Artistic flair and uniqueness – The Kaguya Suigetsu Moonphase from Wancher

Knowing what you want is one of the key things in this hobby, the main reason is because there are plenty of watch offerings out there and some of us can get a bit overwhelmed. But sometimes there is a timepiece that can change your perception, mold it. Suddenly you find yourself exploring unique looks that you were never so fond of.

This is what happened to me with the beautiful Kaguya Suigetsu (KS)from Wancher watches. As many watch enthusiasts, my brain feels preprogrammed on what a dress watch should be and do.

And here is where the KS enters, it is a watch that challenges everything that I’ve been advocating, from the size to the materials. It is great thing because it now opens a world of possibilities, for example, to wear a dress watch with more casual attire.

That said the guys at Wancher have done a good job in terms of design, adding elegant curves and subtle details that would hopefully, make you fall for this outstanding piece. Let’s begin to explore something different, something that I think you will enjoy.

The specifications.

One of the hardest things from a brand is to make something simple to stand out. The Kaguya is that kind of watch where you would feel that there is not much going on in terms of details but when you look closer, more and more highlights emerge. The dial has 12 applied markers and apart from the moonphase at 10, there isn’t much more, but it all works. Those details sit on top of a beautiful mother of pearl dial and adding the stylized signature at 6, the elegance is elevated. The Lancet style hands are also a good match to the sharp theme that secretly is going on with the KS, no lume here.

One small stop that we need to make is the moonphase disc. It is represented by a realistic printing of the moon itself and, what I like about the Kaguya mechanism, is that the disc is controlled via the half onion style crown and not a pusher on the sides. This is big refinement that allows adjustment on the go while providing a cleaner look, especially for the case.

One of the things that my head needed to fight with was the size, which is 42mm. I am happy to report that the Kaguya won the battle because it is exceptionally made in terms of ergonomics and design. The short lug to lug of 48mm makes is wear the same way as an Omega Speedmaster and in my opinion, that is the ultimate compliment for a case. Here is where I believe the KS re-programs my thinking, as it wears like one of the ultimate tool watches (even better), I feel that I can used for any occasion.

Staying with the case, the sculptured sides are well defined, and it is a welcomed look compared to polished mid cases, it gives some extra character to the Kaguya.  When you turn the watch over you are greeted by the H7M01 Hangzhou in-house movement 7th Series, it brings not only accuracy with +/- 15 seconds per day with 48 hours of power reserve, but also fills the entire back of the watch like it was a dial, I quite enjoy the look. Also, the guys at Wancher manage to decorate the base plate, bridges and rotor with perlage, it is an incredible detail which is appreciated.

On the wrist

There is not denying that this is a larger piece, but it has the added benefit of the short lug to lug spam. It works perfect for my 6.25-inch wrist leaving lots of clearance on both sides. The dial also breathes better, and you can appreciate the moonphase in more detail. But I believe the unsung hero of the watch is the case, it just hugs the wrist quite well, and although I am not usually a fan of 21mm straps, this one gets a good balance for not being so wide and making the case design to flow better.

The thickness of the watch case is also important. At 12mm it feels very thin and sure, it could have been thinner if a non-display case back was added, but for once with 42mm it would have felt odd. Plus, you would have missed on the finishing details of the movement.

I wore the KS everywhere, from supermarkets to even hikes and it just works. To create this extra versatility, I’ve used it with a canvas strap. The Kaguya comes with a very nice black leather one, but I really wanted to put this watch to the test and sweat was going to ruin it, so far, no complaints on my side.

Legibility is a very strong point, and as usual textured or stone dials are not usually the most legible watches, but the KS delivers well. The applied markers help quite a bit to stand out and break the dial colors. Blue and green dominate the look of the watch with hints of purple, and even yellow making an appearance. The steel of the hands can be read in a glance when needed which is quite refreshing.

There is no way around the fact that if you wear this watch it would be noticed. I am a more reserved person but when a hint of sunray hits the dial, it is out there. I quite enjoyed that change because you get to start new conversations with non-watch people, and at the end this is what we are here for, we are mechanical lovers.

Concluding thoughts

To me the Kaguya is more than a timepiece, is an object that reminds me that I am not only constrain by wrist size, but that style is everything. Of course, you can see that this is not just a big watch with a moon on the dial, there is a lot of refinement and know how to create a compelling offer.

One of the main reasons why this watch is so enjoyable is because you do not need to wait for a special or formal occasion, you can wear it anytime which is quite refreshing.

Now, the best part for last which is the price. The Kaguya is 370 USD which is an astonishing price, unfortunately by the time you read this they might be all gone as there are only 10 left. That said the guys at Wancher might be planning to release another batch so make sure you add a notification. Given the complexity of mother of pear dials, it might be a longer wait.

If you need more information, please feel free to visit: https://wancherwatch.com/collections/all-watches/products/kaguya-suigetsu

Technical Specification

·         Case Size (Case x Thickness x Diameter)    42mm x 12mm x 45mm

·         Case Material                316L Polished Stainless Steel Case

·         Lug Width         21mm  Lug to Lug:       48mm

·         Dial Material   Mother of Pearl Black Dyed Dial

·         Movement        H7M01 Hangzhou Factory In-House Movement 7th Series

·         Power Reserve              48 hours