Stratoscope – black/blue

Most moonphases are a small window near the bottom of a dial. The MeisterSinger Stratoscope puts an oversized, photorealistic three-dimensional moon across the top of the dial and lets it run the composition.

The disc behind that opening carries two textured moons, and the accuracy is such that the display needs correcting only once every 122 years. Below it, a jet-black night-sky ground fades into an iridescent sunburst blue across the lower third, an aurora borealis effect that the dial finish creates on its own. To be clear, there is no stars indication here; the starry impression is finishing, not a complication. Time is read from a single needle hand on a five-minute scale, with a date at 6 o'clock.

This black and blue reference measures 43 mm in stainless steel on 20 mm lugs, worn on a brown strap, water resistant to 5 bar. The calibre is MeisterSinger's MS Luna, a Sellita SW220 base with an integrated moonphase module and 38 hours of reserve. Moon, markers, numerals and hand are luminous, so the whole scene reappears in the dark.

A large, atmospheric watch for someone who actually looks up at the sky.

Perfect for: moonphase watch collectors, buyers of astronomy-themed timepieces, wearers of 43 mm statement automatics.