Arnold & Son’s Luna Magna collection, known for its impressive spherical moon phase displays, has unveiled another captivating timepiece. This latest addition to the collection showcases a luxurious red-gold case and a mesmerizing blue meteorite dial, housing the remarkable 3D Moon that gracefully undergoes its monthly waxing and waning cycle.
The fascination with the moon has been a recurring theme in Arnold & Son’s watchmaking journey. It began in 2016 with the Perpetual Moon and Double Hemisphere Perpetual Moon models, which featured intricately engraved lunar surfaces but presented the moon in a two-dimensional form. In 2021, Arnold & Son achieved a breakthrough by introducing the Luna Magna, featuring a substantial 12mm spherical moon that rotates, providing a more lifelike representation of the moon’s phases.
The dial is crafted from octahedrite, a type of iron meteorite known for its distinctive Widmanstätten pattern. To evoke the celestial ambiance, the meteorite’s characteristic metal patterns are treated with a matte blue PVD coating. At the 12 o’clock position, a sub-dial displays the hours and minutes, adorned with milky-white opal and complemented by classical black Roman numerals and blued hands with arrow-shaped tips. Positioned at 6 o’clock is a sub-dial housing the captivating 3D moon phase display. Together, these two dials form an elegant figure-eight pattern.
The moon on this timepiece is a visual marvel. Half of it is fashioned from Cacholong opal, known for its natural iridescence, which plays with ambient light, creating a captivating effect. In low-light conditions, both the dial and the opal half of the moon emit a captivating blue-green glow, thanks to the Super-LumiNova coating. The precision moon phase complication on the movement’s back ensures astronomical accuracy, requiring only one adjustment every 122 years if the watch is regularly wound. Additionally, there’s a practical way to adjust the moon phases directly from the crown.
The Luna Magna Red Gold Meteorite timepiece features a polished 18k red gold case measuring 44mm in diameter and 15.90mm in thickness, including the box sapphire crystals covering the dial and caseback. The caseback provides a view of the reverse side of the moon and the A&S1021 calibre, a hand-wound movement beating at 21,600vph/3Hz, boasting a robust 90-hour power reserve. As with all A&S movements, traditional finishing techniques such as Geneva stripes and perlage are meticulously applied.
Completing the ensemble is a blue alligator leather strap with an electric blue alligator lining and a red gold pin buckle. The Luna Magna Red Gold Meteorite is limited to just 38 timepieces and is available for purchase at CHF 59,000 (including tax).
