The moon phase complication tracks the moon’s current phase during the lunar cycle. The complication gives the watch wearer a visual indicator of a quarter, half, full or new moon.

The moon phase has become one of the sought after complications by many a watch enthusiast. The appeal of the moon phase amongst its admirers comes from a variety of reasons.

Some are drawn by the technical dexterity involved, others profess the beauty it showcases while others are bound by the efficacy the moon phase offers. The duration of a complete change from new moon to new moon is 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 3 seconds.

For this complication, a revolving disc is utilized. The disc moves while illustrating the moon in its different cycles. You will have a view of the moon phase the same way it would appear in the skyline from an Earthly viewpoint.

The corresponding phase of the moon can be viewed through an aperture. The revolving disc has illustrative images of the phases of the moon. As the moon drifts across the night-time sky so do its corresponding images move across the aperture on your timepiece.

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Moon Phase Location & Design

The moon phase complication display is indeed beautiful to look at. The display comes in different forms in various watches and timepiece brands. More often than not, moon phase displays are vibrant and bright in color. This gives the dial of the particular timepiece that unique burst of color.

However, some timepieces go for the subdued approach. In some watch brands, the moon phase indicator is designed to blend in with the color of the dial. Moreover, the positioning of the moon phase complication has today become the reserve of the watch designers. The most popular six o’clock position is no longer the rule.