PERPETUAL MOON 41.5 PLATINUM CELESTIAL BLUE

Presented in a limited edition of only 38 pieces, the Perpetual Moon 41.5 Platinum ‘Celestial Blue’ by Arnold & Son is a watch of horological and aesthetic prestige. Featuring a spectacular display of the passage of the moon within a luxuriant setting, this beautifully crafted timepiece also has the distinction of a sophisticated Manufacture calibre, boasting a moonphase complication of astounding accuracy. A model which will appeal to the connoisseur of Haute Horlogerie, and one which demonstrates a significant level of craftsmanship throughout its assembly and arrangement, the watch is housed within a platinum casing, and worn on a hand-stitched alligator leather strap.

Measuring 41.5mm across, with a height of only 11.30mm, the platinum casing is enhanced with a polished finish. The lugs extend gracefully from the case middle, and have the refinement of bevelled ends, and with the addition of a slender bezel, Arnold & Son have achieved a perfectly proportioned case which has an elegant presence upon the wrist.

The dial architecture of the watch employs Arnold and Son’s expertise for displaying the phases of the moon via an exceptionally generous aperture. Crafted to stir the senses as it waxes and wanes, the mother-of-pearl moon disc has been meticulously hand-painted with fine detailing and is showcased against a midnight blue background, accompanied by the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia constellations. By day, it has a captivating shimmer, while after dark, its Super-LumiNova glow gives it an ethereal appearance adding to the drama of the spectacle.

The façade of the dial is also suitably sumptuous. Emanating from its centre, an undulating engraved decoration termed “Stellar Rays” has been achieved creating wonderful depth and beauty. Comprising of skilfully applied irregular ripples upon a deep blue PVD treated surface, which has been further enhanced with several layers of transparent lacquer, it promises to catch and play with the light with every subtle movement of the wrist. Finishing this exquisite dial, the hour and minutes hands narrow to fine pointed tips and are complemented by sharply tapering, faceted hour indices.

A sapphire crystal caseback reveals the Manufacture A&S1512 manual winding movement, where a second secret dial displays the eight stages of the moon cycle. Notably the moon phase complication has an accuracy so precise, that if the watch is kept constantly wound, it will have a deviation of only one day every 122 years. Deriving a minimum of ninety hours of power reserve from its two barrels, beating at a frequency of 3Hz (21’600 vib/h), the proprietary calibre is finished to Haute Horlogerie standards with Côtes de Genève stripes which emanate from the centre of the balance wheel and extend across the plate. Blued screws and swirled surfacing on the barrels and ratchet add contrast, as do the hand chamfered edges of the plate and balance cock.

A distinctive and beautifully manufactured timepiece, the Arnold and Son Perpetual Moon 41.5 Platinum ‘Celestial Blue’ watch comes presented on a blue hand-stitched alligator leather strap secured to the wrist with an 18ct white gold pin buckle.