Ultimate Guide to the Orient Sun & Moon: EVERYTHING To Know

Guess who recently gained a strong following on the back of its astounding value propositions? Orient! Guess which Japanese brand has become the new beloved of watch forums and vintage fanatics? Orient! Guess who’s the new cult Japanese brand that offers extraordinary value? Orient! Orient! Orient!

Orient has stayed too long under the radar. The under-appreciated Japanese giant ticks all the right boxes, and that’s the reason why its timepieces are quickly gaining notoriety among popular luxury watches.

Numerous reasons create an appeal for a watch. For some, it often is the name printed on the dial, which translates to the league, hierarchy, and echelon. For others, it will be all the mechanics, practical details, and seductiveness of flawless symmetry.

With the Orient Sun & Moon, you’re more likely to enjoy all of the latter and a bit of the former for a very affordable price. The distinguished dress watch is an epitome of low-key luxury and pared-down magnificence, with the day and night indicator as its pièce de résistance.

We’re going to explore the Orient Sun & Moon collection and round up five of our favorite watches with a more popular and luxurious moon phase indication.

About The Orient Sun & Moon

Ancient civilizations learned to observe astronomical bodies such as the Sun and Moon gliding across the skies to determine time. The first record of a clock featuring the sun and moon ornamentation goes way back to the late 1600s.

It was a period of diverse experimentation with captivating ways to show the time, so it’s not surprising someone thought about this. While it’s not known who created the first sun and moon watch, the earliest reference is an English-made antique pocket watch by John Trubshaw, with this ornamentation dating from 1695. 

In the 2000s, Orient set out to create striking watches with distinct flavors of Japanese individuality. The Sun and Moon models were released as a modern version of a dress watch. The aim was to make a lasting impression on the viewers, distinguishing the brand from other Japanese competitors in the industry.

First released in 2007, the Orient Sun and Moon is a reliable, budget-friendly watch that brims with poise and class. As the name reads, the timepiece displays either day-light skies with the Sun or starry skies with the Moon. The watch features a built-in date display and a day window, providing added functionality for its wearers.

With its elegant and functional design, it stands as a prime choice for watch enthusiasts seeking well-designed, complex dress watches that deliver both style and performance at an affordable price. 

By deviating from the norm and presenting exceptional features, Orient succeeded in capturing our hearts, allowing us to experience the allure of an elaborate timepiece without compromising our financial comfort.

History of Orient

Orient’s tale begins in 1901 when a visionary named Shogoro Yoshida opened a wholesale shop called “Yoshida Watch Shop” in Ueno, Taito, in Tokyo, Japan. Yoshida swiftly gained success by offering imported pocket watches of unparalleled quality.

Embracing the spirit of entrepreneurship, Yoshida expanded his horizons in 1912 by venturing into producing gold wristwatch cases. This move laid the foundation for his future endeavors and marked the birth of a legacy that would withstand the test of time.

The year 1936 witnessed the establishment of the Hino factory in Tokyo, Japan, becoming the beating heart of Tokyo Tokei Manufacturing’s operations. This facility became a hotbed of innovation and craftsmanship, propelling the company forward for years to come.

However, the turbulent aftermath of World War II brought about economic devastation, leading to Tokyo Tokei Manufacturing’s unfortunate closure in 1949. Yet, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Yoshida’s spirit and dedication to watchmaking could not be extinguished. 

In 1950, he breathed new life into his wristwatch manufacturing enterprise, rebranding it as Tama Keiki Company, which carried on the legacy at the hallowed Hino factory.

It was in 1951 that Tama Keiki Company underwent a profound transformation, emerging with a new identity, Orient Watch Company, Limited. The release of the first Orient Star that same year elevated the brand to new heights, captivating watch enthusiasts with its elegant design and impeccable precision.

As the years unfolded, Orient Watch Company continued to make its mark on the horological landscape. The brand’s commitment to excellence manifested in remarkable timepieces that captured the imagination of collectors and enthusiasts alike. 

