If you want a moonphase but not a dress watch, this watch might be an option. The Ball Trainmaster Moon Phase is too large and too loud for formal wear but is a great choice for a night out.

You actually get to see your moonphase when the moon is out. Also unlike most moon phases, this complication is a disc passing over the moon instead of a moon passing across a viewing window. The moon itself is a series of tritium tubes with a texture applied. This effect creates a more pronounced moon phase that is the undisputed center of attention, day or night. The handset works pretty well considering they have to cram tritium tubes into them and the second hand has the brand’s RR counterweight.

The case is large at 40mm x 12.6mm x 46.5mm and is fully polished. Note: Ball lists the Trainmaster Moon Phase’s case at 14.55mm thick – they are wrong. The bracelet is 20mm with no taper and a butterfly clasp. It does have half links for sizing but that’s it. It fits my 18.5cm wrist by removing 1 half link. At 19cm you will want to contact Ball and have them send you more links. Water resistance is 50m and the unusual crown does not screw down.

By dimensions and bracelet description, this watch sounds similar to the 41mm Aqua Terra, but don’t panic. This wears better pretty well, unlike the Aqua Terra, which wears very poorly. We should all shame Omega for how badly that thing wears. The ETA 2836 can be seen through the case back and is undecorated. I’d rather have a solid case back with an undecorate movement but I can survive by pretending I can’t see it. The movement does feel good through the oddly shaped crown though and is easy to demagnetize. It clearly does not have an anti-magnetic hairspring.

All in all, the Ball Trainmaster Moon Phase is pretty cheap for what you’re getting, wears well, and doesn’t have a lot of competition. This one will stick around in my collection for a long time yet.

Pros
– Large moon phase

– Multiple dial textures

– Movement

Cons
– Thick

– Low water resistance

– Crown is a breast

Quality
70

Style
80

Value
75

Wearability
75