Arnold & Son, a revered name in haute horlogerie, has always been synonymous with innovation and tradition. The Nebula collection, with its architecturally inspired aesthetics, exemplifies this duality, showcasing a harmonious interplay of skeletonized artistry and technical mastery. The newly reimagined Nebula 40 Steel, available in Golden and Black Editions, is a testament to the brand’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
Introduction to the Nebula Collection
The Arnold & Son Nebula collection draws its name and inspiration from the celestial phenomenon of nebulae—vast interstellar clouds that birth stars and dazzle with their symmetrical radiance. From its inception, the Nebula line has been celebrated for its symmetry, intricate mechanics, and the architectural elegance of its skeletonized movements. The Nebula 40 Steel builds upon this legacy, refining the aesthetic and technical elements for a contemporary audience.
Modernity Meets Tradition
The Arnold & Son Nebula 40 Steel case has been reimagined to embody a balance of modern elegance and traditional craftsmanship. With a universal diameter of 40 mm and a slender thickness of just 9.10 mm, the case exudes a sense of refinement. The softly rounded bezel and streamlined lugs enhance the ergonomic appeal, ensuring it sits comfortably on the wrist. The vertical case middle, a subtle nod to classic watchmaking, adds structural integrity while accentuating the watch’s clean lines.
Crafted in stainless steel, the case features both domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides and a sapphire case back, allowing an uninterrupted view of the mesmerizing movement within. Water-resistant to 30 meters, it combines practicality with sophistication.
A Symphony of Layers and Light
The dial of the Nebula 40 Steel is a masterclass in layered design and meticulous finishing. Available in two editions, the Golden and the Black, the dial showcases distinct personalities:
– Golden Edition: This version highlights gold-treated accents on the flange and barrel covers, creating a warm and luxurious aesthetic.
– Black Edition: The black mainplate, flange, and barrel covers provide a striking contrast, offering a bold and modern interpretation.
Both versions feature the “Rayons de la Gloire” motif, a signature guilloché pattern of Arnold & Son, adding a touch of understated elegance. The rhodium-plated appliqués further enhance the dial’s luminosity, while the absence of a traditional dial plate ensures an uninterrupted view of the skeletonized movement beneath.
Calibre A&S5201: Aired and Artful Skeletonization
At the heart of the Arnold & Son Nebula 40 Steel lies the hand-wound A&S5201 calibre, a marvel of modern horology. Designed specifically for the Nebula collection, this calibre is a technical and visual delight. Its architecture, inspired by stellar nebulae, features seven skeletonized bridges arranged in a star-like formation. This symmetrical layout creates an unparalleled sense of order, transparency, and depth.
Key technical highlights include:
- Two Large Barrels: Arranged in series, these barrels provide an impressive 90-hour power reserve, a rarity in skeletonized movements.
- Chamfered and Polished Bridges: The palladium-treated bridges, with their polished chamfers and satin-finished surfaces, exhibit meticulous attention to detail.
- Balance Wheel: Positioned on the lower side of the dial, the balance oscillates at a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour), ensuring precision and stability.
- Star-Shaped Gear Train: The gear train layout mirrors the star-like arrangement of the bridges, reinforcing the cosmic theme.
Viewed through the sapphire case back, the movement’s intersecting ogival bridges and intricate decoration, including circular graining and polished screw heads, are a testament to Arnold & Son’s commitment to craftsmanship.
A Stellar Achievement
The Arnold & Son Nebula 40 Steel, in both its Golden and Black Editions, is a watch that defies convention while paying homage to tradition. Its reimagined case design, captivating skeletonized dial, and the architectural brilliance of the A&S5201 calibre make it a standout piece in the world of haute horlogerie.
Whether you choose the warm glow of the Golden Edition or the bold allure of the Black Edition, the Nebula 40 Steel promises an experience that is as celestial as its name suggests. With this release, Arnold & Son continues to solidify its position as a pioneer of artistic and technical watchmaking.
Arnold & Son Nebula 40 Steel Golden & Black Editions Technical Specifications
Reference
- golden: 1NEGS.H01A.S135D – CHF 18,100 incl. VAT (subject to change)
- black on alligator: 1NEGS.B03A.C169S – CHF 16,900 incl. VAT (subject to change)
- black on steel: 1NEGS.B01A.S135D – CHF 17,600 incl. VAT (subject to change)
- black on rubber: 1NEGS.B02AK.003S – CHF 16,700 incl. VAT (subject to change)
Functions
- hours, minutes, small seconds
Movement
- Calibre A&S5201, hand-wound mechanical
- Jewels: 24
- Diameter: 31.10 mm
- Thickness: 4.18 mm
- Power reserve: 90 hours
- Frequency: 3 Hz / 21,600 vph
- Decoration
- mainplate: gold- or black-treated, ‘Rayons de la Gloire’ guilloché
- barrel covers: gold- or black-treated, sunray-brushed
- bridges: palladium-treated, polished corners and satin-finished surfaces
- balance: rhodium-plated
- wheels: circular-grained and chamfered
- screws: chamfered, with mirror-polished heads
Case
- Material: stainless steel
- Diameter: 40 mm
- Thickness: 9.10 mm
- Crystal: domed sapphire with an anti-reflective coating on both sides
- Case back: sapphire with an anti-reflective coating
- Water-resistance: 3 bar (30 metres/100 feet)
Dial
- Gold- or black-treated flange, rhodium-plated appliqués
Strap/bracelet
- Material
- golden: stainless steel
- black: hand-stitched black alligator leather, stainless steel or black rubber
- Buckle: pin or folding clasp, stainless steel
