Citizen-owned Arnold & Son’s fascination with the moon is evident in past watches like the Perpetual Moon and Double Hemisphere Perpetual Moon. Now, the brand is back with another moonphase watch, and it’s taking the complication to the next level with what it claims is the largest 3D moonphase ever in a watch. Say hello to the new Arnold & Son Luna Magna.
At its heart, the Arnold & Son Luna Magna is a rather simple watch that tells the time and phase of the moon. But it’s the execution and attention to detail that makes it noteworthy. The case is 18k red gold and measures 44mm in diameter. The large 3D moon necessitates a heavily domed sapphire crystal. Consequently, thickness is rather hefty at 15.9mm. Water resistance, similar to most dress watches, is just 30 meters. The watch will come with a hand-stitched alligator strap and a matching 18k red-gold pin buckle.
The main dial is made of aventurine glass. Off-center at 12 o’clock is a white lacquered subdial that tells the time. Large Roman numerals mark the hours, and the watch only shows the hours and minutes. Below at 6 o’clock is the star of the show: a large 3D moon phase indicator. Half the moon sits above the dial, which gives it a tremendous three-dimensional quality; the moon measures 12mm in diameter. Arnold & Son wanted to make the moon look as if it is engulfed in a sea of stars, and so the 3D moon is made using a complex process that combines white marble with blue aventurine glass.
The watch is powered by Arnold & Son’s new in-house hand-wound A&S1021 movement. It’s visible through an expansive sapphire display caseback and it offers owners a lot to admire. Apart from the large 3D moon, there’s a secondary indicator showing the age of the moon. It’s worth pointing out also that the moon phase is accurate to 122 years. Finishing, as you would expect, is to a high level, with Arnold & Son sharing that the movement has circular graining on the main plate, beveled bridges, satin-finished wheels, blued screws, and more. As for performance, the A&S1021 has a 3 Hz beat rate and a power reserve of 90 hours, or almost four days.
Overall, this is simply a supremely elegant watch. I’m willing to overlook its somewhat large size because I think it’s necessary to accommodate that huge 3D moon. Presumably, Arnold & Son could have made the moon smaller, but then it wouldn’t look as dramatic or interesting. As it is, the proportions look just right and the watch is dripping with style and class. The Arnold & Son Luna Magna is $50,000 and will be limited to just 28 pieces. For more information, visit Arnold & Son.
