Of all the calendars, the lunar calendar is certainly the oldest. As part of the natural order of things in life, the Moons organized the lives of humanity in the past and still mark the lives of many people in the world today. Below is a brief overview of an astronomical complication that is simple in appearance but aesthetically pleasing.
Chopard LUC Caliber LUC 96.13-L with original moon phase display.
Astronomical complications: asking for the moon
Since archaeologists discovered carved bones dating back to the Paleolithic period representing the phases of the moon. But also thanks to the modernization of astronomical sites such as Ur in Asia Minor or Stonehenge in Scotland. We know that humanity has a very close relationship with the sky and the signs associated with the lunar cycle.
The Callanish Standing Stones are called Stonehenge in Scotland. A unique monument of its kind. (Image by Google).
Origin of sidereal time
Using the lunar calendar is both reasonable and reassuring. Indeed, the cosmic clock is immutable and cyclical, so using a lunar calendar is both reasonable and reassuring. Indeed, the cosmic clock is immutable and cyclical in what it brings to the contemplation of the heavens. So, very quickly, human society used it to organize its social life. By observing the celestial dome, the Babylonians created hexadecimal calculation (calculation with 60 as the basis). It allows time to be put into space by dividing a 360° circle into 24 equal parts, each 15°. The organization of the watch dial was born from observations of the sky. As well as from the need of scientists to divide cosmic space into equal parts. Then, around 87 BC, Greek scientists were able to create mechanical instruments equipped with gears and dials. Like the amazing Antikythera mechanism (which Hublot offered as a watch a few years ago), which can predict astronomical events and especially lunar eclipses. All of these tools – which archaeologists classify – were abundant in the ancient world. Are they used for the purposes of powerful men for whom a harmonious convergence between humanity and nature is essential?.
From the sky to the dial
Through the metaphorical and poetic characteristics of the rising and setting moons, they have always been with us. There arises a need to express this passion because of its attractiveness which as a result attracts bodies. Realizing its importance and citing astronomical, astrological or even agronomic information, watchmakers soon linked the phases of the moon with the display of time. As early as the Middle Ages, it appeared on the dials of large clock towers. Because on Easter it is calculated from the lunar calendar. Indeed, its date coincides with the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring. Then, thanks to miniaturization, it found its way onto the dials of exceptional Renaissance clocks. And later many musical instruments. Because for astronomical and scientific reasons, humans are often a bit mischievous and have changed the display that changes every 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 2.9 seconds to other, more gentle purposes.
Display of 107 objects 1: pocket watch with perpetual calendar. The first watch with a perpetual calendar was made by Thomas Mudge in 1762 © Patek Philippe Museum.
From past to present
Regardless of this presentation, it always exudes elegance, brings a sense of relief to the watch’s dial and to this day remains one of the favorite complications of watch enthusiasts Pretty. Like diving watches, watches equipped with a moon phase display are available in almost every catalog of the best watch brands.
However, it is very rare to see it alone on the dial. Usually it comes with calendar information. That’s how it is displayed on the dial of the production watch powered by Caliber Royal, which is equipped with an instantly jumping day and date display.