Elite Traveler Winter 2020

DISCOVER WOMEN’S WATCHES

by Roberta Naas

Moonphase watches are one of the most romantic complications for women, but they’re also sophisticated. Moonphase indications depict the moon phases in real time using a small disc, typically painted or engraved with the stages of the moon’s rotation cycle. Through an aperture on the dial, the correct portion of the moon disc coinciding with the night sky is displayed. Those discs, or that display system, can be simple or complex. Simple ones are accurate for about two-and-a-half years, more advanced ones for up to 122 years. The typical real-life moonphase cycle is 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 2.8 seconds. In most watches, this time is condensed to an average of 29.5 days —meaning that in a few years, the accuracy is affected and the watch needs an adjustment. Over the moon

PIAGET LIMELIGHT STELLA HIGH JEWELRY The master artisans at Piaget work wonders with this 39mm watch by setting the diamonds in graduated sizes to evoke a stunning oval look. The inner ring is mother-of-pearl, and the center of the dial boasts the complex moonphase indication — enhanced by a diamond baguette-cut motif. In total, the watch is set with more than 250 diamonds (9.40 carats of diamonds). The watch is powered by the brand’s in-house Caliber 580P self-winding movement with a high degree of precision, needing a day’s adjustment after 122 years. It is finished with a gray alligator strap. $252,000 in 18K white gold, Piaget in New York, +1 877 874 2438, piaget.com