Tissot Quartz Moon Phase F356 — The Affordable Vintage Moonphase

Introduction

The late ’80s were a fun time for Swiss watchmaking: quartz had won the accuracy war, and brands started using that thin, reliable tech to power complications you’d normally only see in pricey mechanical pieces. Enter the Tissot Quartz Moon Phase, ref. F356—a slim, elegant dress watch that puts a moon on your wrist for very little money.

Depending on the variant, you’ll find either:

• a clean dial with moon phase at 12 and date at 6 (the minimalist version in our photos), or

• a triple-calendar layout with day and month sub-dials, pointer date around the dial, and moon phase at 6.

Both live in the same design family and share the same “late-80s Tissot PR100” DNA: thin case, tough enough specs for daily wear, and classic looks.

Why it’s interesting

• Moon phase without the price pain: A poetic complication in a watch that often sells for the price of a modern entry-level Seiko.

• Thin and wearable: Typically under 7 mm thick—slides under any cuff.

• Vintage charm, modern practicality: Quartz accuracy, quick-set date/moon (on most), and originally rated to 100 m as part of the PR100 line.

Key Specifications (typical)

Spec	Details
Reference	F356 (related bracelet/market codes exist; ladies’ companion models also appeared)
Movement	Swiss quartz (ETA 255 family), ultra-thin “Flatline” generation
Functions	Hours, minutes, central seconds (varies), moon phase, date (minimalist version) — or triple calendar + moon phase (full version)
Case	Stainless steel, often gold-plated; ~30–32 mm (some list ~34 mm incl. crown)
Thickness	~6.5–7 mm
Crystal	Sapphire on many examples (some runs used mineral)
Water resistance	Originally PR100 (100 m/10 bar) when new; assume less today unless pressure-tested
Lugs	~18 mm, easy strap changes
Battery life	~2–3 years

Note: Exact details vary slightly by batch and market.

Design & Variants

Minimalist Moon + Date (your watch)

• Layout: Moon phase aperture tucked at 12 o’clock, framed date at 6.

• Dial: Clean white with applied dots and a lone Roman XII; slim baton/leaf hands.

• Vibe: Pure dress watch—quiet, elegant, timeless.

Triple-Calendar + Moon Phase

• Layout: Day and month at ~10 and ~2, pointer date around the perimeter, moon phase at 6.

• Vibe: “Mini complication watch”—busier dial, great wrist presence without size.

Both versions often came in a gold-tone case on leather, occasionally with two-tone bracelet options. Some dials read “Saphir” to flex the sapphire crystal—a charming period detail.

Movement & Setting Tips

The ETA 255-series quartz was a bit of a showcase piece for ETA in the late ’80s: thin architecture, multiple stepping motors, and enough torque to drive calendar disks smoothly.

Common operations (typical):

• Date quick-set: Crown to first position → rotate to change date.

• Moon phase quick-set: Often advanced with the same first position (opposite direction) or a recessed corrector on some versions.

• Day/Month (triple-calendar): Usually advanced by cycling the date—takes a minute, but faithful to the era.

Battery end-of-life: On variants with a central seconds hand, a 4-second “jump” indicates it’s time to swap the cell.

How it wears

• Size: ~30–32 mm reads vintage-dressy, not tiny, thanks to thin bezel and bright dial.

• Profile: Ultra-slim = comfort king.

• Straps: Looks fantastic on brown or black calf, lizard, alligator-grain, or a crisp dark blue to echo the moon-disk. For fun, a champagne or cream suede warms up the gold tone.

Market Prices & What to Pay (2025 snapshot)

• Typical runner, no box/papers: $200–$300 / €180–€280

• Serviced, clean examples or bracelet versions: $300–$450

• Projects / needs service: <$150

The watch isn’t a rocket-ship “investment”—and that’s the point. It’s a budget complication you can enjoy guilt-free.

Buying Guide: What to Check

1. Moon phase & date function: Advance through a full cycle. Smooth change? No slippage?

2. Hands/dial condition: Look for moisture marks around the moon aperture and date window.

3. Case plating: High-wear spots at lugs and bezel edges first; even patina is fine, brassing not so much.

4. Crystal: Many were sapphire; some were mineral. Chips and edge cracks cost more to remedy.

5. Water resistance: Treat as not water-resistant unless pressure-tested after a new gasket set.

6. Battery leakage history: Have a watchmaker peek inside if possible; corrosion on coil/IC is a red flag.

7. Correct reference markings: “F356” typically appears on the dial or caseback; period PR100 notes are a plus.

Owning & Care

• Service approach: It’s quartz—no routine overhauls like mechanicals. Replace gaskets and battery every 2–3 years and have the movement checked if calendar action feels gritty.

• Parts: Donor ETA 255 movements are still found; a competent watchmaker can swap wheels/discs if needed.

• Use case: Office, dinners, dress events—perfect. Keep it dry unless it’s been resealed and tested.

Who is it for?

• Vintage-curious collectors who want something charming and different under €300.

• Dress-watch wearers who value slimness and comfort.

• Complication lovers who enjoy the poetry of a moon phase without mechanical-watch prices.

Bottom Line

The Tissot Quartz Moon Phase F356 is one of those rare watches that delivers character, history, and a true complication in a package that’s thin, wearable, and still affordable. Whether you choose the minimalist moon-and-date or the busier triple-calendar, you’re getting a slice of late-’80s Tissot at its clever best.

If you spot a clean one with a healthy movement and crisp dial—grab it. Few watches put the moon on your wrist this nicely for so little.