Hands-On With the MAEN Lunar Classic 36

Ever since I got my eye on the new MAEN Watches model launching today, I've been well and truly caught up in its spell. The Lunar Classic 36 was love at first sight for me and each day since, I've felt compelled to get a second look. As a huge fan of the moonphase complication, I was instantly attracted to the Lunar Classic and its uncluttered sector dial with moonphase function at 6 o’clock. Presented in four classic dial variations with the elegant midnight blue moonphase, I was sold. Knowing full well though that you shouldn’t judge a book solely by its cover, it felt only right that I take the MAEN Lunar Classic 36 for the test drive it deserves.

Interestingly, the Lunar Classic 36 isn’t the first time that MAEN Watches have indulged in the enchanting moonphase complication. The brand’s name actually translates from the Old Dutch word for ‘MOON’, which gives you a good idea not only of where the founders of the brand Jules and Sebastiaan originate from, but also of the symbolic muse behind their vintage-inspired designs.

Apt then that their first ever release back in 2017 was another moonphase timepiece, the Classic Moonphase. Stepping up to the plate for a second time, the Stockholm-based brand are going back to their roots with this new release, showcasing just how far their watchmaking prowess has come in the past seven or so years.

Once again proving that sector dials are making a stylish transition from vintage design novelty to contemporary design trope, the MAEN Lunar Classic draws on the brands mission to take inspiration from the past and pair it with modern technology, finishing and build quality. Having recently reviewed a vintage resurrection from Furlan Marri with a similarly laid out dial, it seems we’re set to see more and more of these sector designs pop up in 2024.

The Lunar Classic 36 in particular offers a multi-layered dial that centres around the moonphase complication. Circular brushed at the centre, the raised and high-polished indices stand out nicely with additional contrasting texture to be found on the sand-blasted moonphase and chapter ring. Following the curve of the domed chapter ring is the high-polished seconds hand and the picture is completed by a raised and textured disc which further accentuates the dial’s centrepiece. Split into four neat sections by the centre axes, the dial is all contradictions and contrasts that come together harmoniously in either creamWhite, Midnight blue, Salmon or graphite.

Looking at the dial of the Lunar Classic, you can see the moonphase information displayed through an aperture that looks something like a stylised crescent moon on its side. The moon disc underneath has two moons printed on it (located directly across from one another) and indicates the phase of the moon graphically with the waxing and waning moon being partially obscured by the concave lower edges of the crescent-moon-shaped aperture. In this case, the moonphase design is finished with a smattering of stars, further cementing the complication as one that tastefully links the horological world to the astronomical.

Crafted in homage to the elegantly elongated lugs we typically see in designs from the 1940s, it’s important to point out that the Lunar Classic wears slightly larger than you’d imagine for a 36mm watch. Laying prominently on the wrist, the presence of the model is bold thanks to not only its long lugs but also the high-polished bezel and double-domed sapphire crystal. With a case thickness of 9.80mm without glass or 11.35mm including glass, it’s certainly nothing too crazy and will wear well on a range of wrist sizes thanks to its compact 44mm lug-to-lug width.

Inside the 316L Stainless Steel case beats the Swiss-made Sellita SW280 moon phase calibre. The automatic movement offers 28,8000bph with a power reserve of approximately 40-hours. Entry-level calibres of this nature work via a moon disc that have 59 teeth and advance by one tooth per day, with one full rotation of the disc accounting for two 29.5-day lunar cycles.

Satin brushed finishing on the lugs and case segues to an all-new flat-link bracelet. Exclusively available for the Lunar Classic from today, the 316L stainless steel flat link bracelet has a width of 20mm which tapers down to 16mm and is finished with a perlage clasp. Fitting wrists up to 22cm, the steel bracelet ties the overall look of the watch together nicely and gives it a refined edge most suitable for dressy occasions. The design lends itself nicely to an array of replacement straps but would look particularly smart on a black leather strap or with a nylon bond strap for an injection of sportier edge.

Overall, having been able to spend some quality time with the MAEN Lunar Classic 36 in the flesh, I’m hooked. In the WatchGecko office our tastes are truly varied but this was one of a few instances where everyone sat up and paid attention when the courier arrived and we all shared a rare sense of really liking what we saw. The dial is clean and uncluttered but maintains a sense of elegant and traditional sophistication that it’s pleasing to see refined in a modern watch, the midnight blue moonphase feature complements each of the four dial variations seamlessly and the use of C1 X1 Super LumiNova helps with not only readability but adding some refreshing contemporary flair to a resurrected vintage design trope.

The MAEN Lunar Classic 36 is available to pre-order from today (October 3^rd ) and you can find more information, as well as purchasing availability, here.

• MOVEMENT: Sellita SW280-1 Elaboré Grade
• GLASS: Box Domed Sapphire Crystal
• CASE: 316L Stainless Steel
• BRACELET: 20x16 mm Custom Tropic Strap
• WATER RESISTANCE: 5 ATM - Closed Caseback
• CASE DIAMETER: 36 mm
• CASE THICKNESS: 9.80 mm - 11.35 mm Including Glass
• LUG TO LUG WIDTH: 44 mm
• DIAL FINISH: Circular Brushed
• LUME: C1 X1 Super LumiNova
• INDICATORS: Polished Indicators