Arnold & Son Luna Magna Ultimate II Watch Review
The Arnold & Son Luna Magna Ultimate II is the latest creation from the high-end Swiss Manufacture. It perpetuates a story that began in 2021 when the Maison released its first Luna Magna model, a timepiece equipped with a bewitching three-dimensional moon. With a reputation for selling like hotcakes, this latest version proves no exception.
Arnold & Son Luna Magna featuring a three-dimensional display
Some of the finest oil paintings depict scenes in two-dimensional form and yet, they cleverly portray perspectives using a variety of textures and shades. Very often when critiquing the dial of a watch, it is the expert manipulation of motifs and tones which grants depth to the composition.
However, last year, Arnold & Son surpassed such two-dimensional displays by releasing the Luna Magna. Equipped with a three-dimensional representation of the moon, positioned in the southern hemisphere of the dial it delivered a captivating scene, replicating the beauty of a twinkling night sky. Sure, moon phases have been around for a long time, but not like this one.
A moon phase indicator – aventurine and marble
The depiction of the moon, measuring 12mm in diameter, is formed of two hemispherical elements, one in aventurine and the other in marble. Once united, the bi-coloured sphere conveys the various moon phases over the course of 29.5 days. To the rear of the watch, an exhibition caseback reveals the underside of the sphere, as well as a beautifully appointed movement. In addition, a further moon phase indication allows the wearer to precisely set the aforementioned spherical display.
The Luna Magna was not the first watch to present the moon as a sphere at the base of the dial, other firms such as De Bethune, Christiaan van Der Klaauw and Ulysse Nardin have also played the three-dimensional card but, in my opinion, none of them have matched the Luna Magna’s sheer beauty.
A series of limited editions
Arnold & Son housed the inaugural model in an 18-carat red gold (5N) case and limited numbers to just 28 pieces. Hours and minutes were presented on an off-centre dial, while an unbroken sea of aventurine replicated the appearance of the night sky. The spellbinding beauty of the model attracted many admirers and all examples were quickly snapped up.
Later in 2021, a platinum version of the Luna Magna was released. The off-centre hour and minutes dial was dressed in mother-of-pearl and, once again, the model was limited to 28 pieces.
The Maison from La Chaux-de-Fonds, clearly on a roll, went on to unveil the Luna Magna Ultimate I, a high-jewellery model, limited to just 8 pieces.
Arnold & Son Luna Magna Ultimate II
Recently, at Geneva Watch Days 2022, the Maison revealed a further high-jewellery reference, the Arnold & Son Luna Magna Ultimate II. Housed in 18-carat white gold, the model is endowed with a bezel set with 112 baguette-cut diamonds (∽5.90 ct). The moon, made of white gold, is set with 161 diamonds and 161 Paraiba tourmalines, while the off-centre dial is formed of white opal and sits adjacent an expanse of lagoon-blue PVD-treated ruthenium crystals.
Whilst talking to my host at Arnold & Son at the Genevan fair, I learnt that all eight examples of this limited edition have already been sold. It seems the Luna Magna phenomenon shows no signs of waning.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Arnold & Son Luna Magna Ultimate II
- Reference: 1LMM.WZ04A.C213A
- Case: 18-carat white gold, diameter 44 mm, water resistance 3ATM (30m), sapphire crystal to the front and exhibition case back.
- Functions: Hours, minutes, astronomical three-dimensional moon phases (one day correction required every 122 years), moon phase indicator on the reverse side
- Movement: A&S1021 calibre; hand-wound movement; frequency 21,600 vph (3Hz); 35 jewels; power reserve 90 hours
- Strap: Lagoon-blue alligator skin alligator strap with an 18-carat gold diamond-set pin buckle
- Price: 199,900 CHF including taxes (price as of 29.8.2022)