Top 10 Best Moonphase Watches Under £2,500
A little slice of the cosmos… on your wrist.
There’s something undeniably poetic about a moonphase watch. While most complications are all business—chronographs, GMTs, date windows, the moonphase is pure romance. It doesn’t care what time your meeting is. It just wants you to know the moon is waxing gibbous tonight.
And you don’t need to splash £10k on a Patek to enjoy one. Here are 10 of the best moonphase watches under £2,500, combining style, quality and just the right amount of celestial drama.
Credit - Christopher Ward
1. Christopher Ward C1 Moonglow
£2150
This one’s a showstopper. The C1 Moonglow isn’t just a moonphase, it’s a moon theatre. The glowing 3D moons orbit a smoked sapphire dial, and at night, the lume really puts on a show. All this, wrapped in a 40.5mm Swiss-made package.
Why it shines:
Looks like it costs three times the price. Lume game: outrageous.
Credit - Maen
2. Maen Lunar Classic 36 Moonphase
£825
The Maen Lunar proves that you can have tasteful moonphase design without a ridiculous price tag. This microbrand blends Scandi minimalism with classic styling in a perfectly sized 38mm case. It’s slim, subtle, and unashamedly stylish.
Why it shines:
Moonphase meets mid-century modern. An everyday piece with cosmic flair.
Credit - Frederique Constant
3. Frederique Constant Moneta Moonphase
£995
The Classics Moneta Moonphase is small in size but big on charm. At 37mm, it’s the wristwear equivalent of a well-tailored blazer—sharp, classic, and never trying too hard. The moonphase at 6 o’clock adds just the right amount of cosmic flair, while the inner bezel’s fluted coin-edge detail gives a cheeky nod to its Roman namesake. Think of it as your very own time-travelling drachma, minus the toga.
Why it shines:
True Swiss watchmaking, refined and reasonably priced.
Credit - Swatch
4. Swatch x Omega MoonSwatch – Mission to the Moonphase
£270
Yes, it’s plastic. Yes, it’s quartz. And yes—it has a moonphase Snoopy. The MoonSwatch Moonphase is pure fun, and you either get it or you don’t. Either way, it’s sold out everywhere, so you’ll probably need to channel your inner horological bounty hunter.
Why it shines:
A playful nod to moon heritage. Also: Snoopy.
Credit - Certina
5. Certina DS-8 Moonphase Chronograph
£850
For the spec nerds out there: this is a COSC-certified quartz moonphase that’s built like a tank and looks like a tuxedo. The DS-8 Moonphase has a clean, modern dial, robust build and unbeatable accuracy. Not every moonphase needs to be delicate.
Why it shines:
Chronometer-rated moonphase under a grand? Yes, please.
Credit - Loresum
6. Loresum LS04 Moonphase
£850
Loresum’s moonphase execution is stunning in its restraint. Think: Bauhaus minimalism meets astronomical complication. The moonphase display is crisp, the dial clean, and the whole thing feels like it should be in the Design Museum.
Why it shines:
Design-led and different. A moonphase for architecture nerds.
Credit - Longines
7. Longines Master Collection Moonphase
£2450
A beautifully crafted moonphase with a notoriously well made self made mechanism, crisp black face with contrasting markers and hands, there’s not much not to like from this 40mm beauty.
Why it shines:
Timeless styling from a heritage Swiss name.
Credit - Orient
8. Orient Star Mechanical Moonphase
£1670
One for the Japanophiles. The Orient Star Moonphase is an automatic stunner, complete with power reserve, date subdial and a gorgeous layered dial design. It’s hard to find in the UK, but if you can get one—it’s worth the hunt.
Why it shines:
Eastern elegance and impressive complications under £1k.
Credit - Citizen
9. Citizen Tsuki-Yomi Radio-Controlled Moonphase
£699
The name sounds like a mythological moon god—and to be fair, it kind of is. The Citizen Tsuki-Yomi blends cutting-edge radio-controlled accuracy with a dreamy moonphase dial and Japanese craftsmanship. Powered by light (thanks to Eco-Drive) and always on time (thanks to atomic sync), it’s a watch that’s basically smarter than your phone—and definitely better looking.
Why it shines:
Tech-savvy, low-maintenance, and stylish enough to moonlight at dinner parties.
Credit - Tissot
10. Tissot Le Locle Moonphase
£340
The Carson Premium Moonphase is your go-to if you like your watches with just the right amount of tuxedo energy. At 40mm, it wears confidently but keeps things classy—like a well-mannered dinner guest who knows which fork to use and how to mix a decent Negroni. The moonphase complication at 6 o’clock adds a touch of celestial charm, while the quartz movement keeps things ticking along with zero fuss.
Why it shines:
Swiss styling, everyday practicality, and just enough moon magic to make you check your wrist for reasons other than the time.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an astrology addict, a design devotee or just want an excuse to check your wrist more often, a moonphase watch offers something special. It’s more than a complication—it’s a conversation starter.
And now, you know you don’t have to splash Rolex money to get your hands on one. Just be careful—these watches might make you howl at the moon (or at least start using the phrase waning crescent in casual conversation).
