Reviewing the Ace Jewelers x echo/neutra AVERAU 39 Moon Phase Noctilum

If you’re anything like me, you spend far too much of your free time scouring the web for the latest horological temptations. Like a magpie drawn to shiny objects, I can't resist a watch that catches my eye. And that's precisely what happened when I stumbled upon the Ace Jewelers X Echo/Neutra Averau 39 Moon Phase Noctilum.

Now, Ace Jewelers may not be a household name for everyone, especially if Amsterdam isn’t on your radar. However, their managing director, Alon Ben Joseph, is fast becoming a bit of a watch-world celebrity. As co-host of the Real Time Show podcast (alongside WatchGecko contributor Rob Nudds), Alon has a knack for blending charm, knowledge, and just the right amount of mischief. The man knows his stuff and has a real passion for independent watch brands, which shines through in Ace's numerous collaborations.

When I first spotted the Averau 39 Moon Phase Noctilum, I knew I had to get one in for a closer look. Alon, ever the gent, kindly obliged and shipped one over for a bit of hands-on time.

The Averau is Echo/Neutra’s take on a field watch—and believe me, it deserves more than just a passing glance. The standard Averau already impresses, but this collaboration adds some clever design tweaks that elevate it to something special.

The 39mm stainless steel case hits that perfect sweet spot, large enough to feel substantial yet small enough to wear comfortably on most wrists. The brushed case finish is tastefully understated, while the highly polished bezel and polished case edges catch the light beautifully, adding a welcome touch of refinement. It’s a combination that feels both rugged and sophisticated, giving you that versatile “wear anywhere” vibe.

Measuring 13.5mm thick with a 46mm lug-to-lug, the watch feels well-balanced and sits neatly on the wrist. Flip it over, and you'll find an engraved case back featuring the Dolomite mountain range, alongside Ace Jewelers' branding. It’s a thoughtful nod to Echo/Neutra’s roots in the Italian Dolomites.

With 100m of water resistance and a screw-down crown featuring grippy knurling, this piece is built to withstand the rigours of everyday life—whether you're exploring the great outdoors or just braving the supermarket queue on a Saturday morning.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the dial. Covered by a domed sapphire crystal, it’s clean, crisp, and wonderfully legible—a key feature for any field watch. The partially skeletonised hands are a lovely detail, while the bold cardinal hour markers (12, 3, 6, and 9) offer a unique twist. These markers feature a black inner section surrounded by BL 10-X1 Super-LumiNova, ensuring the watch glows like a torch when the lights go down.

But the real party trick lies in the moonphase display, which shows both Northern and Southern Hemisphere lunar cycles. Fully lumed, the discs glow with an eerie blue-green hue that’s nothing short of mesmerising. It’s the kind of detail that makes you switch off the lights just for the thrill of watching it glow.

In short, this watch has a serious low-light presence. Whether you're out camping, navigating a dimly lit bar, or just feeling fancy in the dark, the Averau 39 Moon Phase Noctilum delivers.

Ticking away beneath that luminous dial is the dependable Sellita SW280 automatic movement. With a 40-hour power reserve and a 4Hz beat rate, this elaboré-grade movement offers reliable performance and solid accuracy. While you won’t see the movement itself (thanks to the engraved case back), rest assured it’s been finished to a respectable standard. For a watch in this price range, it’s exactly what you’d hope for—no unnecessary frills, just tried-and-tested dependability.

The Averau 39 Moon Phase Noctilum comes on a black textile strap with "Averau" stitched into it. This subtle branding adds a thoughtful touch, reinforcing the watch's identity without being overbearing. The strap feels sturdy yet comfortable, ideal for an everyday timepiece like this.

At €890.00, this collaboration offers impressive value for money. For that price, you’re getting a beautifully designed field watch packed with thoughtful details, robust build quality, and a moonphase complication that genuinely stands out. Add in the pedigree of both Echo/Neutra and Ace Jewelers, and you’ve got a watch that punches well above its weight.

In a world where collaborations can sometimes feel a little forced, this one feels authentic. It’s clear that both brands have brought their strengths to the table, resulting in a piece that feels cohesive rather than contrived. Whether you’re a fan of moonphase complications, love a good field watch, or just want something that glows like a supernova, the Ace Jewelers X Echo/Neutra Averau 39 Moon Phase Noctilum deserves serious consideration.

If you’re quick, you can snap one up directly from Echo/Neutra or Ace Jewelers, but don’t hang around too long—with only a limited number available, they’re unlikely to stick around for long.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I’ve got some lights to switch off...