE: Features a 36 mm rose gold ion-plated stainless steel case, a white mother-of-pearl dial with printed index and white subdials, and a navy leather strap. It has a water resistance rating of 3 ATM.
- SWISS QUARTZ ACCURACY: Swiss quartz movement provides incredibly precise timekeeping, superior craftsmanship and minimal maintenance for a reliable and worry-free timepiece.
- SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL GLASS: Sapphire is the second strongest element on the Mohs’ Scale (measures the hardness of materials) making sapphire crystal the most durable watch glass and least prone to shatter or scratch.
The Movado Women’s Heritage Rose Gold Watch‘s mother of pearl dial is an absolute showstopper. We could write a whole newsletter or take out ads about what a great mother of pearl display can do for a women’s watch. This is a perfect example of that. The blue leather strap brings out the blue tints in the dial, and the watch’s story construction ensures that this beauty will be yours to share with the world for years to come.
Specs
Display Window Material: Synthetic Sapphire Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 36 mm
Case Thickness: 9.48 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Length: Women’s Standard
Strap Width: 18 mm
Strap Color: Blue
Dial Color: Mother of Pearl
Movement: Swiss Quartz
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Pros
- This watch contains one of our favorite Swiss quartz movements that we’ve tested at a cost-effective price point. It’s so accurate and so on point.
- The mother-of-pearl dial will turn heads when on your wrist.
- The leather strap isn’t stiff and unyielding out of the box, unlike other leather bands we’ve tested.
Cons
- The sub-dial scheme on the display feels a little bit cramped.
- The moon phase indicator feels like it’s fighting for attention with the rest of the watch design elements.
3) GUESS Women’s Gold-Tone Moon Phase Watch
- Sporty chic gold-tone watch with iconic blue moon phase dial and day/date functions to give any outfit extraordinary presence
- Durable mineral crystal protects watch from scratches
- Quartz Movement
- Case Diameter: 40.0mm
- Water Resistant To 165 Feet
Moon phase watches aren’t copyright property of serious watch brands. Fashion watch brands are also delivering cool celestial timepieces for you to consider. Our favorite is the GUESS Women’s Gold-Tone Moon Phase Watch. The minute this watch makes contact with your wrist, you’ll dig its gold-tone luster and the contrast of the dark blue dial. It’s also a budget timepiece that’s cheaper than anything else here.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Thickness: 11.5 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Length: Women’s Standard
Strap Width: 19.5 mm
Strap Color: Gold
Dial Color: Blue
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Pros
- It’s the cheapest watch on our list! You get a fashionable timepiece that goes with nearly anything you wear for just over 100 dollars.
- We love the plaintive art style of the moon phase display within the aperture.
- The gold-toned stainless steel bracelet fits well around most women’s wrist sizes.
Cons
- The mineral dial window isn’t exactly scratch-resistant. Be careful with it!
- Compared to the other watches on our list, this watch feels a tad flimsy.
2) Frederique Constant Women’s Swiss Quartz Beige Watch
- Yellow gold-tone stainless steel case with a shiny crococalf leather strap
- Mother of pearl dial with gold-tone hands and index and diamonds hour markers
- Swiss-quartz Movement
- Case Diameter: 30mm
- Water Resistant To 99 Feet
If you want to buy a casual luxury watch at a mid-level price, stop everything right now and head to your favorite shopping site for the Frederique Constant Women’s Swiss Quartz Beige Watch. The dark tones of the mother-of-pearl dial are given depth by the diamond hour markers and renderings within the aperture. This watch should cost thousands of dollars. But you can find it in the high three figures — one amazing deal for one amazing watch.
Specs
Display Window Material: Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 30 mm
Case Thickness: 8 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Length: Women’s Standard
Strap Width: 12 mm
Strap Color: Beige
Dial Color: Mother of Pearl
Movement: Swiss Quartz
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Pros
- This timepiece has so many quality elements to it. It’s built to last at a fraction of the cost of some other watches on our countdown.
- The included Swiss quartz movement is near the pinnacle of timekeeping accuracy.
- The diamond accent markers make a statement without being too flashy.
Cons
- This watch is too small for bigger wrists. The watch face is the smallest on our list.
- Some may find this watch design to be too casual for their tastes.
1) Victorinox Women’s Alliance Quartz Stainless Steel Watch
- Swiss-Made quartz Alliance watch with scratch resistant, anti-reflective sapphire crystal and luminescent hands and hour markers
- Stainless-steel case with screw-in caseback
- Swiss-quartz Movement
- Case Diameter: 35mm
- Water resistant to 100m (330ft): in general, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not diving
A watch doesn’t need to be complex to take your breath away. This absolute gem from Victorinox embraces simplicity and cost-effective splendor. The second-cheapest watch on our countdown, the Women’s Alliance Quartz Stainless Steel Watch looks like it costs five times more! The dial is gorgeous, the moon phase indicator is equally stunning, and the whole package is protected by powerful stainless steel and an anti-reflective sapphire crystal dial window.
Specs
Display Window Material: Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Push-Button Deployment Clasp
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 35 mm
Case Thickness: 8.1 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Length: Women’s Standard
Strap Width: 17 mm
Strap Color: Silver
Dial Color: Blue
Movement: Swiss Quartz
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Pros
- This is luxurious quality at an affordable price. It’s a steal of a watch deal.
- The Swiss quartz movement will rarely if ever, lose time.
- The whole aesthetic package of this watch is as close to perfection as it gets. And for just a few hundred dollars, that’s amazing to say.
Cons
- The band has a bit of a masculine air to it. If you’re looking for a more feminine fit, you might need to replace it.
- This watch is a bit heavy and unwieldy for those with wrist problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a moon phase watch work?
A moon cycle from new moon to full moon and back again takes about 29.53 days. A moon phase watch takes this information and uses it to inform its moon phase indicator. A 59-toothed gear tracks moon phases by moving a metal finger that’s connected to the watch’s hour hand. It moves one notch every 24 hours.
The design of a moon phase timepiece cannot take an imperfect lunar cycle fully into account. So, its moon phase functions need a manual adjustment every 2.5 years or so.
What features should I look for out of the best moon phase watches?
Whether you’re looking for a luxury Jaeger LeCoultre moon phase watch or a cheaper timepiece, your search for the best moon phase watch is about more than just color preferences and pricing categories. The top moon phase watches have a lot of key features in common. These may include a beautiful leather alligator strap or stainless steel band, accurate movements be them quartz or automatic, a lengthy power reserve (for automatic models), an attractive moon phase indicator with artistically-rendered symbols of the night sky, a sturdy bezel, a cool-looking aperture, and a breathtaking design such as a watch with a mother of pearl dial.
The colors may different and the prices may vary. But the content of a great moon phase watch needs to enhance your star-watching experience. Period.
Are moon-phase watches available in every price range?
Yes! It’s not all about the currency! Women and men alike can find quality moon phase watches for under 100 dollars! And if you’ve got the money to spend on a luxury item, there’s a menu full of luxury timepieces out there waiting for you to try them on for size. No matter what country you live in or what language you speak, a great moon phase watch is the perfect unifier for lovers of the night sky. Shipping a new watch to your home should be fun.
And the moon phase watches on our list above, regardless of things like average price and brand name, are just that — fun!
Closing Thoughts
The facts are the facts. The six moon phase watches above are perfect for any horology aficionado’s shopping cart. They vary in price, materials, colors, and how they go with different items of clothing. But, these timepieces share one thing in common — they are beautiful pieces of machinery that belong on the wrists of explorers and dreamers alike.