In the world of horology, few brands have managed to capture the celestial beauty with such a mechanical prowess as Arnold & Son. Their latest creation, the Perpetual Moon 38 Night Tide, stands as a testament to their dedication to blending artistry with precision. This review delves into the intricate details and sophisticated elegance of this limited-edition masterpiece.
A Symphony of Diamonds and Waves
From the first glance, the Perpetual Moon 38 Night Tide captivates with its breathtaking design. The watch celebrates the moon’s influence on the tides, a theme masterfully depicted on its dial. The moon disc, crafted from mother-of-pearl and ruthenium, emerges over rolling waves, each meticulously sculpted to create a cascading effect. This dynamic scene, enhanced by a constellation of diamonds, embodies the feminine grace and power that Arnold & Son aims to convey.
Artistry in Every Detail
The case of the Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon 38 Night Tide is meticulously crafted from 18-carat white gold, giving it a luxurious and timeless appeal with its specific shine. With a diameter of 38 mm and a thickness of 10.44 mm, it strikes a perfect balance between elegance and presence on the wrist. The case is adorned with 80 high-clarity diamonds, adding a dazzling touch that complements the overall design.
The convex sapphire crystal with a double-sided anti-reflective finish ensures clarity and solid daily protection, while the sapphire crystal case back provides a glimpse into the intricate workings of the movement. The water resistance of 3 bar (30 meters) ensures practicality without compromising the watch’s delicate aesthetics.
The white gold pin buckle, set with 22 brilliant-cut diamonds, secures the watch on a sky-blue satin alligator leather strap, adding to its luxurious appeal.
A Rich Palette of Blues
The Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon 38 Night Tide’s dial is a canvas of rich blues, from azure to midnight, reflecting the hues of the night sky and the depths of the ocean. This interplay of colours is accentuated by the starry sky and the luminous moon, creating a mesmerizing visual experience.
The dial of the Perpetual Moon 38 Night Tide is a masterpiece in its own right. The blend of hand-painted ruthenium crystals and mother-of-pearl marquetry creates a mesmerizing visual of the night tide under a starry sky. The large moon disc, made of ruthenium crystals, takes centre stage, its surface reflecting light in a way that mimics the real moon’s glow.
This disc occupies a substantial aperture from 10 to 2 o’clock, showcasing the successive shapes of the moon’s phases. The hour markers, set with five marquise-cut diamonds, add to the dial’s elegance, making it a true feast for the eyes, while the hand-painted constellations of Cassiopeia and Ursa Major provide a celestial backdrop.
The Majesty of A&S1612 calibre
At the heart of the Perpetual Moon 38 Night Tide is the A&S1612 calibre. This hand-wound mechanical movement, specially sized at 29.4 mm to fit the case, is a marvel of watchmaking. It boasts a long power reserve of 90 hours, maintaining Arnold & Son’s tradition of creating movements with impressive autonomy.
The movement operates at a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) and features 24 jewels. The finishing touches, such as the rhodium-plated radiating Côtes de Genève stripes on the plate, polished and chamfered bridges, circular satin-finished wheels, and blued and chamfered screws with polished heads, highlight the brand’s attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Conclusion
The Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon 38 Night Tide is more than just a watch; it is a celebration of femininity, elegance, and the evocative power of nature. The combination of high-quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and intricate detailing makes it a standout piece in the world of haute horlogerie. Limited to just 18 pieces, this timepiece is a rare and precious object that will undoubtedly be cherished by those who appreciate the finer things in life.
With its stunning aesthetics and impressive technical specifications, the Perpetual Moon 38 Night Tide is a true testament to Arnold & Son‘s dedication to creating timeless and exquisite watches. Priced at CHF 70,200, this watch offers a blend of exclusivity, beauty, and technical sophistication.
Diana’s take
What’s not to like about the most beautiful representation of the moon and waves in the middle of the night? This poetic complication reminds you of the relaxation brought by the sea. It evokes the calm and pleasure of the ocean reflecting the light of the celestial body, rather than the pressure of time.
Perpetual Moon 38 Night Tide Technical specifications
Ref. 1GLMW.Z04A.C284A – CHF 70,200 / €79,900 incl. VAT, Limited edition of 18 timepieces
Functions
- hours, minutes, astronomical moon phases
Movement
- Calibre A&S1612, hand-wound mechanical
- Jewels: 24
- Diameter: 29.4 mm
- Thickness: 4.95 mm
- Power reserve: 90 hours
- Frequency: 3 Hz / 21,600 vph
- Finishes
- plate: rhodium-plated, radiating Côtes de Genève stripes
- bridges: polished and chamfered
- wheels: circular satin-finished
- screws: blued and chamfered, polished heads
Case
- Material: 18-carat white gold, set with 80 brilliant-cut diamonds
- Diameter: 38 mm
- Thickness: 10.44 mm
- Crystal: convex sapphire, double-sided anti-reflective finish
- Case back: sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating
- Water-resistance: 3 bar (30 metres/100 feet)
- Diamonds:
- total weight: ~2.62 carats
- colour: D-E-F
- clarity: IF-VVS
Dial
- hand-painted ruthenium crystals and mother-of-pearl marquetry
- hour-markers set with 5 marquise-cut diamonds
- Moon phases:
- sky: mother-of-pearl tinted with a blue gradation
- moons: ruthenium crystals
- Cassiopeia and Ursa Major constellations: hand-painted
Strap
- Material: sky-blue satin alligator leather, plum purple alligator leather lining, hand-sewn
- Buckle: pin buckle, 18-carat white gold, set with 22 brilliant-cut diamonds
