Introducing the Arnold & Son Luna Magna Steel Turquoise Edition, it is immediately apparent that we are presented with an extraordinary horological creation imbued with poetic sensibilities and technical prowess. In this exclusive release, limited to just 18 pieces for the Americas, the artistry and engineering intertwine with striking originality, producing a watch that engages both the intellect and the senses in equal measure.
The dial of the Luna Magna Steel Turquoise is a masterclass in sophisticated construction and aesthetic delight. Conceived as a bridge between earth and sky, its face is sculpted from Arizona turquoise, a stone deeply rooted in the cultural tapestry of the region and revered for its symbolic meaning. The unpredictable veins and natural nuances of the turquoise ensure that each dial is utterly unique. Central to the dial’s allure is the three-dimensional astronomical moon, a sphere twelve millimetres in diameter, crafted from turquoise and pure white Cacholong opal, both imbued with Super-LumiNova. This globe is not merely decorative; it plays an active part in the drama of time, rotating to the lunar cycle in a ballet of form and function. The hour register, fashioned from the same Cacholong opal and enhanced with luminous material, floats above the dial, providing clarity and legibility that is accentuated in all lighting conditions. The interplay of clear blue and immaculate white orchestrates a visual alchemy, further heightened by the dial’s dynamic response to daylight and darkness.
The technical heart of this creation, the calibre A&S1021, exemplifies Arnold & Son’s unwavering dedication to horological innovation. This manually wound movement has been conceived, machined, assembled and regulated within their own workshop, ensuring a degree of integration and control rarely achieved. The architecture is designed to showcase the celestial sphere at its heart, surrounding it with the complexity and precision required for an astronomical moonphase. Measuring thirty-seven point six millimetres in diameter, the movement boasts thirty-five jewels and offers a superb ninety-hour power reserve. Its refined decoration speaks of artisan skill: the main plate bears circular graining, the bridges radiate with Côtes de Genève, and chamfered edges abound. Wheels sport a circular satin finish and the screws are skillfully blued, chamfered and polished. Not only visually rewarding, the movement is built upon a foundation of accuracy. Its moonphase display is calculated to match the true lunar cycle, twenty-nine days, twelve hours, forty-four minutes and 2.8 seconds, with a deviation so insignificant that it would require 122 years to result in a single day’s error, should the watch remain continuously wound. The caseback reveals a secondary moonphase indicator, enhancing usability without sacrificing clarity.
Turning to the case, the Luna Magna Steel Turquoise presents itself with commanding presence and refinement. Fashioned from stainless steel, with softly rounded edges and proportions expressive of contemporary taste, the forty-four millimetre case hosts a sapphire crystal front and back, both treated with anti-reflective coatings to emphasise the interplay of natural and constructed beauty. At a thickness of fifteen point nine millimetres, the case is robust yet sophisticated, encasing and protecting the delicate marriage between art and mechanism. Water resistance reaches three bar, suitable for daily life while the focus remains firmly on aesthetic and horological pursuits.
Completing the ensemble, a black alligator leather strap with turquoise stitching and turquoise alligator lining elegantly underscores the dial’s thematic resonance. An alternative comes in the form of a turquoise alligator strap, allowing a personal expression while retaining coherence with the overarching motif. A folding clasp in stainless steel secures the piece to the wrist, ensuring both comfort and longevity.
In conclusion, the Luna Magna Steel Turquoise Edition stands as an exemplary gesture of artistry allied with technical mastery, paying tribute to the visionary spirit of John Arnold and the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Americas. It is a piece destined for collectors with a discerning eye and an appreciation for horological rarity and poetic ingenuity. Each turn of the lunar globe, each glimmer of turquoise and opal, offers a quiet celebration of the enduring union between astronomy and watchmaking. The Luna Magna is not simply a watch; it is a celestial stage upon which the passage of time is relayed with grace and precision, captured in a creation that will enthral for generations.
