Since its launch in 2016, CODE41 has continually been breaking the codes of luxury watchmaking. This is, in any case, the intent of its creator Claudio d’Amore.
After highlighting intricately skeletonized dial watches to enhance its movements, the brand opens a new chapter in its history with the Moon Inception. As the name suggests, this new model “emphasizes classicism and the poetry of moon phases”. A highly sought-after complication that CODE41 wants to make accessible to as many people as possible.
A phase of the moon revisited by CODE41 and its community
Even before talking about watches, it’s through the brand’s philosophy that CODE41 makes its difference. If, like many other projects, it started thanks to crowdfunding (under the code name Goldgena), it maintains very close ties with its community.
More than just another (and yet another) watch brand, CODE41 presents itself as the “manifesto of a watchmaking industry betting on transparency, digital and the community”, a company that “constitutes a cooperative ecosystem where everyone actively participates in the creation of the watch of their dreams”.
In fact, for every new watch created, the CODE41 community is invited to give its opinion: case size, dial color, type of strap… And all votes and comments are taken into account in order to arrive at the development of THE ideal watch or, at least, THE watch that best meets the expectations of the brand’s fans.
Since this formula has already proven itself for over 7 years, it is still the one that was applied to create this new Moon Inception. After the tourbillon, the moon phase was the other complication “long requested” by the community of the Swiss brand. After many months of work and exchange, it therefore arrives on Earth in 2024, first in pre-order, for deliveries expected from the month of September.
Moon Inception, a more classic style, but with the DNA of CODE41
Until now, CODE41 used to make watches with skeleton dials, revealing all the details of the movement, “so that everyone can admire the mechanical magic of passing time”. Despite the poetry of these words, these models stood out with a very modern, almost futuristic look, just like the X41, the DAY41 or the NB24 chronograph. But this time around, the brand honours the classical style, with a solid dial punctuated by a semi-circular aperture to admire the trajectory of the moon.
But since it’s a CODE41 watch, the Moon Inception can’t be too classic either. Therefore, this dial combines various colors (sand, black or blue) and textures, with a grainy background that evokes the surface of the moon for example. Two intersecting circles house the moon phase indicator and the date window in unusual positions (at 7:30 and 1:30), forming an 8, symbol of infinity. Their star-studded background contributes to the charm of the whole, even if the design appears almost “too smooth”.
Some details (that we might not notice at first glance) further distinguish the Moon Inception. For example, the mentions “CODE41” and “Moon Phases”, inscribed on either side of the two circles, the minimalist railroad track, engraved every 10, or even the rocket which punctuates the second hand.
The 41.5mm diameter steel case (11.2mm thick) is topped with a domed sapphire glass, which adds a vintage touch to the whole. A rarity at CODE41! To top it all off, the crown is also finely chiseled and the Moon Inception comes with a nice perforated leather strap (with quick change system). But customization is always at the heart of the brand’s ecosystem, it is also possible to opt for a model in rubber or steel.
And then, of course, to power this beautiful complication, CODE41 could not neglect the mechanics of its watch. The Moon Inception is thus driven by a C41-MP caliber, designed on the basis of a Sellita SW288, beautifully decorated and visible through the transparent back, with a power reserve of 41 hours (coincidentally!). Cherry on top, the brand allows its customers to opt for a COSC certification (for an additional 320€) to ensure better accuracy (up to -4/+6 seconds per day).
The complete features of the watch
| Case | 316L Steel 41.5 mm diameter, 11.2 mm thickness Domed sapphire glass with anti-reflective treatment Transparent back Waterproof to 100 meters |
|---|---|
| Dial | Sand-grain dial, blue or black Railway minute track Moon phase indicator, date window |
| Strap | Perforated leather strap Lug width 24 mm Simple tool-less mounting system |
| Movement | Automatic mechanical movement C41-MP (Based on elaborated Sellita SW288, D4 finishes) Base precision: -7/+7 seconds per day / COSC certificate: -4/+6 seconds per day Power reserve: 41 hours |
| Recommended Retail Price | from 3273€ |
In summary, our opinion on the Moon Inception by CODE41
If the design of previous models from the brand could be divisive, this Moon Inception has more chances of gaining unanimous approval. For its first moon phase, CODE41 has found a nice balance between classic and modern, this watch doesn’t just ride the neo-vintage trend that we see everywhere else.
We love the attention to detail, the quality of the assembly, as well as the transparency always offered by the brand through its TTO label (Total Transparency on Origin): the casing, dial and packaging come from China, while the movement, moon disc and assembly are Swiss.
Offered from 3273€ (and 4200€ for its future price), this Moon Inception fits perfectly into the DNA of CODE41: a watch that respects certain luxury standards, but also has the good taste to remain affordable. And while the title of “most beautiful moon phase of the year” may seem exaggerated, this model nonetheless remains one of our favorites for the first quarter of 2024.
