Arnold & Son Luna Magna Platinum Watch Review
The Arnold & Son Luna Magna Platinum is the latest creation from the high-end Manufacture. In this instance, it unites the brand’s much-loved spherical depiction of the moon, a meteorite dial, a liberal application of Super-LumiNova and an über-luxurious platinum case. The watch has been officially nominated for the prestigious GPHG 2022 (Grand Prix d’Horlogerie Genéve).
La Chaux-de-Fonds
In the Swiss city of La Chaux-de-Fonds, there is a building where the lights are rarely turned off. This may sound strange at a time when most of us are worried about energy costs, however, each illuminated office is occupied. At Arnold & Son, the New Product Development Team seemingly never sleep. Clearly, on a roll, the high-end Manufacture seems unwavering in its quest to deliver more mouthwatering horological dishes destined to relieve watch aficionados of their hard-earned money.
Arnold & Son Luna Magna (2021)
In 2021, Arnold & Son released the inaugural Luna Magna; a stunning watch featuring a spherical depiction of the moon positioned beneath a box sapphire crystal. Its composition masterfully played with depths, textures and tones to deliver an aesthetic allure par excellence.
The inaugural Luna Magna immediately sold out
Unlike some brands which produce an inordinate amount of watches that will inevitably languish on retailer’s shelves, sometimes for months or even years, Arnold & Son produced just 28 examples of its initial Luna Magna model. Demand outstripped supply with all examples snapped up in the blink of an eye. I suspect this prompted upstairs to phone downstairs, instructing the poor New Product Development Team to immediately get on with conceiving another runaway success.
Last year, the firm released a platinum reference as well as a high-jewellery model, the Luna Magna Ultimate I. More recently, at Geneva Watch Days, Arnold & Son unveiled another gem-set Luna Magna, the aptly named Ultimate II. I looked at a prototype of this model on the second day of the watch fair only to discover that all examples had already been sold. And that’s the thing with Luna Magna models, they don’t stick around. As my young son once said, as he grabbed the last biscuit off a plate, ‘snooze and you lose’.
Arnold & Son Luna Magna Platinum
Well, now there’s a new version of the lunar-themed timepiece, the Arnold & Son Luna Magna Platinum. The topography of the dial subscribes to the tried and tested Luna Magna layout. An off-centre dial, this time executed in white opal, sits on high. The main canvas is artistically presented in meteorite, treated with sand-coloured PVD, while a sphere-shaped depiction of the moon resides at the base of the dial.
A moon phase indicator – meteorite and opal
The moon phase indicator is formed of two conjoined hemispheres, one in meteorite, once again treated with sand-toned PVD, and the second in Cacholong opal, liberally suffused with Super-LumiNova.
The allure of the resultant horological vista is heightened by the interwoven lines in the meteorites, often referred to as ‘Widmanstätten patterns’, spanning the dial. The juxtaposition of these straight lines with the various circular dial elements enriches the aesthetic.
Super-LumiNova
In addition to the luminous section of the moon display, the prestigious Maison has also chosen to treat the off-centre hour and minutes display with a liberal application of Super-LumiNova, bestowing a bewitching nocturnal spectacle.
Box sapphire crystals – front and rear
To the rear of the watch, a second box sapphire crystal reveals the A&S1021 calibre in all its exquisitely finished glory. An additional moon phase indication allows the wearer to precisely set the spherical moon phase indication front of house. Lastly, as its name implies, the Arnold & Son Luna Magna Platinum is encased in the noblest of precious metals, platinum.
GPHG (Grand Prix d’Horlogerie Genéve)
Once again, volumes are limited with just 28 pieces being made and, if previous experience is anything to go by, these watches will quickly sell out. Moreover, the watch has been officially nominated for the prestigious GPHG 2022 (Grand Prix d’Horlogerie Genéve). If the Maison subsequently wins a trophy or two, demand may well increase further.
It’s not looking like those poor people who work in the company’s New Product Development Department are going to have a rest anytime soon.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Arnold & Son Luna Magna Platinum (Meteorite & Opal)
- Reference: 1LMAX.Z01A.C233C
- Case: platinum, diameter 44 mm, water resistance 3 ATM (30 m), 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 (3 Hz); 35 jewels; power reserve 90 hours
- Strap: grey alligator skin alligator strap with orange alligator leather lining. Presented on a platinum and titanium folding buckle
- Price: 70,900 CHF including taxes (price as of 3.10.2022)
- Limited Edition: 28 pieces