Just a few days ago we introduced you to the work of independent Finnish watchmaker Juha Eskola, and we're already back for more. Building on his N2, a beautiful dress watch in a nice size, Juha has now presented the next step in his collection. The N2 Moonphase is not only a logical next step for Juha, but also shows the development of his watchmaking and finishing skills.
After studying at the Finnish Watchmaking School, an institute that produced many talented watchmakers, Juha Eskola had no real plan B. It was either independent watchmaking or nothing, as he explained to us. He made his debut in 2021 with the N1 (bottom left), which was followed by the N2 in 2024 (bottom right). While its debut watch used an ETA 6498 and therefore had a fairly large case, the N2 significantly reduced in size thanks to the vintage Longines 30L movement that powers it. This movement is now returning, albeit with a lot of internal work.
The Juha Eskola N1
The Juha School N2
As mentioned, the N2 Moonphase is a natural evolution of the N2 that Juha released in 2024, but uses the same case. Made from stainless steel or 14k yellow gold, it measures 37mm in diameter and has a slim 8.90mm height. The most noticeable feature is the concave waves in the case band with a hand-hammered finish that we usually see inside a watch. On the right side is an onion-shaped crown for winding and adjusting the movement, and there is a sapphire crystal on either side of the case.
The dial is a balanced mix of styles, with a so-called tuxedo dial on two levels. The black center is slightly lower than the silver-white outer ring for the hour numerals and the entire dial has a grainy texture. The Breguet-style numerals can either be applied in gold or engraved in black and filled with wax. The hands have a very elegant shape and are made in-house from 14k gold. The main attraction, no matter how elegant everything else looks, is the double moon phase at six. It replaces the small seconds display of Juhas N2 and shows two golden moons on a hand-hammered disc. The entire display is framed by a black railway-style minute track, subtly interrupted by black dots at each five-minute increment.
Like the N2, the new N2 Moonphase uses the same Longines 30L movement. This was refurbished and finished by Juha himself and features hand engraved bridges, black polished screws, anglage, snail and matting. If the decoration is a bit too much for you, it is also available without engraving. It runs at 18,000 gears and has a total power reserve of around 36 hours. The conversion from a small seconds display to a moon phase display is also done in-house.
Applied Breguet numerals…
or wax-filled engravings.
Production of the N2 Moonphase is limited to this year and there is an option to order a customized version. Regardless, you have the choice of ostrich, alligator or suede straps, equipped with a pin buckle, and the price is fixed 13,000 euros in stainless steel or 15,000 euros made of 14 carat yellow gold. By the way, both prices are before taxes.
For more information, visit JuhaEskola.com.
https://monochrome-watches.com/introducing-juha-eskola-n2-moonphase-independent-watchmaker-longines-30l-specs-price-pics/