Arnold & Son Nebula Gold Supernovae
The Arnold & Son Nebula Gold Supernovae comes in a choice of two case sizes, 41.5mm and 38mm. For the first time, the cloud-inspired model unites 18-carat red gold (5N) with grey NAC. Sharing much in common with the inaugural Nebula watch, launched at Baselworld 2016, both new references incorporate subtle improvements without undermining the desirability of the original model.
Baselworld 2016
At Baselworld 2016, Arnold & Son unveiled the Nebula, the Latin word for ‘cloud’. This timepiece featured a fully skeletonised movement that resembled an imploding star. Seven bridges emanating from the minute track converged near the centre of the display. Equipped with the Manufacture movement A&S5101, the hand-wound calibre revealed each of its technical elements centre stage while at the same time delivering a becoming dose of symmetry.
The inaugural model measured 41.5 mm in diameter, incorporated refined finishing befitting the term ‘Haute Horlogerie’ and was offered in a choice of red gold (5N) or stainless steel.
John Arnold (1736 – 1799)
Since Arnold & Son was relaunched in 1995, the Maison has shown an endearing tendency to design models inspired by the work of John Arnold (1736 – 1799) and that of his son, John Roger Arnold (1769-1843). Every timepiece created by the brand to date has possessed an innate longevity, immune from the fickleness of fashion, a characteristic synonymous with the finest exemplars of luxury. The Nebula perpetuates this design philosophy.
Having released the inaugural models in 2016, the Manufacture has revisited the Nebula on a few occasions, releasing a smaller 38mm version in steel and, earlier this year, launching a 41.5 mm steel model featuring parts suffused with blue PVD. However, Arnold & Son has always remained true to the original concept, ensuring existing clients are not left owning a dated watch.
Arnold & Son Nebula Gold Supernovae – a new look?
Now, the Maison has released a new model in two different sizes, the Arnold & Son Nebula 41.5 Gold & Nebula 38 Gold Supernovae. Both references juxtapose 18-carat red gold (5N) with grey NAC. By positioning grey and gold elements in close proximity, the intricate nature of the movement is accentuated.
Arnold & Son Nebula Gold Supernovae – Manufacture movement A&S5201
Essentially, the architecture of the movement stays true to the original which, in my opinion, is a good thing. The multi-layered composition of the Manufacture movement A&S5201 invites the wearer to dive into the hand-wound calibre and explore its many facets. Refined finishing abounds with ‘Rayons de la Gloire’ guilloché, polished angles, satin-finished surfaces, circular-grained and bevelled wheels, bevelled screws with mirror-polished heads, …….. Everything is refined to the nth degree.
Observant readers may have noticed that the name of the calibre has changed slightly. Indeed, these latest iterations of the Nebula are fitted with the Manufacture movement A&S5201. Where the former movement featured a raquette or index to adjust the rate, the A&S5201 is equipped with a variable-inertia balance.
On many watches, the rate is adjusted by moving the raquette towards or away from the stud, thereby altering the effective length of the hairspring. With a variable-inertia balance, the length of the hairspring remains fixed. The rate is altered by rotating C-shaped weights affixed to the spokes of the balance wheel. This type of system is less susceptible to positional errors and offers superior rate stability.
Historically, screws were fitted in the rim of the balance wheel for timing (and poising too), however, by placing the aforementioned C-shaped weights on the spokes of the balance wheel, less air perturbation is generated, thereby conferring superior precision. Such fastidious attention to detail is what differentiates this watch from many of its rivals.
The hand-wound movement is equipped with two barrels, granting an impressive power reserve of 90 hours. Moreover, by employing two barrels instead of one, the torque supplied to the escapement and regulating organ is more consistent, again contributing to superior rate stability.
Arnold & Son Nebula Gold Supernovae – closing thoughts
The Arnold & Son Nebula 41.5 Gold & Nebula 38 Gold Supernovae embrace a new colourway and include subtle refinements to the movement, however, they still remain true to the original models of 2016. Personally speaking, I applaud those companies that seek to improve their products while respecting what has gone before. These latest references deliver advancement without undermining earlier examples of the cloud-themed model.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Arnold & Son Nebula 41.5 Gold Supernovae
- Reference: 1NEAR.S01B.C179A
- Case: 18-carat red gold (5N), diameter 41.5 mm, water resistance 3 ATM (30 m), sapphire crystal to the front and exhibition case back
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds
- Movement: A&S5201 calibre; hand-wound movement; frequency 21,600 vph (3 Hz); 24 jewels; power reserve 90 hours
- Price: CHF 30,900 including taxes (RRP as of 22.11.2022)
- Limited Edition: 88 pieces
- Model: Arnold & Son Nebula 38 Gold Supernovae
- Reference: 1NEBR.A03A.C181A
- Case: 18-carat red gold (5N), diameter 38 mm, water resistance 3ATM (30 m), sapphire crystal to the front and exhibition case back
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds
- Movement: A&S5201 calibre; hand-wound movement; frequency 21,600 vph (3 Hz); 24 jewels; power reserve 90 hours
- Price: CHF 28,600 including taxes (RRP as of 22.11.2022)
- Limited Edition: 88 pieces