The Arnold & Son Luna Magna (Live Pics & Price)

Horology is a child of astronomy. Beyond its utilitarian purpose, the reproduction of the lunar cycles on the dial of watches is poetic and symbolic. Moon phase watches are a style statement through a subtle and anachronistic connection to our past and our place in the universe. Arnold & Son has unveiled some striking moon phase watches over the past years, such as the Perpetual Moon or the Double Hemisphere Perpetual Moon. Presented during Watches & Wonders 2021, the brand’s latest take on the complication is no less surprising. Meet the new Arnold & Son Luna Magna, a masterfully crafted 3D moon phase watch.

Luna Magna is Arnold & Son’s first three-dimensional moon. Considering that lively, realistic three-dimensional moon-phase watches are a rarity, Luna Magna is one of the largest ever at 12mm (the Konstantin Chaykin Lunokhod specs are similar). The off-centred white lacquered hours and minutes display at 12 o’clock frees up substantial space to display a captivating spherical representation of our satellite. Rotating in the middle of a dazzling starry aventurine backdrop, this mesmerising moon is made of marble (for the illuminated side) and of aventurine (for the dark side).

The watch is presented in a 44mm pink gold case. With the 12mm spherical moon rotating inside, the height is substantial, at 15.90mm. But Arnold & Son managed to design a well-balanced case with a relatively thin and surprisingly elegant profile, thanks to the use of two box sapphire crystals: one at the front and one at the back of the watch. The water-resistance is rated at 30 metres.

Flip the watch over, and the exhibition caseback offers a superb view of the intricate hand-wound A&S 1021. It reveals the other side of the spherical moon and a secondary analogue display detailing the age of the moon. The movement is beautifully decorated with traditional finishes, in particular Geneva stripes radiating from the centre of the movement and perlage. The balance wheel features adjustment screws and ticks at 21,600 vibrations per hour. The power reserve of the movement is of 90 hours, so almost 4 days.

The moon phase mechanism comes with ‘astronomical’ precision, meaning that it requires an adjustment of only 1 day every 122 years. A cool, practical feature, it is adjusted via the crown. 

The Arnold & Son Luna Magna is worn on a blue, hand-stitched alligator leather strap with a pink gold pin buckle. As you may imagine, the watch is quite imposing on the wrist, but it wears surprisingly comfortable thanks to the original case construction and tapered lugs. Its presence on the wrist is mesmerising, and without a doubt, this watch will be an excellent conversation starter.

Availability & Price

Limited to 28 pieces, the Arnold & Son Luna Magna will retail for CHF 43,900 (excl. taxes). For more information, please visit www.arnoldandson.com.