Fratello Friday: My Top 5 Moon-Phase Watches

Regular readers of my “Fratello Friday” posts know that I’m a sucker for Omega’s Speedmaster Professional, a.k.a the “Moonwatch.” Today’s post, however, concerns a different type of “moon Breitling replica watches,” namely the type with a moon-phase indicator.

Yes, the moon-phase is a complication that I find totally useless, from a practical standpoint. However, from an aesthetic standpoint, it is also one of the nicest complications a wristwatch can have, in my humble opinion. I might even prefer it to an openworked dial with a view of a tourbillon cage, though I realize I might be alone in this.

A moon-phase complication simply brings a watch’s dial to life. The (usually) blue or black disks, with an elegant gold moon on them, are just awesome to glance at every now and then, especially when the sunlight catches them as you’re driving your car or sitting in your living room.

There are a lot of latest Breitling replica watches with moon-phase indicators out there, ranging from fairly cheap to only affordable by a privileged few. As complications go, it is accessible to a wider range of watch enthusiasts than some others. For this list, price, materials, and availability were not factors. I just picked what I liked best.

1. Arnold & Son – HM Perpetual Moon

One of the brands that surprised me the most this year was Arnold & Son, with its beautiful collection of classical-looking watches that would suit a gentleman in his seventies as well as a young executive in his thirties. The moon disk on the HM Perpetual Moon is relatively large and enables Arnold & Son to put a very large Moon on it. The moon on the moon disk is hand-engraved and made from either silver or gold, depending on the version you choose. More about this watch can be found here on Fratellowatches.

Arnold & Son HM Perpetual Moon - dial cu

2. Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar

Although this watch’s name doesn’t immediately reveal the presence of a moon-phase complication, but its inclusion makes sense, since we built our calendar around the moon. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar has a beautiful moon-phase indicator at 6 o’clock, one element of this timepiece’s calendar complication. The watch includes day, date and month indicators in addition to the moon-phase. It is a very flat watch, with an elegant diameter of just 39 mm. More information about the JLC Master Calendar can be found here on Fratellowatches.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar - reclining

3. Patek Philippe Nautilus 5726/1A

How Patek Philippe arrives at its reference numbers remains a big mystery, but one thing is certain: the Nautilus Ref. 5726/1A is an incredibly sporty moon-phase Patek Philippe replica watches! Like the Jaeger-LeCoulte Master Calendar, it has day, date, and month indicators as well. Patek’s in-house Caliber 324 serves as a base movement for these extra features.  This model was introduced in 2012 as an addition to Patek’s already impressive lineup of Nautilus watches. More about these new Patek Philippe 5726/1A models can be found here on Fratellowatches.

Patek Philippe Ref. 52761A

4. Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonphase

Is this the best of both worlds — the Moonwatch with a moon-phase indication? Purist fans of the Speedmaster Professional might get a bit nauseous when seeing all these variations on the original Moonwatch, but I certainly like it. The fourth subdial at 12 o’clock on the Speedmaster Professional Moonphase shows the date and moon-phase. In the past, there have been several variations on this watch (white gold, broad-arrow hands, et cetera) but this model comes closest to the original Speedmaster design, in my opinion. Click here for more on Speedmaster watches with a moon-phase.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonphase - reclining

5. Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire

Another Jaeger-LeCoultre? Yes. The JLC Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire is one of the nicest introductions in recent years by Jaeger-LeCoultre, in my opinion. I would need much more space to explain precisely how the watch’s “Dual-Wing” concept works, but the main thing to know is that one barrel is dedicated to precision timing while the second barrel is dedicated to the other functions on the dial. This Duomètre is a very complicated Breitling replica watches uk, able to display the moon-phase for both hemispheres.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Quantieme Lunaire - reclining

Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days – 47 mm “Paneristi Forever”

Many Breitling replica watches uk brands have their communities of diehard fans, but few can match the intense devotion of the Paneristi, the group of Panerai watch enthusiasts that have met regularly for 13 years on the independent, online forum www.paneristi.com to share their passion for the brand. Panerai has rewarded its most loyal supporters with a limited-edition watch in their honor.

The watch, called the Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days – 47mm “Paneristi Forever” and tagged with reference PAM00532 (Paneristi are big on referring to the watches by PAM numbers), sports a Radiomir 1940 case made of DLC-coated steel. The case is the same type as the transitional one between the original Radiomir and Luminor cases, and its large 47-mm diameter is identical to that of the very first Panerai prototype from 1936. The matte black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) case is a first for a Panerai Radiomir 1940 watch.

The minimalist black dial uses Panerai’s hallmark “sandwich” construction and features a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock. Above the 6 o’clock position is a visual nod to Panerai’s history as a supplier of instruments for Italian naval commandos: a relief image of a Siluro a Lenta Corsa, the “human torpedo” on which the commandos carried out underwater missions while wearing Panerai products on their wrists.

Panerai Radiomir Paneristi Forever - PAM00532 - front

The Panerai replica watches devoted to the Paneristi contains Panerai’s Caliber P.3000, a hand-wound movement designed and built in the Panerai manufacture in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. The movement boasts a three-day power reserve, owing to two spring barrels connected in series and an unusually large balance wheel (13.2 mm in diameter), which oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vph. It also has a device that enables the hour to be adjusted without interfering with the running of the minute and seconds hands.

The case of the Radiomir 1940 3 Days – 47mm “Paneristi Forever” is water-resistant to 100 meters, and has a screwed, solid steel caseback engraved with “Paneristi Forever” The watch is delivered on a strap made of natural, untreated leather, with a trapezoidal steel buckle that is also treated with matte black coating.

