I've always been fascinated by the moon, and so the moonphase complication was one of the first quality watches I bought for myself when this obsession started. Bought a cheap Chinese: (which I now kinda wish I'd kept), Soon I wanted a nicer one and bought a Ball (yes, same one referenced in the 'Did you ever lose one of your Watches?' thead...still haven't found it!): (really got into tritium tubes then) A little time passed... ...and the vintage bug hit me. I forgot about moonphases for awhile... I won't bother with the photos of all the vintage I've bought in the last 22 months... almost enough for a 'Stairway to Heaven' like @gemini4 's (insert some loud Led here )... So now, in a way, I'm starting over... now I want the two together.... Vintage Moonphase! Let's see your vintage ones, and please, those who know, tell me WHERE I should start... preferably somewhere less than $1000. What are the under-rated ones... I already know I want a LeCoultre, perhaps a Cosmic, but I'd rather start with the less appreciated... I do know that in very little time, the obsession will most likely take me above my 'desired' price-point...
Can be done if you are not too picky. https://www.ebay.com/itm/182228706475Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network ga
Wasn't quite ready, made a few offers that were too low on this one, but now I wish I'd pulled the trigger at BIN... Gone now:
The above Ebel with a Valoux 90, I do believe. Is this a fairly reliable and well-regarded movement for these? Love the radium plots, and, of course, great dial condition on this one...
Gave this one away to a longtime collector friend. Since it was a gift, I cannot regret that I let it go
Great examples so far , thanks, guys. The right dial, and I'd probably already go as high as $2000...
Dibs, BTW, if you ever decide to part... I always prefer SS, and I love the way the moon stands out against the black dial...
Here's one like yours @Giff2577 that's been relisted numerous times at the same price: No service history, but 'running': http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUPERB-ST-S...075324?hash=item5b28d50dfc:g:hdwAAOSw9eVXV29JPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
I am glad mine is serviced! The one on eBay has an odd looking minute hand. The red on my date hand has is missing except for the edges. One difference I noticed is the 6's on my dial are open and on the eBay example they are closed. It's tough to see but it looks like there may be black paint on the edges of the hour markers. I would ask for better photos. The photos of the case back inside and out are clear but the rest of the photos have glare or are at odd angles.
I actually like this one better, with the date track further out, and the curved (bombe?) lugs... Perhaps a slightly older dial design? Asking too much, though. Good ones have been selling for between $5-700. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-S-S...cb09ea844:g:DgYAAOSw0UdXqRgv&autorefresh=truePurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
I like this earlier style too. Stainless looks good too! In the background there is a photo of the later style that I have also with the correct minute hand, T Swiss T dial but also with closed 6's. I would hunt for a less pricey example of this early model though I think stainless steel is less common and this one looks to be in nice shape save for the faded moon disc and chopped strap. No movement photos so tough to tell. Good luck with your hunt!