The “Dynamic” in 1956, the “Grand Prix 100” in 1964, the “Fineness” in 1967 (hailed as the world’s thinnest automatic wristwatch with a day and date calendar function for its time), and the “Tenbeat” in 1970 all showcased Orient’s unwavering pursuit of horological mastery. 

In the following years, Orient continued to innovate and released various notable models, including the Orient Multi-Year Calendar, which featured a unique calendar function that displayed the day, date, and month accurately.

The new millennium also ushered in fresh chapters for Orient watches. In 2003, the Orient Technical Center (OTC) was founded and was used as a hub of innovation where timepieces were meticulously assembled. This marked a testament to Orient’s dedication to combining traditional craftsmanship with modern advancements.

In 2004, Orient’s quest for precision reached new heights with the introduction of the high-precision caliber 88700 movements in the Royal Orient watch line. The fusion of artistry and technology continued in 2005 with the launch of the Orient Star Retro-Future collection, captivating watch enthusiasts with its distinctive aesthetic.

As the brand celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2010, Orient Watch Co. commemorated this momentous occasion with a limited edition model, a testament to the enduring legacy and craftsmanship that Orient watches symbolize. 

Throughout its journey, Orient has remained committed to producing timepieces that exemplify the perfect balance between traditional watchmaking techniques and modern innovation.

In 2001, a significant development took place when Seiko Epson, one of the core companies of the esteemed Seiko Group, became the majority shareholder, acquiring 52% of Orient Watch Company. 

This strategic partnership not only brought Orient Watches under the umbrella of a renowned watchmaking conglomerate but also paved the way for further growth and expansion.

Orient Watch Company evolved into a wholly owned subsidiary of Epson in 2009. With the transfer of the business to Epson, the company continues to flourish, drawing on its rich heritage while embracing new opportunities and technologies.

In recent years, Orient has expanded its presence in the global market. The brand has gained recognition for its diverse collection of watches, including dress, sports, and dive watches. Orient continues to focus on in-house movements and offers a wide range of automatic and mechanical timepieces.

Orient Sun and Moon: In-Depth Guide

The Orient Sun and Moon is a watch that is too elegant to be ignored. Its style is undeniably captivating. However, I’ll be the first to admit that the majority of the timepiece here are not for subtlety, but friend, why wouldn’t you want to show off? 

Particularly with such a polished case, texture dial, comfortable strap, and sapphire crystal, allow me to unravel the world of the Sun and Moon series in the following categories.

Case

From yellow and rose gold-plated variants to plain stainless steel and two-tone editions, Orient Sun and Moon watches were crafted for fashion-conscious enthusiasts. The first generation of watches (launched back in 2007), were presented in stainless steel or gold-plated cases with a diameter of 41.5mm without the crown, and a thickness of 13.29mm. 

The subsequent generations go up in size and thickness until the Sun and Moon Contemporary. Apart from the “Petite” models, all the cases have a sporty edge because of their thickness, adding to the versatility of the watch. At the same time, the timepiece is slim enough to slide under a cuff without any issues. 

The cases are completely polished to give the watch an elegant look, and the lugs are rectangular with an interesting ”step-down” design. There’s a moderately-sized push-pull crown at 3 o’clock with the Orient logo on it.

Bezel

From the onset, the Sun and Moon references came with a thin, sleek bezel that allowed for a larger and more prominent display. This feature has not changed to date. If you’re wondering what the heck a bezel is, it’s the narrow border or frame surrounding the display area of a watch.

The slim bezel of the Sun and Moon watch is ideal because it provides a more immersive viewing experience and a modern, elegant aesthetic. By reducing the bezel width, more space is allocated to the actual Sun and Moon display, resulting in a larger, more legible watch face. 

This is particularly advantageous for a decorative watch such as this as it allows for better readability of the Sun and Moon’s interactive elements.

Crystal

Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the current reference of the Sun and Moon series from the front. Sapphire crystal is the second hardest material on Earth, right after diamond, and is considerably harder than other common watches crystal materials like mineral glass or acrylic. 

It is highly valued for its exceptional hardness and scratch resistance, making it highly resistant to everyday wear and tear. It is also more expensive than other traditional watch glass materials and is often reserved for high-end watches.

