Let us begin by setting the scene. I’m sure anyone who is reading this spends an unhealthy amount of time pondering over their favourite watch complication. Before you ask, mine is the Moonphase. Safe in the knowledge that I can look up at the night’s sky and set my moonphase accordingly is among life’s little pleasures that I yearn for.

I’m also the first to admit that I’m yet to actually own one. I believe it’s because it is such an important decision for me, and there are so many factors in choosing a complication like a Moonphase. Is it whimsical enough? Does the Moon have a face? Do I want it to have a face? Are there stars involved, does the moon glow in the dark? Things that keep me up at night thinking about it.

Let’s fast forward to another low key obsession of mine. Maen. 

Everything they design from their iconic Manhattan to their Skymaster looks incredible to me. There’s a distinct modernity yet its roots are classic. So very Maen. And then came the Lunar Classic 36. It hit me like a full moon to the face. So bold, so elegant yet so very modern. It was love at first sight. So when Vincent told me he had secured me a loan to write this article I did a metaphorical jump for joy. Some may say It was destiny, some Vincent’s persistent nature (one of the many qualities I admire in him).So let’s talk about the watch. 

As the name suggests the Lunar Classic 36 is a 36mm Moonphase Automatic Watch. A piece inspired by watches from the 1940s, which you can see from the long stylised lugs, which means it wears larger than the 36mm diameter would suggest. Despite its compact 44mm lug-to-lug.  Which makes it firmly in the unisex watch genre. The Lunar Classic boasts a double box domed sapphire crystal, applied numerals and a raised ring on the dial, which frames a circular brushed centre. The watch is very much in 3-D. That’s the only way to describe it, which is accentuated by the thickness of the case at 11.35mm including the glass. It’s a bold choice to add so much depth using the box glass, but I personally love it. 

As you can see from the pictures, there are textures and levels from every angle, which results in such a unique and magical experience on the wrist. You can purchase the watch on a Tropic strap, but the watch shines on their new Flatlink bracelet. The bracelet is one of the best I’ve experienced and like the watch itself offers incredible value for the money. It beautifully tapers from 20mm to 16mm, which elevates the Lunar Classic firmly to the dress watch category. I would love to see a quick release mechanism on this bracelet, so I don’t have to use tools and would gladly pay extra for a little less hassle. 

The dial has a playful take on the sector design which draws your attention to the beautiful and minimalist golden moon and stars. The sandblasted sub dial is perfectly placed at 6 o’clock and nestled between two indices. Perfectly balanced. There is a dainty amount of C1 X1 SuperLuminova lume on this elegant watch, paired with high polishing on the indices and the stylised pointed hands mean even in low light it’s very legible. The watch also has a respectable 50m of water resistance (closed caseback), so you are good to go for cocktails by the pool! The heat blued sweeping seconds hand, which perfectly matches the midnight blue sky on the sub dial is bent at the tip. This reinforces the idea of a 3- dimensional feel, especially as you turn your wrist. 

The case itself works in perfect harmony with the dial. The high polishing on the bezel makes for a dressier look and the satin brushed finishing keeps it practical at the same time. In an unusual, but welcome twist, Maen offers two options for the movement. From the Sellita Elaboré grade SW280-1 with a closed caseback to the Top Grade SW280-1 open caseback with blued screws, rhodium plated and fully decorated, regulated to 5 positions with a +/-4 seconds a day, which is very impressive at this price point. Both have up to a 40 hours power reserve.

You have your choice of four very tasteful colours, Midnight Blue, Salmon Pink, Graphite and my choice Cream White. All this from €919.20 for the Elaboré grade version on tropic strap to €1,269.20 for the Top grade, plus €127.20 for the Flatlink bracelet (a must have in my eyes with this watch). Available for pre-order now. It’s an incredible watch for the money and so easy to wear. 

I had a lot of fun styling this one, in particular styled with a great piece of knitwear and a shirt. A smart casual look. But as you can see from my looks I’ve curated, whether you are casual or dressed to impress, it's one of those watches, much like my Santos De Cartier, that will elevate any look. The addition of the Moonphase just adds a romance and connection to time on a larger scale. In short. It’s a joy to wear. If you are looking for a Moonphase this may be the perfect watch for you. 

Show them who’s boss with a tailored trouser, a dramatic sleeve and Lunar Classic 36 on your wrist. Dressing with a simple minimalist pattern like a polka dot or stripe doesn’t take away from the subtle beauty of this timepiece.

Inverting the colours with your outfit makes the dial pop and create a seamlessly elegant look.

Neutral tones and a nod to the Moonphase with my vintage Hermes astrology scarf and Sun earrings from Wolf and Moon. See the beauty of the box dome and the exquisite quality of the Flatlink bracelet.

Wearing different shades of blue, frame the Lunar Classic 36 and bring out its dreamy blue detail.