The three-dimensional, openwork movement and dial of the Arnold & Son Nebula offer views into the very heart of the in-house manufacture calibre. Its gold case has been reinvented in a 38 mm diameter, magnifying the hypnotic micro-mechanical spectacle of the hand-wound movement.
Besides the careful attention to equilibrium, the powerful allure of the Nebula also derives from the calculated proportions and ratios of diameter versus height, size and placement of every gear and wheel. Rather than being an assembly of disparate components – case, dial, and movement – Nebula was designed from the ground up to be completely holistic, with all components blending harmoniously into one. For instance, no less than ten bridges of this complex calibre form the dial.
Highly legible hours and minutes rotate above the movement conceived and developed from the outset to be open rather than have superfluous material skeletonized as an afterthought. The revised sloping chapter ring and faceted golden indexes complete the impactful visual effect of the Nebula 38mm.
The balanced construction of A&S 5101 calibre – horizontally and vertically symmetrical, both front and back – explains the watch lovers’ strong attraction to the refined Nebula 38mm. On the dial side, symmetry at top to bottom is provided by the two mainspring barrels, which provide a very healthy 90 hours of power above, and small seconds plus the oscillating balance wheel below. Seven of the skeletonized and chamfered triangular bridges with polished edges fixed around the perimeter of the movement and radiating inward, offer a contemporary take on traditional architecture.
Not only is all of the movement visible and highly decorated – barrels, gear train, balance and escapement, and winding mechanism – can be appreciated from the dial side. But that’s not to say the underside of the movement is something to be overlooked.
The view through the display back reveals even more finishing, with skeletonized and chamfered main plate with polished edges, solid 18-karat gold settings and gears featuring polished chamfers. The Nebula 38mm is available in a red gold case, in a limited edition of 50.
About the name
“Nebula” (Latin for “cloud”) refers to the astronomical term describing a giant cloud of dust and gas thrown out by the explosion of a dying star. Nebulae are also regions where new stars are beginning to form. The seven bridges on the dial side radiate from the centre toward the perimeter and give an impression of stellar explosion to the sculptural movement.
Arnold & Son Nebula 38mm Technical specifications
Functions Hours, minutes, small seconds
Movement
Calibre A&S5101, hand-wound,
Jewels 24
Diameter 31.50 mm
Height 4.04 mm
Power reserve 90 hours
Frequency 3 Hz / 21,600 vph
Decoration Skeletonized movement, palladium-treated bridges, NAC-treated main plate, chamfered bridges with polished edges and brushed surfaces, chamfered wheels with A&S three-spoke design and polished edges, gold settings, bevelled screws with mirror-polished heads
Dial Rhodium plated chapter ring
Case
Material 18-karat red gold (5N)
Diameter 38.00 mm
Thickness 8.91 mm
Crystal Cambered sapphire, anti-reflection coating on both sides
Back Sapphire crystal
Water resistance 30 m /100 ft
Strap
Material Hand-stitched brandy or grey alligator leather
Buckle Pin, 18-karat red gold (5N)
Reference number 1NEBR.A01A.C144A (brandy leather) / 1NEBR.A01A.C147A (grey leather)
Limited edition 50
World retail price CHF 23’300 without taxes (prices can be subject to change)