Competition to acquire one of these watches (price: $12,600) is likely to be fierce: according to Panerai, the Paneristi online community has grown to encompass many thousands of Panerai aficionados from all around the world, and this special-edition Breitling fake watches is limited to only 500 pieces.

Panerai Radiomir Paneristi Forever - PAM00532 - back

From 21st to 25th APRIL, Zenith will line up for the start of the Tour Auto Optic 2ooo

Written in the stars… The same quest for excellence, the same passion, the same elegance – the two partners were always destined to meet. They will finally come together on the starting line of the 24th Tour Auto. Zenith will be the official timekeeper of the competition, and three connoisseurs of mechanical beauty Breitling replica watches and speed will set off, along with their co-drivers, under its banner. On their wrists, the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tour Auto Edition, a sporty model specially designed for the event.

Legendary competition, legendary driver.

Following his record freefall which earned him a definitive place in history, Félix Baumgartner will now get behind the wheel of a 1955 MERCEDES BENZ 300 SL to take up the speed challenge on behalf of Zenith. From the stratosphere to the tarmac, he needed a new arena in which to test his limits by competing against other champions, with his sights set on performance right up to ultimate victory, maybe…

Driver in the Tour Auto. To be there on the starting line, in one of 230 unique sports cars, in a legendary competition… a childhood dream that Felix will see realised. Zenith, which since 1865 has been partnering with men and women who truly live and breathe their passion, is every bit as excited as the man himself at the prospect of this new adventure. The second episode in the story of this duo for whom adrenaline and courage are their lifeblood.

However, Felix won’t be the only one driving with and on behalf of Zenith …

The competition also features Dominique Vananty at the wheel of a 1965 PORSCHE 911, Daniel Spadini in a 1964 JAGUAR E Type 3.8L and his co-driver, Aldo Magada, President and CEO of Zenith.

They will all start on 21st April under the Zenith star, aiming to make it shine it with the brilliance of record times, cheered on by all fans of mechanical beauty!

And what better way to start this performance race than with a little miracle of precision on your wrist?

To mark the event and open this unprecedented sporting chapter, Zenith has designed an exclusive model which crystallises the spirit of its partnership with the Tour Auto. Haute Horlogerie and collector’s cars are linked by fastidious expertise, as well as a desire for perfection and elegance: The El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tour Auto Edition joins them forever by combining the revolutionary chronograph movements for which the Le Locle Manufacture has become famous, with a design whose finely nuanced colours and symbolic elements reveal a subtle automotive influence.

The cheap Breitling replica watches is equipped with the El Primero 4061 self-winding chronograph movement for an added sporty touch. The design of its open dial reflects the spirit of competition and the world of classic cars, with an aperture at 11 o’clock that provides a view reminiscent of the impressive sight that greets you when you open the bonnet of a racing car.

Subtly arranged, the blue, white and red that evoke the French flag are symbolic. Another detail that connoisseurs will not fail to notice: the mushroom-type push-pieces for the chronograph functions each have an undercut, blue for the chronograph start and red for the reset. The case has brushed horns and middle hoops for a resolutely sporty look. With its triple deployant buckle, the strap recalls the gloves worn by classic car drivers: perforated blue calfskin with a protective black rubber lining for an immediate association with sports and performance cars. The Tour Auto logo (on the crystal) and the watch number in the series appear on the steel case back. The cover of the special box features the Tour Auto logo, and its blue interior matches the watch’s predominant colour. A dream of a model for drivers and connoisseurs of classic sports cars, the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tour Auto Edition is available in a limited edition of 500 pieces.

A hub to connect live and follow the Tour Auto in real time.

With the competitors lined up and an Haute Horlogerie Breitling fake watches dedicated to the event, this promises to be an extraordinary spectacle. The brand has activated its Zenith Hub to allow spectators to get up close and personal.

Over the course of 2000 km, including several timed sections on circuits and closed roads, as well as friendly stages, right up to the final on the Basque coast at Biarritz, the web platform will feature a live broadcast of all social media feeds on Zenith and the Tour Auto.

 

Harry Winston – Midnight Date Moonphase Automatic 42mm

A true classic has a design that transcends time, while still maintaining an original aesthetic and appeal, as is the case with Harry Winston’s Midnight Collection. The new Breitling replica watches uk model features three arches, a tribute to the House’s heritage and New York flagship salon. It also has a date indicator and a moon display, offering precise information in the most sophisticated fashion.

The art of composition

Off-setting its date and complications, is an aesthetic decision embedded in Harry Winston’s design DNA. The Midnight Date Moonphase reinterprets the House’s signature elements and functions with excentered Hours and Minutes, date, and moonphase counters, so subtle that they appear to melt into the dial.

A supremely refined dial

The dial, silver in tone, features a Rolex replica watches sunburst finish that surrounds the Hours and Minutes function. The date is delicately housed in a light and recessed zone to ensure that the numerals stand out.

Harry Winston revisits the moonphase with renewed intensity. Drawing inspiration from its real life counterpart, the moon disk features a deliberately rough and textured appearance. Furthermore, with its rich, deep, metallic blue coloring, Harry Winston designers expertly capture the magic of the moon.

This new creation is driven by a mechanical automatic movement, visible through the Breitling replica watches open case back. The exposed white gold oscillating weight features haute horlogerie finishes, including Côtes de Genève and circular graining. The silicon balance spring guarantees absolute precision, beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The Midnight Date Moonphase has a 42 mm-diameter case and is available in 18-carat white or rose gold.