On the Orient Sun and Moon, the sapphire crystal provides excellent protection to the watch face, preserving its clarity and preventing scratches from occurring. It also offers a level of transparency, allowing for clear visibility of the dial and hands.

Dial & Hands

The specific design elements, colors, and details of the Orient Sun and Moon dial can vary depending on the model and edition.

Orient has introduced various dial variations throughout the years, catering to different tastes and preferences while maintaining the mesmerizing elements that define the series’s character.

Across all the references, what unites each watch is the presence of a day/night indicator. So all the dials display a moon when it is night and a sun to represent the day – hence the name “Sun and Moon.”

Depending on the generation, the sunburst dials come in either white, black, blue, champagne, or gold color, with baton-style, Roman or Arabic hour markers, and dauphine-style or leaf-shaped hands. The hands are always in bold colors, too, like royal blue, gold, silver, or black. 

Movement

Throughout their brief lifespan, the Orient Sun and Moon watches have utilized different movements. From the Orient Caliber 46B46 that powered the first generation of watches to the caliber F6L24 and caliber F6B24 in the Open Heart and Contemporary models, respectively, the brand has shown commitment to improving the line’s appeal.

The upgraded movements hacks, hand-winds, and has a quickset date which the Caliber 46B46 lacked. Apart from these mechanical in-house calibers from Orient, which powers most of the watches, there are also smaller quartz-powered timepieces in the Sun and Moon Petite model with superlative accuracy. 

Strap

Again the Sun and Moon watch offers different strap options depending on the reference and generation. The most common and traditional strap associated with this series is a black or brown embossed leather strap with a push-button buckle deployment clasp. 

Price & Availability

Prices vary and range from about $220 to $550 for a new piece, with more recent versions commanding a higher price tag. Orient Sun and Moon watches are typically available through authorized Orient retailers worldwide. Additionally, Orient operates its boutiques in various cities, and you can explore and purchase their timepieces online. 

However, it’s worth noting that some limited editions or special models may have restricted availability and could be subject to waiting lists or allocation procedures. The Orient Sun and Moon 65th Anniversary Limited Edition, for instance, had a production run of only 3,000 pieces under the Ref. SET0T005Y.

Orient Sun & Moon Generations & Models

Orient is respected as one of the few fully integrated watchmakers from Asia. The brand designs and develops its movements using leading-edge technology. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out just why Orient watches are becoming so enduringly popular. 

They provide exquisite style and meticulous timekeeping and are affordable. Did I mention they are also unfailingly durable? No matter which version of the Orient Sun and Moon watch you choose, you can be sure of superlative quality. 

However, only recent releases combine resplendence with the brand’s demonstrated savoir-faire, as upgrades were necessary to meet today’s standards. The many dress watches of the Sun and Moon series can also make identifying the right one a difficult process. 

With multiple generations, a range of dial colors, and strap options, this guide can help you navigate through the manifold world of the Orient Sun and Moon generations and models.

Orient Sun & Moon Generation 1

Despite a rich history of creating high-quality timepieces under its belt, Orient watches were pretty much unknown until the early 2000s when the brand enjoyed an upsurge. 

The first version or generation of the Orient Sun & Moon is exactly what it seems; the earliest in order. It represents the early simple days of dress watches and is reported to have been launched in 2007.

Orient’s struggle to leave its mark in the Horological world and claim its spot in the ascendancy can be identified in this first generation which bears the undeniable marks of a transitional period. 

The case of the first version is a strong medium-sized piece of stainless steel that measures 41.5mm across and has a thickness of around 13.29mm. Quite similar in look to the current Sun and Moon generations we know now, the round steel case has a thin sloping bezel and a comfortably short lug-to-lug distance.

The case size is the smallest of all the generations but, in my opinion, is the most suitable for an elegant and comfortable dress watch. The undeniable charm of the models in the first generation owes a lot to the dial. 

The look is classic, tastefully designed, and consistent across all the references, with baton-style markers that cut out into the chapter ring. Only this first generation has a rectangular date window cutout at the six o’clock position.

