That might have some potential. I think they're lying about the thickness it looks mors like 15.3mm than 12.3mm
Rolex really deviated from the norm with this moonphase display. I made some posts on a previous thread about how to "interpret" it. That's the thing, you can't just look at it and tell what the moon is going to look like on the sky without interpreting it.
Note: The following explanation only applies in the Northern hemisphere.
You really don't need the empty circle moon, although you CAN use it once you understand how to interpret the display. Using the filled moon, when it's dead center at the top, its a full moon. As is DESCENDS DOWN on the RIGHT, it depicts the actual moon DECREASING in size. How much? Its proportional to the percentage of the 180 degree circle to the bottom. So at the 3 o'clock position, visibilty of the actual moon has decreased to a half moon (last quarter). As it approaches the bottom of the circle, it depicts a waning crescent.
Then as the filled moon symbol INCREASES UP on the LEFT, it depicts the actual moon INCREASING in size so that at the 9 o'clock position, the visible actual moon is half full (first quarter). Or, you can use the empty circle on the right (now at 3 o'clock) to make your interpretation of the new (empty) moon increasing in size to first quarter.
Confusing? Hell yeah, why not stick with a tried and true nice looking regular moonphase display? Better still come up with a new depiction altogether that keeps a big beautiful moon image stationary in an awesome night sky background and applies a moving mask to it that shows you exactly what the moon will look like in the sky. Tell me Rolex couldn't figure out how to do that. Ever seen the Skydweller movement?
Anyway, this model is still interesting. I was kind of waiting for the MK version to come out. I don't think I would want RG anyway. But this model stays (somewhat low) on my wish list.
johnlogan