Arnold & Son's fascination with the moon is evident. After models like the Perpetual Moon and Double Hemisphere Perpetual Moon, the brand introduced the new Luna Magna earlier this year, featuring a moon phase complication. Despite its simplicity, it's one of the most elegant new watches this year, boasting one of the largest 3D moon phase complications ever in a watch. Now, Arnold & Son has released a new gemstone-studded version called the Luna Magna Ultimate 1.
According to Arnold & Son, this watch is meant to be the ultimate expression of the Luna Magna. Key features remain unchanged: a 44mm wide and 15.9mm thick case - the thickness is due to the large 3D moon. Water resistance is still only 30 meters, so keep these watches away from liquids.
Everything else, however, has become even more refined and precious. The case is made of 18-carat white gold, with the bezel and even the lugs adorned with the highest quality baguette-cut diamonds. The bezel is decorated with 112 diamonds weighing a total of 5.90 carats, and the lugs with 20 diamonds totaling 7.62 carats. Even the white clasp is adorned with 26 baguette-cut diamonds weighing 0.97 carats in total.
The dial configuration remains the same. The main blue dial is actually made of hundreds of pure ruthenium crystals. At the 12 o'clock position is a white sub-dial made of white opal that shows the time. At the 6 o'clock position is the enlarged 3D moon phase indicator. Here, the three-dimensional moon is crafted from white gold and adorned with a combination of hundreds of diamonds and blue sapphires.
This watch is equipped with the Arnold & Son's in-house manual-winding caliber A&S1021. It is visible through a sapphire case back, offering plenty to see and admire. The center of the movement houses the moon phase indicator, with the back of the three-dimensional moon below it; the moon phase accuracy is 122 years. Arnold & Son uses numerous finishing techniques to decorate the movement. The main plate features circular graining, while the bridges have chamfered edges and Côtes de Genève patterns. The wheels have a circular satin finish, and the screws are blued with polished heads. In terms of specifications, the A&S1021 has a frequency of 3 Hz and a 90-hour power reserve.
Watch enthusiasts often criticize gem-studded watches, but I believe these deserve respect. The original Luna Magna was known for its simplicity and elegance, and these new watches, despite all their diamonds, do not lose any of that. Arnold & Son has done a commendable job of placing the diamonds with great taste. Like the original, the Luna Magna Ultimate 1 is imbued with style and class.
More importantly, it shows us the potential of using diamonds to enhance the aesthetics of a watch. The Arnold & Son Luna Magna Ultimate 1 is priced at 169,000 Swiss francs (approximately 185,000 USD) and is limited to just eight pieces. For more information, visit arnoldandson.com.