The sub-dials dedicated to the sun and moon and day indications overlap each other obliquely at the upper half of the dial. The layout is classic, clean, and balanced, so the models of this version are perfectly legible. 

You should note, however, that the dial does not contain any luminescent material. If, like me,  you’re not fond of lumed dress watches, this is a plus. The hour markers are thicker than the ones in other generations, and the dauphine-style hands are bulky and come in different bold colors ranging from royal blue, gold, silver, and black, depending on the case and dial. 

The Ref. FETOP001W, for instance, has gold hands to match the dial and case. Powering the models in the first generation is the Caliber 46B46. It is a self-winding movement that does not hack or have a quickset date feature.

Orient Sun & Moon Generation 2

The second generation of the Orient Sun & Moon collection is reported to have been launched in 2012. From this point on, we begin to see a more consistent look which evolved only slightly to give us the contemporary look we know today. Unlike its predecessor, this version features Roman numerals and no bar hour markers anymore.

The sporty edge of the first generation is done away with completely, as the use of Roman numerals on the models here creates a sense of refinement and elegance, harking back to a bygone era. The dial is also presented in a more decorative manner, with intricate typography and embellishments, further enhancing the classic aesthetic.

The date window now lies between 7 and 8 and no longer 6 o’clock, replacing the original position of the signature. Again the looks and specs of the automatic dress watch have changed to fit into the trendy lifestyles of customers who want timepieces that combine refined elegance with superior quality. 

The watch now comes in a 42.5mm stainless steel case, which is water-resistant to 50 meters, and comes on a leather strap (irrespective of which reference you choose). The models also include gold-plated editions with a brown or champagne dial. For instance, the Ref. ET0T001W features a gold-plated case with a white dial.

The case’s thickness has also increased a bit from 13.29mm to 14.1mm and is great for wearers who appreciate the substantial presence and weight of a thicker watch on their wrist. It’s not too thick; it’s just bold with a robust appearance. It’s an excellent watch on the wrist, with good proportions.

For the first time, a reflective blue dial version is made available. The sub-dial arrangement is the same as the first generation, but more texture has been added, enhancing the overall aesthetic allure. 

The hands are now leaf-shaped and not dauphine-style anymore, and the movement has been changed from the Caliber 46B46 to the Orient Caliber 46B40. 

I don’t consider this very much of an ‘upgrade’ since the new movement still doesn’t hack or hand-wind. Yet again, there’s no quick date wheel, so unless you’re a hardcore collector who is passionate about hunting out elusive models, I don’t recommend buying the first or second generation of the Orient Sun and Moon.

Orient Sun & Moon Generation 3

The second generation infiltrated the watch market until half a decade after its release when Orient decided to bring on a different package for the next generation of the Sun and Moon watch. Little tweaks and improvements separate the Orient Sun and Moon generation 3 from generation 2, as the formula is pretty much the same.

Both feature a 42.5mm stainless steel case, use Roman numerals, have a depth rating of 50 meters, and are available in the same color palettes. Some of the models here are also gold-plated for an elegant feel like those of the second generation. For instance, the Ref. RN-AS0004L and Ref. AK00001Y come in a gold-plated stainless steel case.

The main tweak is found in the movement, as watches in the third generation of the Sun and Moon series get their power from the in-house Caliber F6B24. Finally, we get a movement that allows the wearer to hand-wind it for adjustments, and we also get a quick-set function for the date.

The date indicator has maintained its position between 7 and 8, but the Sun and Moon complication has been adjusted to the bottom right. So, the day/night indicator is now at 5 o’clock, while the day display now lies between 9 and 11 o’clock. 

The case is still thicker than you would expect for a dress watch (at 14.1mm), but this provides better protection for the internal components and makes the watch more resistant to shocks and impacts. 

The watches here are unique because this collection has something for everyone. No surprise that it’s a continual best-seller even after new models come on board. It requires an investment of roughly $300. 

Orient Sun & Moon Generation 4

Orient seems to have an ongoing relationship with the Sun & Moon. The commitment to continually improve the fantastic value-for-money dress watches of the Sun and Moon series is commendable.

