A moon watch is a type of watch that is specifically designed to track the phases of the moon. These watches typically have a subdial or complication that displays the current phase of the moon, as well as additional features such as a date display, chronograph, and tachymeter. Moon watches are often considered to be collector's items and are highly sought after by watch enthusiasts.
The history of moon watches dates back to the 17th century, when pocket watches with lunar complications were first introduced. These early watches were used by sailors and navigators to determine their position at sea, as the position of the moon in the sky could help them calculate their longitude. In the early 20th century, wristwatches with lunar complications became popular among aviators, as they could use them to calculate their flight paths.
The most famous moon watch is the Omega Speedmaster Professional, which was first introduced in 1957. This watch was originally designed for use by racing drivers and was later adopted by NASA for use in spaceflight. In 1969, the Omega Speedmaster became the first watch worn on the moon, when astronaut Buzz Aldrin wore his Speedmaster during the Apollo 11 mission. Since then, the Omega Speedmaster has become known as the "Moonwatch" and is considered to be one of the most iconic watches of all time.
In addition to the Omega Speedmaster, other popular moon watch brands include Breitling, Rolex, and Patek Philippe. Today, moon watches continue to be popular among collectors and enthusiasts, and many modern watches feature updated versions of the classic lunar complication.