The Moon Inception, The Moonphase Revisited by Code41

Code41 was founded in 2016 by Claudio d’Amore with an emphasis on bold styling and community involvement. Input from watch enthusiasts helps shape new designs and ultimately production watches, creating a sense of community that’s fairly unique in the industry. Recent examples include the NB24 Chronograph and Mecascape table/pocket clock, which are anything but conventional timekeepers. The latest Moon Inception takes the common moonphase in an interesting direction with a moon(ish) theme throughout the dial. It’s both functional and stylish, and has the mechanical chops to back up the cool looks. 

The stainless steel case has a cushion shape and wide width of 24mm to otherwise short and integrated lugs. Dimensions are 41.5mm in diameter and 11.2mm in height. A convex anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects the dial and an exhibition caseback displays a modified Sellita automatic. A large bezel with a brushed face and polished outer rim adds presence and the signed crown has bold knurling to finish things off. Water resistance is rated at 100 metres. Strap options include a steel bracelet and black or tan perforated leather that coordinates to three different dial colours. All include quick-release levers. 

The case is a bit unique, but the dial definitely steals the show. A large “sub-dial” frame at 8 o’clock houses the moonphase, which is a realistic moon within its own aperture surrounded by a starry, constellation scene. This large frame integrates with a much smaller one at 1:30 to form an 8, symbolizing infinity. The date sits within the smaller frame at an angle that aligns with the angle of the 8. The colour within the 8 matches the rest of the dial, but is smooth compared to the surrounding textured aesthetic that mimics the lunar surface. The outer perimeter has a detailed minute/seconds track and integrates with the two inner frames (it’s all one piece), and the dial colours are black, blue and tan. The seconds hand has a vintage rocket at the tip, like one from 1950s Sci-Fi, and there’s no lume on any dial elements. 

Powering the Code41 Moon Inception is the C41-MP calibre, based on the Sellita SW288 (Elaboré). It has 26 jewels, beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) and comes with a 41-hour power reserve. Functions include central hours, minutes, hacking seconds, moonphase and date. Adjusted in three positions, accuracy is rated at +/-7 seconds per day, but there’s an optional COSC-certified upgrade that brings it to -4/+6 seconds per day (with certificate). Decorations include perlage and a custom rocket/space theme engraved on the rotor. 

Preorders open on January 25^th, which is the first full moon of 2024 and then covers the lunar cycle, closing on February 23^rd. Prices start at EUR 3,275 (incl. taxes) or USD 3,345 (before taxes). The optional COSC certification adds EUR 316 or USD 315 to the price. Deliveries are scheduled for September 2024.

For more information, please visit www.code41.com. 

Sponsored post: This article is sponsored by CODE41. However, it reflects the writer’s opinion and has been written according to MONOCHROME’s editorial policy.