Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Arcanaut Arc II D’Arc Matter Colours Collection
Unique composite dials and an unusual case design highlight this latest Danish collection.
In lieu of something Swiss, Danish brand Arcanaut is releasing a unique collection made in Denmark that strays from the norm with dial materials and overall design. The new Arc II D’Arc Matter Colours Collection uses a Scandinavian slate composite material for the dial that’s developed in-house known as D’Arc Matter. Visually, custom-coloured Super-LumiNova is the standout feature, but the dial material itself is something special. It’s all housed in a unique case with an integrated design that contributes to the modern, almost sci-fi vibe.
The micro-blasted stainless steel case has a brushed bezel and hand-polished accents and is very wearable at 40.52mm in diameter. It has a cushion shape with a central extension instead of traditional lugs, and the crown is elongated instead of round. Just about every detail has been considered and designed a little differently. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, while the solid caseback is laser engraved. In spite of the unique design, water resistance is a respectable 100 metres. The cases are fitted with a black rubber strap.
The dial is a special in-house composite that was conceived by co-owner James Thompson, a.k.a. Black Badger. It’s part of the collection’s name, D’Arc Matter, and involves Scandinavian slate from an old fountain that’s been ground to a fine powder and blended with an ultra-clear, UV-resistant resin. The resulting composite plates are then milled into dial blanks and given one of four proprietary Super-LumiNova colours around the perimeter and tips of the hour and minute hands. The lume is provided by RC Tritec AG and comes in Badger Blue, Gamma Green, Hornet Yellow and Pongo Orange. The indices are subtle as they’re punched just inside the Super-LumiNova patterns.
Powering the Arc II D’Arc Matter Colours Collection is a Soprod A10 automatic with 25 jewels, a beat rate of 28,800vph (4Hz) and a power reserve of 42 hours. Introduced in 2004, this Swiss movement indicates central hours, minutes, seconds and a date, but the Arcanaut watches are limited to central hours and minutes only. Adjusted in 5 positions, accuracy is rated at an average of +/-4 seconds per day.
Each of the four Super-LumiNova (dial colour) models is limited to 25 pieces for 2023, and they retail for USD 3,950 (Excl. VAT). Pre-sales opened on September 23rd at 7 p.m. CEST for those signed up on a model-specific mailing list. The general release will be on September 30th at 7 p.m. CEST. Anyone who orders during the pre-sale will receive some bonus items, including an Arcanaut T-shirt, cap and a Black Badger UV Torch, and a special sterling silver ring will be shipped with the first ten pre-sale orders.
For more information and to place an order, please visit Arcanaut’s website and Collective Horology, the official US retailer.
