The Ochs und Junior Ochs Line Moon Phase or Selene Watch
The Ochs und Junior Ochs Line Moon Phase or Selene watch is a unique timepiece that stands out in the horological world. Designed by Ludwig Oechslin, the watch is not just a time-telling device but also an astronomical marvel that accurately displays the phases of the moon. The watch, available in an exclusive Ochs blue with rhodium-plated markers, hour, and minute hands, and full moon, is celebrated for its precision. It calculates the lunar cycle as 29.5306122449 days, ensuring the correct length of the moon phases for an impressive 3,478.27 years before it deviates by a single day. This level of accuracy is rarely seen in the industry, making the Ochs Line Moon Phase or Selene a truly remarkable piece of craftsmanship.
Design Philosophy
Simplicity and Functionality
Ludwig Oechslin’s approach to watchmaking is rooted in simplicity. He believes in the principle of ‘less is more’, which is evident in the design of the Ochs Line Selene. While a typical moon phase complication comprises numerous pieces, the Ochs Line Selene requires only five additional parts. This minimalist design philosophy doesn’t compromise the watch’s functionality or precision. Instead, it enhances the watch’s aesthetic appeal and makes it a masterpiece of minimalist design.
Pricing and Availability
Accessible Innovation
The Ochs Line Moon Phase or Selene watch is priced at CHF 5,500 (including 7.7% Swiss VAT) or CHF 5,077 for export. This pricing strategy aligns with Oechslin’s goal of making innovative timekeeping accessible to a wider audience. The watch comes with an estimated shipping time of 12-16 weeks, ensuring that customers receive their timepiece in a timely manner.
Functionality Overview
Unique Features and Display
The Ochs Line Moon Phase or Selene watch is more than just a timepiece. It’s a functional work of art that displays the time, date, and phases of the moon. The moon phase function is visually intuitive, with the center of the dial representing the Earth, the large dot at 12 o’clock symbolizing the Sun, and the full moon depicted when the moon is opposite the Sun and Earth at 6 o’clock. The new moon is represented by a dark circle at 6 o’clock when the moon is between the Sun and the Earth at 12 o’clock. This unique display of moon phases is a feature that sets the Ochs Line Moon Phase or Selene watch apart from other timepieces, such as the 2023 Hermes Arceau Petite Lune watch.
Mechanics
Precision and Craftsmanship
The Ochs Line Moon Phase or Selene watch is a testament to Ludwig Oechslin’s mechanical genius. The watch features an epicyclic gear system that drives the lunar disk beneath the dial counter-clockwise. This system ensures a highly precise moon phase calculation that will be accurate for 3,478.27 years before it deviates by a single day. This level of precision is a testament to Oechslin’s commitment to creating timepieces that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also mechanically superior.
Additional Information
Watch Details and Making
The Ochs Line Moon Phase or Selene watch has many features. It’s size is either 42mm x 11mm or 39mm x 11mm. The weight is 70g for the 42mm titanium version and 62g for the 39mm version. The watch can handle water up to 100m deep. The case is made of grade 5 titanium. The moon phase function uses a 5-part gear system. The date function uses 30+1 holes around the edge of the watch. The watch uses an ETA 2824-2 movement, which can run for 38 hours without winding. The crown is made of grade 5 titanium and screws down. The buckle is designed for 22mm straps and shows the marks from machining. The strap is made of Ecopell Enzian leather. The crystal is made of sapphire. The watch uses blue Superluminova. The watch is made in Switzerland. It comes with a two-year warranty.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 42mm x 11mm (incl. crystal), 39mm x 11mm |
| Weight | 42mm titanium: 70g (incl. leather strap and buckle), 39mm titanium: 62g |
| Water Resistance | 100m in titanium |
| Case | 2-part case in grade 5 titanium designed by Ludwig Oechslin |
| Moon Phase Function | 5-part epicyclic gear system designed by Ludwig Oechslin. The calculation is precise for 3,478.27 years before it will be off by one day |
| Date Function | 30 + 1 hole date spiral with 5-minute markers that serve as reference points designed by Ludwig Oechslin |
| Base Movement | ETA 2824-2 with 38 hours of power reserve. Manufacturer: ETA SA / Grenchen / Switzerland |
| Crown | Screw-down crown in grade 5 titanium designed by Ludwig Oechslin (39mm and 42mm). Manufacturer: Pibor SA / Glovelier / Switzerland |
| Buckle | Designed by Ludwig Oechslin for 22mm watch straps with no loops. Visible machining marks. Grade 5 titanium |
| Watch Strap | Ecopell Enzian leather strap handmade by Sabina Brägger |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Superluminova | In blue RC TRITEC in Teufen / Switzerland, application by Monyco in La Chaux-de-Fonds / Switzerland |
| Swiss Made | The ochs und junior moon phase watch is entirely manufactured in Switzerland. Each watch is hand-assembled and regulated at the ochs und junior workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds |
| Warranty | Two years |
Ordering Process
How to Buy the Watch
You can order the Ochs Line Moon Phase or Selene watch by email or on the Ochs und Junior website. After you order, the watch should arrive in 12-16 weeks. When you order, you need to pay 50% of the price. You can pay with a credit card or a bank transfer.
