Introducing Arnold & Son Honors The Chinese New Year With Its Moon Phase Models

Arnold & Son is a historic British watch brand that has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The brand was originally founded in London by John Roger Arnold, a prominent watchmaker. It gained fame for producing high-quality marine chronometers, precision timekeeping instruments crucial for navigation.The brand went through various ownership changes and revivals. It was re-started by the Swiss watch company, The British Masters, before being acquired by La Joux-Perret, a Swiss watch movement manufacturer, and in 2012 it was acquired by Citizen. This acquisition led to the re-establishment and continuation of the Arnold & Son brand.

As we approach the beginning of the Chinese New Year, Arnold & Son is celebrating with the introduction of two moon phase complications, the Luna Magna and Perpetual Moon, which feature hand-carved dragons. This choice is considered exceptionally appropriate, given that the months of the Chinese year depend on the lunar cycle. According to the Chinese lunisolar calendar, the commencement of the New Year usually synchronizes with the second new moon following the winter solstice, spanning from January 21 to February 20. 

Perpetual Moon Red Gold "Year of the Dragon '' 

Arnold & Son celebrates this occasion with a timepiece featuring a sculptural flying dragon intricately displayed on a dial where artistic crafts converge. The Perpetual Moon Red Gold "Year of the Dragon '' come in a rose gold case that measures 41.5 mm in diameter and 11.67 mm in thickness, showcasing the fusion of fine watchmaking, sculpture, and miniature painting in a aventurine glass that is protected by a domed sapphire crystal. This limited edition, comprising only 8 pieces, unfolds a narrative as a rose gold dragon encounters a mother-of-pearl moon, creating a harmonious and visually stunning view.

The setting for this scene is crafted from aventurine, presented in either black or blue. The dial is adorned with metallic powder, evoking a star-studded atmosphere, creating a serene touch that harmoniously aligns with the Wooden Dragon. The large mother-of-pearl moon is coated with Super-LumiNova and placed against an aventurine glass sky with stars that are coated with luminescent material.

Powering the Perpetual Moon 41.5 Red Gold "Year of the Dragon" is the manually-wound In-house A&S1512 calibre that offers 90 hours of power reserve. The case back features a secondary display showcasing the phases of the moon, enabling swift and precise adjustments to the moon age where the lunar cycle's total duration of 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 2.8 seconds is observed. Arnold & Son's commitment to precision is evident as the movement, if consistently wound, would take 122 years to accumulate a mere 24-hour discrepancy between the display and astronomical reality.

The black aventurine model is paired with an elegant spangled black alligator strap, while the blue aventurine dial version features an ink-blue alligator strap. Both straps are accentuated with a red alligator lining and secured with a pin buckle crafted in red gold. Both variations are available at the price of CHF 57,000, equivalent to AED 245,000. 

Technical specifications: Perpetual Moon Red Gold "Year of the Dragon '' 

• Case: rose gold case, domed sapphire crystal 
• Diameter:  41.5 mm 
• Height: 11.67 mm 
• Dial: hand sculpted rose gold dragon, mother-of-pearl moon with Super-LumiNova, black or blue aventurine glass 
• Movement: In-house A&S1512 calibre, manually-wound, secondary display of phases the moon phase, 27 jewels
• Power reserve: 90  hours
• Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
• Functions: hours, minutes, astronomical moon phases, second moon-phase indicator on the back
• Bracelet / Strap: spangled black alligator strap for the black aventurine version, ink-blue alligator strap for the blue aventurine version, Both with a red alligator lining and a red gold pin buckle 
• Availability: limited edition to 8 pieces 
• Price: CHF 57,000, equivalent to AED 245,000

Luna Magna Red Gold “Year of the Dragon”

Arnold & Son goes above and beyond in celebrating the Chinese New Year with two exclusive Luna Magna versions, each limited to eight pieces. These distinctive timepieces showcase a substantial moon one half is crafted from red gold and the other from pietersite or onyx, engaging in a face-to-face encounter with an imposing dragon also fashioned from the same gold.

Both timepieces come in a polished red gold case, measuring 44mm in diameter and 15.90mm in thickness. Featuring a box sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on both sides. The off-center dial displays the hours and minutes in a beautiful white opal disk. The red gold hand-engraved dragon becomes a masterful work of art, as the form of the mythical creature gracefully coils around the pietersite or onyx dial, extending to its head, beautifully mirrored in the expansive moon. The dragon directs its focused gaze toward the 3D globe that elegantly showcases the moon phases on the Luna Magna Red Gold “Year of the Dragon.”

Under the sapphire case back lies the in-house A&S1021 calibre. This manually-wound movement, intricately designed around the lunar globe, offers 90-hours of power reserve and operates at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The movement also reveals a secondary display of the moon's age, marked by highly legible graduations that facilitate exceptionally precise and easy adjustments to the lunar globe. 

The pietersite model is accompanied by an ink-blue alligator strap, while the onyx variant is adorned with a black alligator strap, both featuring a distinctive red alligator lining and secured with an 18k red gold folding clasp. Priced at CHF 79,600, which is equivalent to AED 342,000.

Technical specifications: Luna Magna Red Gold “Year of the Dragon.”

• Case: red gold case, box sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on both sides
• Diameter: 44mm
• Height: 15.90mm  
• Dial: opal off-center disk, red gold hand-engraved dragon, pietersite or onyx dial, 3D moon phase 
• Movement: In-house A&S1021 calibre, manually-wound, secondary display of phases the moon phase, 35 jewels
• Power reserve: 90  hours
• Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
• Functions: hours, minutes, astronomical moon phases, second moon-phase indicator on the back
• Bracelet / Strap: black alligator strap for the onyx version, ink-blue alligator strap for the pietersite version, Both with a red alligator lining and an 18k red gold folding clasp 
• Availability: limited edition to 8 pieces 
• Price: CHF 79,600, which is equivalent to AED 342,000

For more information please visit Arnold & Son’s official website.