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How to set up a moon phase with the crown

Short answer: Many quartz and some mechanical moon phase watches move the moon disc with the crown in its first pulled-out position. Centre the full moon first, then add one click for each day since the last full moon.

Written by Catalin Alexandru · Last checked: 2026-10-17 against TISSOT quartz analogue watches manual

How real watches do it

Tissot quartz with moon phasePosition II, turn backwards, one notch per day. Not 22:00–02:00.
Longines Master Collection Moonphase (calibre L899)Position 2, turn forwards, one full crown turn per day.
Citizen Eco-Drive Calendrier MoonphasePosition 1, turn right. Indicator hidden = new moon.
Frederique Constant Classics Heart Beat Moonphase Date (FC-335)Position 1, turn right, one full turn per step. Hands at 6–9 first.
Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Master ChronometerPosition 2, turn forwards. Backwards moves the date.
Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Manufacture (calibre FC-705 family)No moon setting of its own: turn the hands, one step per 24 hours.
See it drawn button by button, with today's moon for your location.Open the interactive guide →

Set up moon phase on most watches: 4 steps

Crown positions are numbered 1 / 2 / 3, from pushed in to fully out.

N is the number of whole days since the last full moon. The interactive guide works it out for your location and today's date, and shows the exact count.

  1. 1

    First click: find the moon direction

    Pull one click and turn slowly. Note which way moves the moon disc.

    ⚠️ Avoid 21:00–03:00 on the dial. The date and moon mechanism is engaged then. Move the hands out of that window first (for example to 6:30), or wait.
  2. 2

    Centre the FULL moon

    Turn the moon direction until the full moon is centred.

    🎯 Full moon centred
  3. 3

    Then N clicks

    Usually one click per day since full moon. Some movements need more, so check your manual.

  4. 4

    Push the crown in

    Done.

Show the set up a moon phase with the crown steps as pictures →

New to moon phase windows? Read how to read a moon phase window and how often to reset it.

Other complications

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