Earnshaw Longitude Moonphase ES-8066-03 Watch Review

I always enjoy a classic watch and with the Longitude Moonphase the watchmakers at Thomas Earnshaw 1805 really outdid themselves. They have left the whole bottom half of the watch almost clear so that you can appreciate the open heart dial and have only put the Roman numeral indexes in the top half of the watch.

Thomas Earnshaw has been around from the beginning of the 19^th century so it is difficult to think of a name more synonymous with keeping time and a dedication to the classic aspects of watch design. With this timepiece you will find the age old intricate design techniques used by the watchmakers of old as a symbol of craftsmanship.

Vintage Style Dial

As mentioned above I enjoy a classic and the dial of this timepiece has all the makings of a classic. The dial has a pearl white colour with beautiful fluid lines aesthetically worked on to it. Golden Roman numeral indexes are placed on the top half of the dial from 9 o’clock around to 3 o’clock. Next to the 9 o’clock is the Earnshaw brand in print and just over the other side by 3 o’clock the 1805 establishment date is printed. The moonphase is a mark of the vintage watches and adds a wonderful splash of blue amongst the gold finishes. Leaf style watch hands in a polished gold and there is a special touch of class on the second hand with the Earnshaw logo on the far end of the hand.

The dial has a feeling of depth with the additional markers around the edges placed on a lifted lip around the edge. Just above 6 o’clock is the open heart of the Longitude Moonphase. A look into the open heart is typical of the old watchmakers showcasing the craftsmanship that goes into the timepiece.

Case and Classic Crown

The case is a gold plated stainless steel and true to classic style is simple and round. Mineral glass has been used for the display which shouldn’t cause any problems because it isn’t a watch designed for adventure. This is your typical formal dress watch that will accompany you to black tie events or big meetings. The black leather strap does make it quite a comfortable wear however so few might want to wear it daily but this would mean it is more likely to pick up some scratches and other scuffing. A golden plated buckle clasp is used with the Earnshaw name gracefully placed on it.

An antique crown is placed on the side by the 3 o’clock. The use of the antique crown is simple but classy and doesn’t have any additional engravings on the top. Just above the crown is a button that shifts the day one forward every time you push it. On the other side of the case is the Earnshaw engraving printed out in full.

There is an exhibition case back showing off the intricacies that go into crafting a watch like this. You will find the Earnshaw logo on the rotor with the longitude and 22 jewel disclaimers along the edge. On the glass of the exhibition case the longitude lines are placed the same way they are found on the globe to add to the aesthetic feel of the watch. The timepiece has a 22 jewel automatic mechanism powering its movement.

Final Thoughts

This timepiece is a classic in every sense of the word. The flowing lines intricately placed on the dial are pleasing to the eye and the moonphase is a feature typical of the watches of the more vintage era. The colours are carefully selected and the gold and white come together perfectly to make this piece more pleasing to the eye. The exhibition cases were used in the past to show off the degree of craftsmanship that goes into the making of one of these timepieces. The watch has a water resistance rating of 50m and is not made for anything more than occasional water use like showering or swimming. This is still not recommended though because even though the strap is genuine leather it will not hold for so long if it isn’t cared for.

What I appreciate most about the classic styled watches is the time that goes into the design and the creative use of space. The watch is the Longitude ES-8066-03 model and the global lines of longitude are used on the case back to compliment the theme. The piece is 44mm in diameter and due to the mechanical movement is a bit thicker than usual at 13.2mm. It is also slightly heavy but this gives the watch a genuine feel. If you are looking for a piece to add a degree of sophistication to your collection then it would be difficult to look past this timepiece.

To have a look at Earnshaw’s entire range of watches visit their official website here.