I finally got my Timex x Noah Moonphase

New ReleaseReview

27 Jun

I pre-ordered this watch in November 2024, back when the nights were longer, the rain was sideways, and I was fully convinced that a tasteful moonphase on my wrist would make me a more mysterious, elegant man.

Now, after seven long months and several “just around the corner” updates from Noah HQ, the Timex x Noah Moonphase with the brown leather strap has finally landed on my doorstep. Was it worth the wait? Let’s take a look.

First Impressions: Class in a Case

Slide open the box and there it is: gold-toned, vintage vibes, and frankly better looking in real life than the press pics. The rectangular case is elegantly stepped, sitting somewhere between a Cartier Tank on a gap year and a mid-century sketchbook doodle of “what a fancy watch should look like.”

And that chocolatey croc-embossed strap? Very “Cambridge professor on his day off” energy — no notes.

What’s Going On Under the Dial?

Let’s break down what makes this thing tick (and tick it does — it’s quartz):

Moonphase display: Not just decorative — it actually tracks the lunar cycle. Is it useful? Not in any practical sense. Is it poetic? Absolutely.
Date window at 6 o’clock: Subtle, not shouty. A classy little bonus that stops it being just a pretty face.
Roman numerals & blackened gold hands: So classic it could recite Latin declensions.
37mm x 25mm gold-tone case: It wears very small for my 7 inch wrist. Bordering on a women’s watch.
Mineral crystal: No sapphire, but also not a scratch magnet if you’re not reckless.
50m water resistance: Technically splash-friendly, but I wouldn’t wear it kayaking.
Japanese quartz movement: Solid, reliable, and keeps you on time — even if the moon does its own thing.

Design Notes: Tank, but Make It Noah

Let’s be honest: the design owes a cheeky nod to the Cartier Tank. But this one’s been run through the Noah filter — it’s chunkier, more playful, and sits comfortably between heritage and hype. This isn’t a watch that takes itself too seriously. It’s self-aware. It knows you bought it for the moon.

Also, the strap: proper grown-up stuff. The warm brown gives it that vintage bookshop feel, and it softens up quickly. No blistered wrists here.

What It Cost (and Why I Don’t Regret It)

Price tag? £212 at launch including delivery. For that, you’re getting:

A moonphase that actually works
A heritage-cool case design
Streetwear pedigree (Noah doesn’t mess about)
Something you won’t see on everyone’s wrist

The value here is genuinely brilliant — no flipper tax needed (unless you slept on pre-orders, in which case: I feel for you).

Final Thoughts

Having finally worn this around for a few days, I can confirm:

It goes with everything. Suit? Yes. Oversized jumper and Docs? Also yes.
I’ve checked the moonphase more than I care to admit. (It’s not just me, right?)
It makes you feel a bit more put-together, even when you’re running late for the bus.

Final Score: 7.5 / 10

Why not higher? Well, no sapphire crystal, and for me it’s just too small for the average men’s wrist. It look likes a ladies watch on my wrist and I know that it will be for sale on eBay or StockX any day now. It’s a real shame as it’s quite the looker. It has also confirmed that when I do take the plunge on a Cartier Tank, it will be the XL that I choose.