The Konstantin Chaykin Lunokhod New Moon watch is perhaps a more subdued edition of the first Lunokhod watch released by the Saint Petersburg Master Watchmaker, yet the refinements do little to dampen down the impact of this watch.  It is still one of the most striking Moon Phase watches you are ever likely to see.

The first Lunokhod watch, named in honour of Russia’s pioneering moon rover launched in the seventies was constructed from wootz, a granular material – masculine, the stuff of daggers and swords.  At its dial centre a wootz ball representing the phases of the moon.  The limited edition Lunokhod New Moon swaps wootz for 18 carat gold, a noble and majestic metal and one which showcases the piece beautifully.  For this edition the moonphase is represented by a saltwater pearl, flawless and rare – the selection process of which would be excruciatingly difficult to say the least.  The pearl remains static while a silver mask serves to indicate the current lunar phase.  An inspired and original concept.

On the dial some subtle changes.  Minutes are displayed on a retrograde indication on the lower dial where previously the piece had a minutes subdial and the dial has been constructed from sapphire crystal allowing an mesmerising look-see at the micro-mechanics contained within.  On the upper dial the hours are displayed in both 12 and 24 hour format with sun and moon indicators for day and night. The unusual case shape remains this time constructed from satin brushed and polished 18 carat gold with chunky lugs which extend to form a frame around the dial.  Inside is a handmade calibre designed and created by Konstantin Chaykin.

The Lunokhod New Moon watch will be a limited edition of just 12 pieces.

More information on Konstantin Chaykin at his official website.

Related Articles – The first Lunokhod edition – Black Rhodium, Daggers and Other Manly Stuff here.

Popularity: 4% [?]

The latest addition to the H. Moser & Cie collection is highly unusual and technically unique in its construction.  The moonphase complication of this piece marks the passing of each phase through the use of a gear train so precise that the display will only deviate by one day in over 1000 years.

H. Moser Perpetual Moon

The moonphase itself is both visually stunning and highly unusual, the window located at 6 0′clock also displays the eight moon quarters represented as vertical lines and also a division into days which is applied directly onto the dial.  When one of the vertical lines (denoting the astronomical quarters of the moonphase) is aligned between the two triangles of the dial aperture, precise readabilityof a defined phase is therefore ensured.  Adjustment of the moonphase, if required is possible – a pin-type pushbutton is located at 9 o’clock and the use of an innovative wrap spring clutch mechanism allows for correction of the moonphase without changing the time display.

H. Moser & Cie. Perpetual Moon

H. Moser & Cie was founded in 1825 but the original brand name was revived and re-registered once more as a watchmaking company in 2002.  Watch movements manufactured by this acclaimed brand are unique in their finish and construction – the pallet levers and escape wheels are constructed from solid gold – the only watch company to do so- and are fitted with a removable escapement providing a simple and safe solution to repairs.  Distinctive finishing on the plate and bridges in the form of broad and narrow double lines or “Moser ground stripes” and the use of gold chatons into which the jewels are set place this brand apart in terms of attention to detail.

The Moser Perpetual Moon is a striking piece – the moonphase is complimented by a rich dark blue fumé dial and features elongated appliquéd markers.  It is powered by the Moser Calibre HMC348.901 hand-wound movement and is available in two variations, 18 carat rose gold or platinium.

Popularity: 5% [?]