Blue and the night sky go together, which makes the Mido Baroncelli Smiling Moon M027.407.11.040.00 one of the most fitting moon phase watches around. Its blue dial frames a broad, smile-shaped opening where the moon drifts through its phases.

The idea is charming but the execution is serious. A rotating disc reveals the eight principal phases of the lunar cycle, and the Caliber 72 automatic underneath runs for up to 72 hours thanks to its long-reserve design, while a Nivachron balance spring improves stability against magnetic fields and temperature changes. The 39mm polished steel case keeps the proportions classic, echoing the refined architecture of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan that inspires the Baroncelli family.

Where the white version reads crisp and formal, the blue dial has more depth and color, shifting from bright to inky as the light changes. On a steel bracelet with deployment clasp it suits business wear just as well as a polo shirt and jeans.

Mido Baroncelli Smiling Moon blue, ref. M027.407.11.040.00

• Diameter: 39mm, polished steel case
• Dial: blue with stick and dot markers and dauphine hands
• Moon phase: wide smiling aperture, eight main phases
• Caliber: Mido 72 self-winding, Nivachron hairspring
• Running time: up to 72 hours
• Glass: sapphire with anti-reflective treatment
• Back: open caseback
• Bracelet: stainless steel with deployment clasp

A moon phase with personality, in the color of a clear night.