Villandry Valois Moonphase Blue
Dress Watch, Complication Watch (Moonphase, Day-Date) · Villandry (Independent Microbrand). Villandry is a boutique brand positioned in the affordable/entry-level luxury tier, often focusing on classical European-inspired designs.
Period: Modern Neo-Classical/Traditional Luxury. Stylistic indicators include Roman numerals, a rail-track minute circle, and a classic sun-and-moon style complication common in contemporary affordable luxury brands.
Type
Dress Watch, Complication Watch (Moonphase, Day-Date)
Brand
Villandry (Independent Microbrand). Villandry is a boutique brand positioned in the affordable/entry-level luxury tier, often focusing on classical European-inspired designs.
Movement
Quartz movement (likely Miyota or Ronda multi-function caliber). It features sub-dials for day of the week, date of the month, and a moonphase (likely a day/night 24-hour indicator).
Dimensions
Case diameter: 40mm; Thickness: 10mm; Lug-to-lug: 48mm; Lug width: 20mm. It sits flat on the wrist in a traditional dress watch profile.
Description
The Villandry Valois is a classically styled dress watch that prioritizes elegance and legibility. With its rich blue sunburst dial and complex sub-dial layout, it mimics the appearance of high-complication Swiss horology at a fraction of the cost. The onion crown and Roman numerals lend it a regal, traditional feel suitable for formal attire.
Key Features
Applied Roman numerals, triple-calendar layout (minus the month), onion crown, and the five-link high-polish bracelet.
Dial Description
Deep navy blue sunray/sunburst dial featuring applied silver-tone Roman numeral indices. It has three sub-dials (Day at 9, Date at 3, Moonphase/Day-Night at 6). Leaf-style (feuille) hands with a thin needle seconds hand.
Case Material
316L Stainless Steel with a high-polished finish on the bezel and lugs.
Crystal Type
Domed Mineral Crystal or Sapphire-coated mineral glass based on the brand's typical specifications. Visible light distortion suggests a pronounced dome.
Bezel Details
Fixed, smooth, high-polished stainless steel bezel with a thin profile to maximize dial visibility.
Crown & Pushers
Push-pull onion-style crown, oversized for ease of grip, providing a vintage aesthetic. No chronograph pushers.
Bracelet or Strap
Five-link 'Engineer' or 'Jubilee-inspired' stainless steel bracelet with alternating brushed and polished finishing. Features a folding butterfly deployment clasp.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down caseback, likely featuring the Villandry crest engraving and basic water resistance specifications. Non-exhibition.
Movement Type
Quartz movement (likely Miyota or Ronda multi-function caliber). It features sub-dials for day of the week, date of the month, and a moonphase (likely a day/night 24-hour indicator).
Water Resistance
5 ATM (50 Meters/165 Feet). Suitable for light splashes and rain; not recommended for swimming, showering, or diving.
Origin & Provenance
International/Global manufacture. While the brand emphasizes French-inspired design (named after Château de Villandry), components are typically sourced and assembled in China with Japanese movement components.
Age Estimate
Modern production, circa 2020-2024. The design and bracelet style are indicative of current microbrand trends in the mid-2020s.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Microbrand Movement' of the 21st century, where direct-to-consumer brands provide high-concept designs and complicated looks to enthusiasts who want the aesthetic of expensive Swiss maisons without the 'prestige' price tag.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in 'Brand New with Tags' condition (BNIB). Protective plastic wrapping is still visible on the bracelet links. No visible scratches or signs of wear. Condition Grade: Mint.
Value Estimate
Retail (MSRP) approximately $200 - $350 USD. Secondary market value typically resides in the $100 - $180 range depending on the urgency of sale.
Care & Maintenance
Battery replacement every 2-3 years. Avoid high-strength magnets near the quartz movement. Rinse with fresh water if exposed to sweat or salt. Bracelet links can be cleaned with a soft brush and mild soap.
Similar Watches
Frederique Constant Classics Business Timer (Swiss alternative), Orient Sun and Moon Version 3 (Japanese alternative), Tissot Carson Premium (Entry-luxury Swiss alternative).
Interesting Facts
The brand Villandry draws its name and logo (a stylized fleur-de-lis and V) from the famous gardens of the Villandry Château in France, seeking to evoke a sense of heritage and landscape architecture in its watch design.