Introducing Arnold & Son Marks the Year of the Snake with a Special Edition

Arnold & Son Unveils a Special Edition to Celebrate the Year of the Snake. The Year of the Wooden Snake begins on January 29, 2025, according to the traditional Chinese calendar. To honor this occasion, Arnold & Son has introduced the Perpetual Moon 41.5 “Year of the Snake”, a limited series of eight timepieces crafted in red gold. This special edition combines a manufacture calibre with a large astronomical moon display set against an aventurine glass dial base.

Arnold & Son draws inspiration from its renowned Perpetual Moon collection, which was also used last year to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with two stunning limited editions.

The Perpetual Moon Red Gold “Year of the Snake” features a red gold case measuring 41.5 mm in diameter and 11.67 mm in thickness. The case, protected by sapphire crystal on both sides, showcases the brand’s mastery of fine watchmaking and intricate sculpture. The design remains consistent with the case used for last year’s Year of the Dragon edition. The crown and pusher, located on the right side, allow for winding and time setting. The case offers water resistance up to 30 meters.

The centerpiece of his watch is the intricately hand-engraved snake, crafted from a block of 18-carat rose gold and set against a blue aventurine glass dial. Its fine scales, forked tongue, and broad, flat head are rendered with remarkable realism. A large mother-of-pearl moon, complete with shadow details, is coated with Super-LumiNova, illuminating an aventurine glass sky. Surrounding the moon are the constellations of Ursa Major and Cassiopeia, hand-painted with luminescent material. The applied hour indices and hands are finished in a silver tone, complementing the design.

The choice of constellations alludes to John Arnold’s legacy as a marine chronometer-maker. These star patterns have guided navigators for centuries, with the Pole Star at their center, symbolizing unerring direction. This celestial theme resonates with the cultural and astronomical significance of the Chinese zodiac calendar, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and craftsmanship.

Powering the Perpetual Moon 41.5 Red Gold “Year of the Snake” is the manually wound A&S1512 calibre, an in-house movement offering a 90-hour power reserve from two barrels. Operating at a frequency of 3 Hz, the movement exemplifies Arnold & Son’s commitment to precision and craftsmanship. Entirely developed, produced, decorated, assembled, adjusted, and cased at the brand’s manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the A&S1512 calibre represents the pinnacle of horological expertise.

The case back features a secondary moon phase display, allowing precise adjustments to the moon age. The lunar cycle’s duration 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 2.8 seconds, is faithfully represented, with the movement requiring 122 years to accumulate a mere 24-hour discrepancy if consistently wound.

The movement’s finishing includes a rhodium-plated mainplate with circular graining, chamfered bridges adorned with radiating Côtes de Genève, and other meticulous details. For a deeper understanding of these finishing techniques, refer to our dedicated article on movement decoration.

This exceptional timepiece is paired with an elegant blue alligator leather strap, lined with red alligator leather, and secured by a red gold prong buckle. Limited to just eight pieces, the Perpetual Moon 41.5 “Year of the Snake” is priced at CHF 57,200, equivalent to AED 246,000.

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