Arguably the most important holiday in China, Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar and harkens the arrival of spring. It celebrates hope for a bright and prosperous future, and it reminds us of the cyclical nature of life and the importance of spending time with family. The holiday is imbued with deep spiritual meaning and symbolism and is celebrated around the world in countries like South Korea and Vietnam as well as in Chinatown enclaves across the United States.
In 2025, Lunar New Year will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 29, and will usher in the Year of the Snake. Each year is marked by an animal from the Chinese zodiac, of which there are twelve: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Every animal has a certain significance, and children born in a certain year are said to be influenced by the zodiac animal that reigns during their birth.
Lunar New Year celebrations are typically loud, colorful, and enthusiastic. This is a joyful holiday that honors Asian cultures, and meals with family as well as gift-giving are common traditions. If you are looking for a memorable Lunar New Year gift for yourself or an important family member, a luxury wristwatch with a moon phase calendar is the perfect investment that evokes the spirit of the holiday.
Lunar New Year and the Moon’s Phases
Those who are unfamiliar with Lunar New Year might wonder why the start of the new year occurs on a different day than January 1, as indicated on the Gregorian calendar system used by a significant portion of the world. Lunar New Year is governed by the lunisolar calendar, which China continues to use for agriculture, festivals, and religious purposes. The lunisolar calendar is governed by both Earth’s orbit around the sun and the moon’s phases.
The date of Lunar New Year is determined using the lunar calendar, which means that it is decided with regard to the moon’s phases. To be more specific, Lunar New Year falls on the second new moon after the Winter Solstice, which happens yearly on December 21 per the Gregorian Calendar. Typically, that date falls between January 21 and February 20.
The moon has eight phases which repeat about every 29.5 days. The new moon phase is when the moon appears invisible – remember, moonlight is just the reflection of the sun’s light off the moon’s surface. So when we cannot see the moon at night, the sun is illuminating the side of the moon that faces away from Earth.
Watches With Moon Phase Complications
The moon’s phases dictate the lunar calendar – and the cultural significance of these phases is clear in their defining role in selecting the date of Lunar New Year. You can easily keep track of the moon’s phases with a luxury wristwatch that displays these phases on its face using the coveted moon phase complication that only a select few brands still embrace.
While there are some Audemars Piguet watches (such as certain Royal Oak models) and Rolex watches (such as the Cellini) that showcase the moon phase complication, there is one brand that rises above the rest with regard to its dedication to moon phases on the dial. That brand is Patek Philippe, the heritage Swiss watchmaker whose timepieces have been held in the highest regard for nearly two centuries. Let’s take a look at some of Patek Philippe’s most brilliant moon phase watch creations…
Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase
The Patek Philippe Nautilus is the brand’s revered “sports watch,” which was traditionally created using stainless steel in the 1970s as a response to the horological world’s quartz crisis. The watch was designed by Gerald Genta, the same mind behind the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. While not every Nautilus model is equipped with the moon phase display, the 5712 model showcases this unique complication and is available in both stainless steel and 18K rose gold.
When you buckle this striking watch onto your wrist, you’ll immediately be struck by the smooth, cool weight of the metal bracelet hugging your skin. The heft of the satin-brushed metal exudes elegance and superiority, showcasing your style and commitment to only the best of the best. A Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712 is a step above the traditional 5711 line, upping the ante with a moon phase display, power reserve indicator, and small seconds display.
Patek Philippe Complications Moon Phase
The Patek Philippe Complications line allows this hallowed watchmaker to showcase its finest complications, innovations, and experiments. Take, for instance, this Complications watch, which offers an exceptionally precise annual calendar that requires just one adjustment per year. It also showcases a moon phase display and dials indicating the month of the year and day of the week as well as a date display at the 6 o’clock position.
The polished finish of this Complications watch is sure to catch the light from every angle, and its patterned blue face cannot help but draw the eye. The cool weight of the steel on your wrist combined with the delicate five-link bracelet exudes artistry and craftsmanship. This is one watch you will never want to take off.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut Moon Phase
Many consider the Patek Philippe Aquanaut the sportier younger sibling of the hallmark Patek Philippe Nautilus line. Unveiled in 1997, this watch displays a rugged twist on the classic, preserving the iconic cushion-shaped bezel while adding a “tropical” rubber strap for enhanced comfort and durability. This watch can join you on any adventure, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on complications – this Aquanaut offers a moon phase display as well as dials indicating the month of the year and day of the week, plus a date display at 6 o’clock.
Run your fingers over the smooth underside of the rubber strap, or feel the rectangular pattern tooled into its outer section. Breathe in and imagine where you might go with this durable and versatile timepiece – smell the cool mountain air as you hike toward the views of a lifetime. Inhale the ocean breeze as droplets of salt water splash your suntanned shoulders. Savor the earthy undertones of the dirt beneath your feet as you venture into the unknown, your trusty Patek Philippe Aquanaut by your side.
Patek Philippe Gondolo Moon Phase
Whereas the Aquanaut watch stands for new-age technology and styles in the horological world, the Gondolo evokes the beauty and tradition of the past. This striking timepiece offers a unique rectangular case shape crafted from 18K yellow gold. The rich, brown hue of the leather strap and its soft feel will transport you back to simpler times, evoking memories of days gone by. The watch offers day of the week and month of the year display windows as well as a day of the month display at the 12 o’clock position. Above the index hour marker at 6 o’clock, you’ll find a moon phase display that reflects the importance of the lunar calendar.
Not every Patek Philippe Gondolo offers the moon phase display complication, but we feel that this inclusion takes the watch to the next level. It makes for the perfect Lunar New Year gift, as it honors the timekeeping traditions behind this holiday and shows a commitment to precision and craftsmanship. This watch hails from 2006 and comes with an original factory box and papers, adding to the wow factor when your loved one unwraps this legendary present!
Embrace the Moon’s Phases With a Luxury Avi & Co. Watch
Here at Avi & Co., we have luxury wristwatches for every savvy shopper. Whatever holiday you are shopping for and whichever complication you prioritize, our robust collection of upscale timepieces is sure to meet your needs – and then some! Maybe you’re looking for a moon phase watch to celebrate Lunar New Year, or maybe you are shopping for a timepiece with a GMT complication for the world traveler in your life. No matter the specifics of your dream watch, our experienced and knowledgeable sales team is here to help you find it.
We specialize in some of the world’s most valuable and desirable watches, including Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, Rolex, and of course, Patek Philippe. Stop by one of our three locations – New York City, Miami, or Aspen – and explore our designer watches, including our own branded Avi & Co. watch lines. You’ll also have the chance to fall in love with our fine diamond jewelry and accessories.
So what are you waiting for? Make an appointment to visit one of our stores today – we can’t wait to help you find the timepiece you’ve been dreaming about.
