Few horological complications capture the imagination quite like Patek Philippe’s moonphase complication. An ethereal tribute to the cosmos, the moonphase complication complication traces the lunar cycle with poetic precision. Swiss horological experts, Patek Philippe, have combined the heritage and sanctity of hand-crafted timepieces with the innovation of modern day technology.
The moonphase complication is more than just a simple tracking of the stars, but rather, this lunar function is reimagined with sophistication, technical finesse, and timeless design. Whether admired for its artistry or mechanical ingenuity, the moonphase complication remains a defining feature of the maison’s most cherished timepieces.
Related: The History of Patek Philippe
How Does A Moonphase Complication Watch Work?
A moonphase complication watch will display the current phase of the moon on the dial of the timepiece. Depending on the Reference of the Patek Philippe, the moonphase complication will vary in display, colour and potentially even textures.
Typically, these types of Patek Philippe watches work on a 29.5 lunar cycle system, ensuring that the timepiece consistently replicates the phase of the moon. It often works from a 59-tooth gear that advances the disc one notch every 24 hours.
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The most common moonphase complication dial is distincted by an aperture in the dial of the watch, with an illustration or simple coloured circle to represent the moon and it's phases. A radial moonphase complication uses a dial to indicate the lunar cycle.
Patek Philippe’s Moonphase with Perpetual Calendar Complication
While lunar displays have existed in astronomical clocks for centuries, the moonphase complication as we know it made its wristwatch debut in the early 20th century.
Patek Philippe introduced its first perpetual calendar wristwatch in 1925. The Ref. 97975 was Patek Philippe's first wristwatch to harmonise a moon phases indication and perpetual calendar. The elegant timepiece featured the moon phases at 3 o-clock, with an aperture to showcase the lunar cycle.
This pioneering piece laid the groundwork for future complications, establishing the moonphase complication not only as a practical feature but also as a mark of distinction in fine watchmaking.
The Ref. 97975 was Patek Philippes first complication that included the moonphase complication and annual calendar. The elegant timepiece featured the moonphase complication in the bosom display, with a deep blue and moon illustration depicting the lunar cycle.
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Our Patek Philippe Moonphase Complication Choices
As a proud Patek Philippe retailer, we invite you to explore models in the current collection featuring the moon phases complication. Their innovative engineering and sleek look offers a beautiful answer to sophisticated elegance. We have select some of our favourite moonphase complication timepieces so you can enjoy and embrace the moonphase complication.
Luxury and elegance with the 4946r-001
The Ref. 4946R-001 presents Patek Philippe’s celebrated Annual Calendar complication in a luxurious rose-gold case, effortlessly combining practicality with elegance. This sophisticated timepiece offers the versatility of matching both an evening and day event.
Featuring the day, date and month via hands alongside a moonphase display, this Patek Philippe complication requires adjustment only once per year, showcasing the maison’s technical prowess. Showcasing a rose gold casing, luxurious chestnut calfskin strap and the ingenious combination of the Annual Calendar and Moonphases Complications.
The beauty of the mother of pearl with the 4948g-010
Its 38 mm diameter ensures modern wearability, while the exquisite white mother-of-pearl dial and lavish diamond-set bezel and crown demonstrate Patek’s meticulous attention to finish. The Ref. 4948G-010 exudes understated sophistication. Powered by the self-winding Calibre 26‑330 S QA LU, it gracefully indicates the day, date, month and moonphase, adjusting only once annually.
This timepiece from Patek Philippe is bejewelled with 347 diamonds on the case and lugs, 14 on the crown and a further 27 on its buckle, encapsulating Patek Philippe’s mastery of gem-setting alongside robust horology.
Grand Complications Reference 7121/200G-001
The Ref. 7121/200G‑001 embodies feminine refinement in a 33 mm white-gold case, adorned with a meticulously sunburst-finished blue dial and an enchanting moonphase complication of golden moons set against a sapphire-crystal disc.
Honouring the ingenuity of Patek Philippe, this Reference 7121/200G-001 is powered by the compact manual-winding Calibre 215 PS LU and circled by 132 delicately Dentelle-set diamonds, its dainty profile conceals notable mechanical sophistication is an eloquent fusion of jewellery art and horological precision.
Embracing the Moonphase Complication with Michael Spiers
The moonphase complications are testaments to the innovative and ingenius world of Swiss watchmaker, Patek Philippe. Complemented with the perpetual annual calendar and luxurious dials, Patek Philippe timepieces are set to complete your timeless style.
The moon phases complication is a testament to the innovative and ingenious world of Patek Philippe. If you would like to discover your legacy with Patek Philippe, we invite you to our showrooms in Truro where our friendly team can help you find a timepiece that is perfect for you.
