Arnold & Son Nebula 38, now in Stainless Steel

In 2018, Arnold & Son presented a smaller version of one of its most striking watches, a watch that was built with symmetry, balance and structure in mind: the Nebula. Based on the concept introduced in its extremely complex Constant-Force Tourbillon watch, this watch was designed with the same sense of aesthetics in mind, yet with simpler mechanical solutions. Today, the brand introduces a non-limited version in an understated case, with the Arnold & Son Nebula 38 Steel.

Origins

Originally presented in a 41.5mm case, the Arnold & Son Nebula was positioned as Arnold & Son’s entry-level skeleton timepiece. Considering the collection of impressive watches the brand possesses, the concept of entry-level is quite underrated. Designed to capture the dynamic architecture of the Constant-Force Tourbillon but with fewer complications, the 41.5mm Nebula even came in a stainless steel option. Later, at Baselworld 2018, the brand introduced a smaller edition of this watch, by reducing the size of the case and the inner flange but not the movement. First presented in a red gold version, the Nebula 38 is now produced in steel.

Smaller, more casual

The idea of smaller watches is growing these days. Not everyone wants to sport a 42mm or plus on his/her wrist. With this in mind, Arnold & Son decided to add, next to the existing 41.5mm model, a smaller, more discreet, more elegant version of the Nebula. Measuring a very reasonable 38mm in diameter and a relatively thin profile of 8.91mm, the watch retains a great presence. The reduction of the diameter has been obtained thanks to a slimmer bezel and a thinner, more slopped inner flange, which still circles the same movement. As such, the in-house calibre is even more emphasized.

Then, there’s the material. After a striking red gold edition with dark grey accents, the brand plays on monochromatic tones with its stainless steel version. The movement is darker on this steel edition, with the main-plate coated in black and the radially positioned bridges being dark grey NAC-coated. The facetted applied indexes and the hands are rhodium-plated, matching the case. Finally, the Arnold & Son Nebula 38 Steel is presented on a gradient grey calfskin strap with a pin buckle, giving the watch a more casual attitude (more colours available for the strap).

Mechanical symmetry

The dial is formed by ten bridges fixed on the perimeter, seven of which are triangular with chamfered edges, a modern nod to traditional English movement architecture. The bridges were also the inspiration of the watch’s name Nebula, after the astronomical term for a cloud of cosmic gas and dust formed by the debris of exploding stars. At the top of the dial, the two mainspring barrels dominate the scenery and provide the movement with a healthy 90-hour power reserve. In the lower part of the dial, the small seconds counter and the balance wheel provide a visual counterpart to the barrels.

The finishes on both the dial side and reverse are extremely pleasant, with the bevels shining over the dark bridges and plates. The decoration includes chamfered bridges with polished edges and brushed surfaces, chamfered wheels with A&S three-spoke design, gold chatons, and screws with bevelled and mirror-polished heads. In this smaller version, the movement still measures over 31mm in diameter, thus perfectly filling the space available in the case.

Pricing

The Arnold & Son Nebula 38 Steel (ref. 1NECS.B01A) will be a permanent member of the Arnold & Son collection and will be priced at CHF 13,500 (excl. taxes), so 10k less than the red gold model. More details at www.arnoldandson.com.