Or, I suppose if we were being truly clever, they could look to extend the functionality of the movement, as it is an in-house caliber. The interesting idea here would be to remove that central date hand, but keep the printed chapter ring. Then, you could have that rotate (much like a normal date disc), with date indication happening wherever it’s marked on the dial. This is certainly more of a “moonshot” type of an idea, but you have to admit – it would be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

Alright, enough of my proposing design changes, let’s get back to what we’ve actually got. Actually, about all we’re left with is the handset. At first glance, you’re tempted to think that these are simple enameled hands, done up in white so as to contrast against the dial. In a pleasant surprise, however, they’re actually luminous which, when paired with the raised (and luminous as well) numerals, you’ve got a watch that’s almost as easy to read in the dark as it is in the light.

Wrapping up the presentation of the dish Frederique Constant has prepared for us is the leather strap and it’s great deployant. On the case side of things, they’ve gone with a curved spring bar, which gives a very nicely finished look, as you’ve got an even (and minimal) gap from the rounded case edge to the leather. On the strap is a single-sided deployant that was one of the best I’ve seen in some time. This was in large part due to how wide it opened, meaning you weren’t squeezing your hand through (when open) due to the fit you needed (when closed).

All told, this was a rather comfortable watch to wear. It certainly is a dressier piece, but not so much that it felt out of place at the office. While a moonphase indication may not be the most practical complication to have in a watch, it is one that adds a great bit of styling and color to what might otherwise be considered a plain watch. When you consider that the $2,225 Frédérique Constant Moontimer accomplishes the setting of all functions via the single crown (no pusher dimples on the case for this one!), you realize the ease of operation you can get when a brand is creating their own movements. If you’re looking for an affordable luxury watch with an in-house movement, Frederique Constant is probably going to be your first stop. frederique-constant.com

Necessary Data
>Brand: Frederique Constant
>Model: Moontimer
>Price: $2,225
>Would reviewer personally wear it: This is a tough call. While there’s a lot to like about the watch, I just don’t know that it would “win out” against some others in my personal collection.
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Someone who’s looking to pick up a small-make luxury watch that won’t break the bank
>Worst characteristic of watch: The method of displaying the date – I’d either like to see it eliminated completely, or remove the reliance on a central hand
>Best characteristic of watch: The levels of fit and finish, along with that in-house movement, at a price-point that’s, frankly, quite affordable for what you’re getting.