Buying Guide – Our Top 10 Moon Phase Watches for Women
The Moon phase function is the simplest and most prevalent astronomical complication. It is also one of the most attractive and bewitching of complications, a reminder of the beauty and mystery of our neighbouring satellite. Considered more of an aesthetic choice than a complication of intrinsic utility, moon phase watches have become a perennial favourite with their miniature recreations of the different phases of the Moon displayed in an aperture on the dial. So, take a look at our A-V Top Ten moon phase models and get ready to be moonstruck by their beauty – both superficial and mechanical – and in some cases, by their astronomical prices!
Editor’s note: A couple of days ago I announced that Sotheby’s would be auctioning 44 watches from the collection of the late great Robin Williams. And from the response it received — and in my own observations — it seems that a few of the estimates were a little modest. So just how much is the celeb factor worth? I thought I’d take us back to this one by our own numbers man, Mr Daniel Senia. And help shed some more light on the subject. One final note: We ran this story just before Russell Crowe’s ‘Art of Divorce’ auction. Here’s how his watches performed. The power of ‘celebrity’ is not a new concept. As far back as the ancient pharaohs, celebrities have been put on a pedestal (sometimes literally) and we’ve obsessed into the lives of the powerful, the wealthy and the beautiful. These days, technology puts the beautiful people at our fingertips, and this all-access, always-on, microscope into famous lives continues to fuel the celebrity fire. And that desire for fame through association is at its strongest when it comes to celebrity-owned objects. Tonight, Russell Crowe will auction off a collection of movie memorabilia, jewellery and watches at Sotheby’s in…
I think we’ve all found ourselves in a similar situation. You’re at a BBQ, surrounded by friends and family, and everything is going great. The food is good, the drinks are cold, and the stereo is pumping out banger after banger, like it was playing straight from your Spotify playlist. While all around you the conversations are flowing and everyone is happily mingling. Next thing you find yourself chatting to a friend of a friend who you’ve heard of but never actually met. And they’ve just found out that you’re a watch guy. “So, you’re into watches, huh … how many do you have?” And that instant feeling rushes over you. You know the one. It’s kind of like when you’re on a date and they ask that other inevitable “number of” question. And even though you knew it would come eventually, you’re still put on the spot and have to suddenly do the quick math in your head and remember if you’re supposed to divide or multiply the actual number by three. Well, just like me in that situation, there’s really no correct answer. But I always try my best to gauge the type of response my interrogator wants…
Since its introduction in 2014, Hublot’s Spirit of Big Bang collection has quietly been gaining momentum. The tonneau-shaped case sacrifices none of the immediate impact that Hublot is famous for, but shapes it into a more wrist-hugging form. And while the line is — as you’d expect from Hublot — full of options, this smaller, 42mm Spirit of Big Bang King Gold Blue is a real standout. The case is stunning, with the blue details providing a perfect foil to the richness of the red gold, while the smaller size makes for a watch that you could legitimately wear in more formal settings. It’s attention-seeking, but not in the same way as the Sapphire Rainbow, or one of their bright ceramic pieces, like the Red Magic. If you like the Hublot aesthetic, and are looking for a gold power watch that won’t overwhelm, this is a very solid option. Hublot Spirit of Big Bang King Gold Blue Australian pricing Hublot Spirit of Big Bang King Gold Blue, $52,700
