Coming from outer space – Th Lilienthal Berlin Octamoon Meteorite III

What is it about our obsession with space? For timekeeper porpoises it makes sense, as time is calculated by the passage of extraterrestrial objects. But for us humans, the fact that we cannot interact on a day-to-day basis with an object like the sun or the moon, makes it more appealing. Exclusivity, that word again.

Today we have a watch that can get you closer to what is out there: the Lilienthal Octamoon Meteorite on its third iteration. It is truly a threat. 

The reason why I managed to get hands on with this watch is because I was wondering how a brand can recreate the moonphase watch traditional layout. We all know and love the dressy layout with an eggshell dial, blued hands in a round 36mm case. It has been done quite a bit and for a reason, it just works.

The Octamoon Meteorite stays away from the ordinary an brings its own flavour. An eight-side case with German styled numerals. A moonphase that shines bright and proud, plus a meteorite stone to adorn one of the coolest dials at this price bracket, more on that later.

Join me to discover a true hidden gem that can be worn proudly every day, let us begin.

The specifications

One thing is special about this watch and that is the dial. The case shape is what gives the name of the watch and at 39mm with a short lug to lug, it is outstanding but the dial, this is where the party is at. The Octamoon Meteorite has a beautiful fume blue face, it is something to behold. The gold accents of the numerals and seconds hand complement well the gold moonphase indicator at 6 o clock, very tidy. The edges of the watch disappear when reaching the gunmetal PVD coating of the case, looks very organic and well thought out.

The dial transitions well with the bracelet too, it is well made, and it matches the angular surfaces of the watch. I cannot begin to imagine how much time the design studio from Lilienthal Berlin spent on the Octamoon, every detail from the sector style to the minimalist approach is flawless and well executed. it is an impressive piece to behold, quality is assured.

The watch is powered by a Miyota quartz calibre, it is nice to experience the quality and robustness of the engine. One fact to highlight and that we are impressed about is the fact that all complications are controlled by the crown. The are no secret dimples or separated adjusters, it is an accurate watch.

Coming back to the main complication, the Octamoon has a true meteorite medal covering the moonphase . It is a subtle detail where the watch can really be appreciated it, I really hope the pictures make justice. It just gives the watch that extra rareness.

On the wrist

On the wrist, the Octamoon it is very comfortable. The fact that it can be used as an everyday piece is its outstanding. The watch is always precise and taking away for traveling is ideal. The thinness is also something to highlight with a case under 9mm, it really looks flat on my 6.25-inch wrist and that is a very good thing.

I wore the Octamoon mostly at the office and at home. It wears like charm and with that bracelet in full gunmetal look, well it is something modern and unique on the wrist.

Visibility it is also good, the watch offers 50 meters which should be enough form anyone who wants to put the watch through its paces, it is versatile, really good looking.

Because the Octamoon is a modern piece, it can also be paired with leather straps, but I think the supplied bracelet is one of best I’ve encountered at this price point. The quality is present in the full product.

Conclusions

Lilienthal Berlin has won me over, I hope that tis not the last watch I review from the brand because as a value proposition is unmatchable. They have a good proprietary design mixed with affordable prices. Coming to that last point the Octamoon is currently on offer by 30%, meaning that the full RRP for this watch is 244 GBP, what a value the team in Germany has managed to achieve.

We enjoy the watch quite a bit, it is a mixture of new design with old complications, and they do that well. There are several varieties of the Octamoon such as white, grey, and green. They all have their charm, but this fume dial is something else.

Reviewing this watch is a nod to remind us of where value lies around, is not the entry level of an expensive watch, the real bargain happens when exotic materials, innovative design and precision come together to offer a great package.

I will spend more and more time with the Octamoon, but the real issue is that when you look down to see the time, distraction happens. Let’s see what they come with in the next few years, I am sure they are not stopping anytime soon.  It has been an amazing experience and as I’ve said, hope this is not the last watch we see from the Berlin based brand.

Technical Specifications

Movement

Three-hand quartz movement by the Japanese manufacturer Miyota

Caliber

6P24 with moon phase

Dial

Meteorite inlay, applied indices, Superluminova hands

Case

316L surgical steel

Case size

Diameter 39 mm, height 8.6 mm

Glass

Sapphire-hardened mineral glass

WATER RESISTANCE

Up to 5 ATM