New and out of this world – The Luna from Monro Adventure

To bring something new to the table is not an easy task. Watch brands rely a lot on colour and size variation and while this approach is appreciated, the reality is that a new design language feels more substantial, more valuable.

All that value comes at a price of course, and keeping the price down while you are doing everything from scratch its hard, in other words, the let’s say that the R&D line keep getting bigger and bigger. So, how do you tackle the bull without feeling the risk? Well the guys at Monro Adventure might have found the right formula in the micro brand space.

I want to stress the word ‘’microbrand’’ because, when you are part of a big conglomerate (I am not naming anyone), you will have not only access to parts but also to know how. Which means that samples are more accurate, your bargain power against supplier is higher and then, if sales/watches are not flying trough the door, its ok, the group profits might buy you some time.

But, also there is a flip side when it comes to be an independent. The freedom and agility that microbrands possess can only be enviable by the big boys. Not having stakeholders others than the owners means that if you want to add a purple dial, it would probably ok. This freedom is what brings us to the most ambitious launch by Monro Adventure, the Luna line.

Let’s talk about inspiration, the Luna collection is filled with dials that would make any watch collector jump from their seat and have them all. With this new line we have a malachite dial, a tigers eye one, a beautiful meteorite rock, the bluest of agate I’ve seen and a musuo black stone. They are all launched at the same time they are ready to rock (sorry about the punt). Let’s discover a watch that includes not only details but passion to watchmaking.

The Specifications

Monro Adventure has us accustomed to great and different design and this time is no different. The stainless steel case is 39mm in diameter with an impressive 10.5mm thickness, the Luna just disappears on the wrist.

The case has the side openings where you can see the mid side glowing, yes you read that right. The superluminova X2 glows like a torch making the side of the case a work of art. This luminescence doesn’t end here as the markers seconds and main hands received the same treatment, it is something else to behold. The satin finish mixed with brush creates a more utilitarian look, it is elegant but also an sporty watch, hard to describe.

Our particular version is a tad more special because it has a particular rock which comes from outer space. The meteorite dial has a different patter for each watch, its grey with beautiful striking lines, quite impressive for something at this price point, we will come to this later. The minute track which is divided by 12 separators, it is also filled by an aventurine ring, talking about attention to detail and flair, the Luna has it all.

 Under the hood, we can find the premium Miyota 9039 which provided that thinness we mentioned earlier. it is quite nice to look at from the case back and also has a bespoke rotor to finish the composition. It is controlled by the well milled crown, the knurling feels nice at the grip wit a signed top using the brand’s logo.

The watch has been tested for pressure and gives 100 meters of water resistance and 42 hours of power reserve.

On the wrist

With the dimensions described, there is no denying that this is a watch that wears and feels good. The lack of thickness feels appropriate for a 3 hand watch with no date and also the size feels right for my 6.25 inch wrist.

The strap is also bespoke, and the tapering as well as the breathing space that it gives is impressive, you can wear the Luna all day and it will feel as fresh as when you started the day which is rare, very rare. Our version comes with a light grey version of the strap, it is soft and also has a buckle with the same theme, it actually looks like the side of the case, nothing is off the shelf here. The integration at the end lug it’s great, feels like a watch that has been design with every angle in mind and I am not surprised that this was the approach from Monro Adventure, it feels authentic.

I wore the lune at home mostly, I had to take care of our press sample because it was going to be exhibit at the British Watchmakers show last month and I have to say I wanted to sleep with it. it is that watch that you do not want to take off, and at that show, it made a similar splash that it did with me, it is a winner.

Legibility it’s a strong point, mainly because with any light interaction, the Lune becomes a complete lighthouse, it feels quite modern and at the same time timeless.

Concluding thoughts

It was hard to say goodbye to this watch, I had it on for 1 week only and it already make me want one. The main reason is because is rare but at the same time affordable, and you know that in our world, this is the rarest combination.

This bring us to the price, the Luna series which starts at 479.20 GBP and it is available to preorder with a delivery date in May 2026,  a short wait for something this special. The meteorite version is a bit higher but equally worth it and I think it would be our first choice, that said the malachite seems to be one of the nicest combinations out there followed by the agate. This is a dangerous hobby, even if we forgot to mentioned the tigers eye.

This is an ambitious project and we highlighted at the beginning, to bring to market a well-made plus unique design watch under 500 GBP must sound crazy for any brand, but for us enthusiast, well it is a bargain to be had, make sure to check them out.

For more information please visit: https://monroadventure.com/pages/luna-adventure

Technical specifications

Dial Finish: 3 Piece Dial: Brushed Cage with 12 Indexes

Case Material: 12 piece case construction in 316L Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 39mm

Lug to Lug: 45mm

Thickness: 10.50mm

Lug Width: 20mm

Luminosity: LUMECORE™ Swiss SuperLuminova Grade X2 Inner Case Capsule. Swiss SuperLuminova Grade X2 Index & Hands

Movement: Miyota Premium Automatic 9039

Accuracy: ｰ10～＋30 sec/day

Power Reserve: Approximately 42 hours

Vibration Frequency: 28800 per hour

Jewels: 24 pcs

Glass: Flat Sapphire with AR coating

Water Resistance: 100m (10 ATM)