Generation 4 of the Orient Sun & Moon series is identical to Generation 3 to a great extent, except for the use of Breguet Arabic numerals and not Roman numerals. It is also more enhanced than the first generation and does not use baton indexes at all.

The case is completely satin-brushed, giving the watch a more refined look than its predecessors. The dial texturing has been replaced with a pristine, smooth satin surface that reflects the light beautifully. The blued-steel leaf-shaped minute and hour hands enliven the dial while contrasting beautifully with the background for enhanced legibility.

Tastes and styles have evolved, and Orient demonstrates its style-conscious capabilities by honing the aesthetics of this high-quality dress watch to meet today’s standards. The fourth generation remains an effortlessly chic dress watch that looks absolutely stunning. 

Orient Sun & Moon Open Heart

An open-heart timepiece reveals its inner workings through a small window on the dial. The balance wheel rotates back and forth, driving the hands as it does, so it is visible through this window. Some people are fascinated by the inner workings of a watch and wish to see their timing devices tick. 

Orient has allowed such ones to admire the movement within without sacrificing the aesthetics of the Sun & Moon watch design. The diameter of the polished stainless steel case of this lineup is around 42mm, and the thickness is 14 mm. The open-heart design on the dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, making it more resistant to scratches. 

It is called open-heart because the balance wheel serves as the “heart” of the watch, and it takes the place of the day indication, so all that can be seen now is a heart that reveals a bit of the caliber. Owners of this timepiece can look deeper and view the mechanics of the automatic caliber F6L24 which offers hacking and hand-winding options and has a power reserve of 40 hours.

There is a variant with a metal bracelet and black dial, another with yellow-gold elements under the reference number RA-AS0001S and the most elegant option, which features a white dial and black leather strap. If you’ve been wondering just how a mechanical watch works, this piece will help you understand.

 Orient Sun & Moon Contemporary

The Sun & Moon Contemporary was dubbed a re-edition of the first generation. But what it looks like is a sleek package with all of the best features from the first generation to the fifth. So, feel free to call it the amalgamation of the Sun & Moon. 

Like the first generation, the watches here use indices to mark the hours. But, the day/night indicator is not positioned at the upper half of the dial but at 5 o’clock, as seen in Generation 3 and 4. The subdial for the day display takes a fitting position on the top left of the dial’s quadrant between 9 and 11 o’clock. 

There’s a date aperture at 3 o’clock, which is a small neat rectangular cutout that can only display a single numeral. The Ref. RA-AK0301S features a white dial with gold-plated indices, while the Ref. RA-AK0302B and Ref. RA-AK0304B features blue and black dials, respectively.

The stainless steel case of the Sun & Moon Contemporary measures 41.5mm in diameter, making it a bit slimmer than the generations 2, 3, and 4. It is water-resistant to 50 meters and is powered by the Orient Caliber F6B24.

Orient Sun & Moon Petite

The Orient Sun & Moon Petite is the ultimate understated and stylish dress watch to elevate your style around the clock. Labeled and billed as a woman’s watch, I think this Petite model is also perfectly suited for men who have smaller wrists. The regular line is already crowded with timepieces that are too large for many men, so this is a welcome addition.

The case measures 34.8mm in diameter, and the thickness is now 8.7mm. You’d think the entire design of the Sun and Moon package would be condensed into a smaller dial making it crowded; however, the dial is pretty much uncluttered. It flawlessly maintains the symmetrical sub-register layout with the date at 3 o’clock, the sun and moon indication at 6 o’clock, and the day at 9 o’clock. 

None of the indications overlap, and Roman numeral hour markers are featured throughout the references. The 8.7mm thick case size is possible because of the Japanese quartz caliber KUE00 that powers the watch. Each timepiece comes fitted with a comfortable leather strap and a matching deployant clasp.

Should You Buy an Orient Sun & Moon Watch?

I get it. We don’t necessarily need to look at our watches before we discover the status of the sun and the moon. Maybe only a handful of enthusiasts who have some experience with the midnight sun or polar night will find this feature tremendously helpful. 

But if, like me, you’re not in that category and are wondering if you should buy an Orient Sun & Moon watch? Yes, you should, my friend, you definitely should. There are several compelling reasons to consider buying the Orient Sun and Moon watch. 

