CheckMag | The best (affordable) moon phase watches under $200

In recent years, moon‐phase watches have enjoyed a resurgence, finding fans not only among enthusiasts and collectors but also among budget‐conscious buyers. Sales of moon‐phase models jumped over 50% from 2023 to 2024, and even affordable watch collaborations have explicitly tapped into a so-called "moon‐phase craze". 

A lot of watch lovers appreciate these timepieces for their (generally) elegant design and charm: the subtle curved lunar aperture literally "adds depth to the dial". In my opinion, no other complication is quite as romantic and poetic. It gives wearers a daily reminder of the moon’s cycle and our place under the stars. In fact, the first moon‐phase watch was released by Patek Philippe in 1925, which, in essence, links today’s popular models to a nearly century-old horological heritage.

Below, we are listing our top 5 picks for the best moon‐phase watches under $200, proving you don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy the moon on your wrist.

Casio MTP-M305D-1A2VDF (~$135) - Amazon

Casio’s MTP-M305D-1A2VDF is a fashionably retro 3-dial analog watch (about $135) that includes day, date and moon-phase subdials on a dark face. It comes in multiple colorways, equipped with a two-tone stainless-steel case (44.5×34×9.3 mm), polished silver bezel, and a stainless-steel strap for a smart-casual look. Under the hood is a standard quartz movement (battery-powered, ~3-year life) driving 3 hands plus the calendar and lunar complications. Water resistance is 50 m, so you don’t have to take it off for hand-washing or a quick rain shower. The result is a really straightforward, everyday dress watch with an unexpected moonphase eye-catcher.

• Movement: Quartz analog (SR621SW battery)
• Case: 44.5×34 mm stainless steel (9.3 mm thick)
• Crystal: Mineral glass
• Features: Analog time, day/date and moon-phase subdials
• Water Resistance: 50 m (5 ATM)
• Strap: Silver stainless-steel bracelet

Timex Waterbury Classic Moon Phase 40mm ($159-179) - Amazon

Timex’s new Waterbury Classic Moon Phase (e.g. model TW2W75700) is a heritage-inspired steel watch. At 40 mm this bracelet model has a rich blue sunray dial and full Arabic numerals. A special quartz "moon phase" movement tracks the lunar cycle on a subdial at 6 o’clock, and it complements the day/date subdials nicely. Timex labels the 40 mm stainless steel case and matching bracelet as corrosion-resistant and "everyday-tough". Under the hood is a reliable quartz analog caliber with 3 hands, plus calendar and moon complications. Importantly, the Waterbury is also rated to 50 m water resistance, with luminous hands for visibility in low light, making it as functional as it is handsome.

• Movement: Quartz analog (3-hand + multifunction)
• Case: 40 mm × ~10 mm polished stainless steel (brushed/polished finish)
• Crystal: Mineral glass (acrylic lens on Marlin, but Waterbury uses mineral)
• Features: Moon-phase subdial above 6 o’clock; full calendar (day/date) subdials; blue sunray dial with lume hands
• Water Resistance: 50 m (5 ATM)
• Strap: Stainless-steel bracelet (20 mm, quick-release)

Fossil Neutra Moonphase FS5903 ($195) - Amazon

Fossil’s Neutra Moonphase (model FS5903, ~$195) is a 42 mm casual dress watch with modern retro design written all over it. Its blue sunburst dial features three subdials including a proper moon-phase indicator, giving the otherwise straightforward dial some depth and character. The case is polished silver-tone stainless steel (42 mm diameter, 13.6 mm thick) and is paired with a supple brown leather strap. Inside is a quartz multifunction movement (battery type SR621SW) that handles the time, date and moon-phase. Water resistance is rated at 5 ATM (50 m), and the crystal is mineral glass. Overall, this Fossil has a neat, eye-catching sunray dial and the unusual touch of a moon dial at an accessible price.

• Movement: Quartz multifunction (battery powered)
• Case: 42 mm stainless steel; 13.6 mm thick
• Crystal: Mineral
• Features: Moon-phase plus day and date subdials; blue sunray dial (brown leather strap)
• Water Resistance: 50 m (5 ATM)
• Strap: Brown genuine leather (22 mm, buckle)

Citizen Quartz Moonphase AK5000 series (Silver Dial) (~$105)

Citizen’s entry-level moonphase model is a slim, dressy 3-hand watch (silver dial) with calendar and moon complications. It typically retails around $100-120. The style is simple and pretty elegant: a silver-tone case and matching steel bracelet, with a symmetrical tri-compax dial (day, date, 24h/moon). As reported by Walmart, it has a quartz movement and is water-resistant to 5 ATM (50 m), enough for daily wear. This Citizen is all about understatement - its most notable feature is a subdial that shows the lunar phase - making it a super subtle yet functional watch for office or dress use.

• Movement: Quartz (Japan movement)
• Case: ~40 mm stainless steel, slim profile (exact case size not listed)
• Crystal: Mineral glass
• Features: Moon-phase subdial (part of multifunction calendar); silver dial with day/date display
• Water Resistance: 50 m (5 ATM)
• Strap: Stainless steel bracelet

Timex Marlin Moon Phase 40mm (~$200) - Amazon

Timex’s Marlin Moon Phase (about $200 at retail) is the revival of the 1960s dress-watch vibe. It has a 40 mm stainless-steel case on a matching bracelet or leather strap, and the dial is offered in rich colors (green, black, blue). What sets the Marlin apart is its calendar movement: beneath the main hands are three subdials that show the day of week, month, and - at 6 o’clock - the moon’s phase. Timex advertises the subdial as "mirroring the lunar cycle faithfully". The Marlin uses an acrylic crystal (another retro touch) and a reliable quartz analog movement. It’s rated 50 m water resistance. In practice, you get a classic Marlin aesthetic (hand-applied indices, fluted bezel, simple pencil hands) combined with genuine moonphase functionality - a rare find in this price range.

• Movement: Quartz analog (multi-function, calendar)
• Case: 40 mm stainless steel
• Crystal: Acrylic (domed)
• Features: Moon-phase subdial plus day/date; “Marlin” vintage-styled dial (applied markers)
• Water Resistance: 50 m (5 ATM)
• Strap: Stainless steel bracelet (20 mm) or leather (quick-release)