Sugess Moonphase S401 Review – The True 29.5 Day Lunar Cycle On A Budget

Every so often, a budget mechanical watch appears that feels suspiciously too good for its price. The Sugess Moonphase S401B v3 is one of those rare cases — a true mechanical moonphase watch, not a cosmetic imitation, built around the Seagull ST2528 automatic movement and finished to a standard that rivals far more expensive pieces.
At around $100 before tax, it offers a sapphire crystal, 49-hour power reserve, exhibition caseback, dual push-correctors, and a dial literally made from natural blue sandstone — flecked like a midnight sky. It’s a poetic yet technical piece that proves refinement isn’t the sole domain of Swiss luxury. Interestingly, Sugess watches in general are underrated but these often over-deliver.

Design & Case

The Sugess S401B v3 strikes an ideal balance between classic proportion and modern presence. It measures 41.3 mm in diameter, 13.8 mm thick, and 48.5 mm lug-to-lug, with a 21 mm strap width keeping visual balance. On wrist, it sits confidently but not large — its sharply downturned lugs ensure the case hugs the wrist, eliminating overhang even on smaller wrists around 6.5 inches.

The stainless-steel case alternates between polished lug hoods and flash-brushed flanks, divided by a razor-thin 45° chamfer that keeps transitions crisp. The finishing is superb for the price — clean, consistent, and deliberate.

The fluted 5.8 mm crown at 3 o’clock is push-pull but deeply notched, providing excellent grip. It’s flanked by two discreet correctors: one at 10 o’clock for the big date and one at 4 o’clock for the moonphase. These pushers integrate neatly into the case profile, preserving symmetry while offering practical control.

The domed sapphire crystal crowns the design. Its mild curvature enhances depth without distortion, sitting above a narrow fixed polished bezel that frames the dial elegantly. From any angle, light plays beautifully across the brushed steel, polished chamfers, and glinting stone dial.

Dial

The star of the Sugess Moonphase is, quite literally, its blue sandstone dial — a natural mineral surface flecked with reflective metallic particles that shimmer like stars in a midnight sky. No paint, no printing — just nature’s texture, creating organic variation that makes each piece unique.

At 12 o’clock, a twin-window big date display anchors the upper half, framed in polished chrome. At 6 o’clock, a sub-seconds register shares space with the moonphase aperture, forming a vertical axis of symmetry. The layout is classical but not sterile — offset by “Sugess” printed in cursive on the left and “Moonphase” on the right in a modern serif font. The slight asymmetry feels lively, reminiscent of mid-century Swiss design.

A printed minute track circles the periphery with Arabic numerals every five minutes and rectangular hour markers between. Slim leaf-style hands sweep across the dial with polished edges and luminous fill, while the seconds hand features a lumed counterbalance — a subtle but thoughtful flourish.

When night falls, the lume truly impresses. Using BGW9-style blue luminous paint, both the hands and moon glow evenly, bright and long-lasting — remarkable for a dress-oriented moonphase watch at this price point.

Movement & Crown

Inside beats the Seagull ST2528, a 29-jewel, 3 Hz (21,600 bph) automatic movement with an integrated moonphase complication — not a simple module stacked on top. It offers a 49-hour power reserve and drives a 59-tooth moonphase wheel, advancing one increment every 24 hours to mirror the lunar cycle precisely.

The level of mechanical fidelity is rare: this watch will deviate from the real lunar phase by just one day every two years of continuous operation — precision unheard of in sub-$200 moonphases.

Winding through the fluted crown feels refined and mechanical, with resistance akin to mid-tier Swiss calibers. It’s neither gritty nor glassy smooth — just deliberate, tight, and precise. You can feel the gear train engage beneath your fingertips, adding to the tactile satisfaction of ownership.

Crystal & Caseback

The sapphire crystal up front and the screw-down exhibition caseback complete the package. The rear sapphire reveals the decorated ST2528 movement, featuring brushed plates and gold-toned gears. The caseback lip forms a clean horizontal break from the midcase, keeping the profile elegant and balanced.

Strap & Clasp

The watch comes fitted with a navy blue padded leather strap, embossed with a crocodile-grain texture and matching stitching. It’s supple yet substantial, tapering gently for comfort. On the underside, a beige lining confirms genuine leather, stamped accordingly.
Sugess even includes a second strap in black leather, identical in construction — a thoughtful addition at this price. Both straps feature quick-release spring bars and a signed polished buckle, reinforcing the sense of completeness.

Summary

The Sugess Moonphase S401B v3 is not just good “for the money” — it’s genuinely excellent. With sapphire crystal, integrated moonphase mechanics, dual correctors, a natural stone dial, and BGW9 lume, it’s the kind of watch that redefines what’s possible under $150.
There are no gimmicks here: the moonphase is real, the materials are premium, and the craftsmanship is thoughtful. Sugess has built something that feels far beyond its cost — elegant, celestial, and technically authentic.

Specifications Table