Here are some key points that make it a popular choice:

• Heritage and Reputation: While Orient may not have the same level of mainstream recognition as some luxury Swiss watch brands, they have a strong following among watch enthusiasts who appreciate the brand’s commitment to quality and affordability. 

In recent years, the Japanese watch manufacturer has been gaining more attention and popularity in the watch community as people recognize the value they offer compared to other brands in the market.

• Diverse Range of Designs: Orient offers a wide variety of watch styles, ranging from classic and elegant to sporty and modern. 

Whether you prefer a traditional mechanical watch or a modern quartz watch, the Sun and Moon series has a model to suit your taste. 

• Affordable Luxury: The watches in the Sun and Moon series offer excellent value for money. While they may not have the same price tags as some luxury Swiss watches with the same offerings, the timepieces here provide exceptional craftsmanship and functionality at a more accessible price point. 

This affordability makes it an attractive option for both watch enthusiasts and casual buyers.

• Automatic in-house calibers: Orient has shown a strong commitment to technological advancements. The brand is among the few watch manufacturers from Japan to manufacture its movements in-house. The movements powering the Sun and Moon timepieces are reliable and affordable.

• Quality Materials and Durability: The Orient Sun and Moon series is home to watches crafted with high-quality materials, including stainless steel, sapphire crystals, and premium leather. 

This attention to materials contributes to the durability and longevity of the timepieces in this line. Every one of them is built to withstand daily wear and offer reliable performance for years to come.

• Masterful styling with intuitive fashion appeal: Apart from the fact that it is so exhilarating to watch the sun and moon circle on your wrist,  the watches in this series represent true elegance.

Orient’s careful attention to detail and their desire to continuously convey a pleasing allure is visible in every generation. The Orient Sun and Moon watch is the ideal accessory for your collection, fitting for use at the office as well as in casual settings.

Alternatives to the Orient Sun & Moon

If you are enthralled by the celestial appeal of the Orient Sun & Moon watch but desire something more luxurious with a real moon phase complication, there are several great options at different price points.

Now this is not to say that the Orient Sun and Moon series is a default option and not to say they are the poor man’s choice. By all means, the Sun and Moon models are not to be seen as watches for the ‘unprosperous’. 

We all know that wearing a timepiece with a rotating disc or sub-dial depicting the moon’s phases can be both elegant and mesmerizing, making the watch a work of art on your wrist.

Moon phase complications have a long history in watchmaking and are considered one of the most romantic and poetic complications. They date back to the 17th century when watchmakers started incorporating them into timepieces.

The moon has captivated humanity for centuries and is associated with various emotions, moods, and cultural symbolism. Its ever-changing phases represent the cyclical nature of life, the passage of time, and even romance. Wearing a moon phase watch can evoke a sense of wonder, nostalgia, and appreciation for the natural world.

That being said, it’s not a bad thing to desire something more luxurious, sophisticated, and absolutely stunning. Let’s delve in.

Oris Artelier Moonphase (ref. 01 781 7729 4031-07 5 21 65FC)

Oris is one of a small handful of Swiss watch brands known globally for its expertly crafted mechanical watches at affordable prices. The Artelier might not be as popular as the Aquis or the hyped Divers Sixty-Five, but the elegance of this reference just goes to show how much we need to start paying attention to the Artelier range.

The Artelier Moonphase has a classical design with a round stainless steel case that measures 40.5mm, which has slim, tapered lugs, as well as a clean bezel. The watch features a moon phase complication, which is a display that shows the current phase of the moon. 

This complication adds a touch of sophistication and romance to the watch, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate traditional watchmaking and celestial aesthetics. The moon phase indication is positioned at 12′, the date at 9′, the day at 3′, and a second timezone display at 6′.

The silver dial features a guilloché-like pattern with rose gold-plated indexes and luminescent hands to match the case. Expect to spend $2,350 for a new piece.

