Moonphase complications are by their very nature, a niche function. The phases of the moon have very little impact on our day to day lives and while the moon used to be an important tool in early timekeeping, it is largely redundant in a world governed by the Gregorian calendar. As such, it’s often a decorative complication that demonstrates a watch brand’s horological prowess rather than being a practical inclusion. Consequently, aesthetics are a significant factor in their design and the new Orient Star M45 F7 Mechanical Moon Phase is the perfect example of that.
This wristwatch was first teased earlier this year but goes on sale this Friday, July 26. It’s a really cool 41mm piece with a steel case featuring black plating that gives it a dark appearance. That darkness is matched by a grey gradient dial with a grainy texture that reminds me of the surface of the moon. Omega’s Dark Side of the Moon has a similar design.
However, technically the Orient Star’s dial isn’t a representation of our closest celestial neighbour. As the name M45 indicates, it’s inspired by the M45 star cluster, better known as the Pleiades or Seven Sisters. Meaning the gradient surface of the watch – achieved through a special painting technique involving a uniquely-formulated paint applied with a gradation machine followed by a thick, clear coating – could be interpreted to represent the wide star field of the cluster as opposed to the surface of the moon. Regardless of if interpret it as the moon or the stars, it is stunning.
Completing the dark display are the black Roman numerals, grey hands, power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock and monochromatic moonphase and pointer date subdial at 6 o’clock. It’s a relatively understated display but every element has been thought through carefully with just the right amount of detail to make it visually interesting.
Housed inside the Orient Star M45 F7 Mechanical Moon Phase is the in-house automatic movement F7M65. It’s a really solid movement with a 50-hour power reserve and an accuracy of +15/-5 seconds per day. It’s also fairly thin, allowing the watch the have a total thickness of 13.8mm, which is perfectly respectable.
It’s a limited edition of 120 pieces and is presented on a Cordovan leather strap. There is also a crocodile leather strap edition exclusive to Orient’s prestige boutiques in Japan. It’s priced at £2,199.99 and is available from Orient UK from July 26. For a cool moonphase watch with an interesting dial, that feels like a winner.
Price and Specs:
More details at Orient Star.