Longines 1832 (ref. L4.826.4.92.2)

Located in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, Longines is famous for creating the very first chronograph movement designed for a wristwatch, the ‘13.33Z’. The 1832 collection features classic and elegant timepieces that embody the brand’s rich heritage and craftsmanship. 

The Ref. L4.826.4.92.2 further reflects the collection’s ethos, showcasing refined aesthetics and reliable performance. “1832” pays homage to the year when Longines was founded in Saint-Imier, Switzerland so this is a very significant timepiece.

The watch clearly has a strong vintage spirit, but its technicalities are contemporary. The finely polished case measures 40mm in diameter with a thickness of 12.30 mm. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal has multiple layers of anti-reflective coating on the inner side. 

The beige dial features a moon-phase subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock with a date disc at its border, completing the functionality of the watch. The watch is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement; the Caliber L899 with a power reserve of up to 72 hours. It retails for $2,812 on the brand’s website.

Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Manufacture (ref. FC-705S4S6)

Founded by a group of independent entrepreneurs in 1988, Frederique Constant is a Swiss brand famous for its high-quality classical watches at intimidating prices. The Slimline Moonphase Manufacture combines a classic design, precise mechanical movement, and a functional moon phase complication. 

If you’re looking for a modern dress watch that is a classique amongst the classics, this refined timepiece with an expensive look is just what you need. The Ref. FC-705S4S6 applies the laid down codes of traditional vintage dress watches in combination with contemporary elements. The watch is presented in a smooth and round stainless steel case that measures 42mm across and has a thickness of 11.3mm.

The combination of silver-applied indexes and a discreetly brushed white dial with a sun-ray pattern gives off a rich palette that you can’t fail to notice. Encircling the moon phase indication at 6 o’clock is the date pointed by a small, sleek hand. The watch is powered by the in-house caliber FC-705 and retails for $6,295.

Omega Speedmaster Moonphase (ref. 304.33.44.52.03.001)

Every horological talk about the moon always reminds me of OMEGA. When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped onto the lunar surface, Buzz Aldrin’s Speedmaster ST 105.012 became the first watch ever worn on the moon.

That was the deed that solidified the Speedmaster’s status as one of the greatest watches in history. The Ref. 304.33.44.52.03.001 is one of the best interpretations of a classic moon phase watch that is so spectacularly beautiful it will make your heart skip a beat.

The watch takes the spirit of exploration into untold heights of beauty with its 44.25 mm stainless steel case complemented by a blue ceramic bezel ring with Liquidmetal®. The Liquidmetal alloy is an amorphous metal three times harder than stainless steel.

The enchanting blue dial features highly contrasting luminous markers with a breathtaking moon phase indication at 6 o’clock. The watch is also certified by METAS as a Master Chronometer, thanks to the impressive Caliber 9904 ticking underneath the hood. It retails for approximately $9,000.

Breguet Classique 7787 (ref. 7787BR/12/9V6)

Breguet is the undisputed master of fine watchmaking complications. In case you didn’t know, the Swiss Marque invented the tourbillon. Not only was the brand held in high regard in all the Royal courts of Europe, but it also revolutionized the art of watchmaking. The Classique 7787 Ref. 7787BR/12/9V6 carries on the prestigious history and legacy of Breguet with its classic and timeless design. 

The watch is inspired by the Breguet Nº5, an antique pocket watch with captivating features. Classic features such as the iconic coin-edge case, blue Breguet-style hands, and a fine “grand feu” enamel sets this timepiece way ahead of others in the same caste.

The display of the dial is intentionally unbalanced as Abraham-Louis Breguet (the founder and designer of the Breguet Nº5) intended it to be legible and functional in the best possible way. The watch is encased in a 39mm 18k white gold with a delicately fluted case band and sapphire crystal case back. 

The poetic moon phase indication is placed at 12′, and the watch is powered by the caliber 591DR with a power reserve of 38 hours.

Conclusion

So there you have it, pretty much everything you should know about the Orient Sun & Moon watch. With all of this said, nothing more can be added except the fact that the Orient Sun and Moon series combines high fashion with utility and should be added to your collection. The durability, modest price tag, and unobtrusive and elegant dial make it a perfect budget-friendly dress watch.