Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon 41.5 Platinum Celestial Blue Watch Review
The Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon 41.5 Platinum Celestial Blue is the latest version of the Maison’s large format astronomical moon watch. Housed in a smaller 41.5 mm case, made from platinum and paired with a bewitching celestial blue dial, this new model has clearly seduced US-based Meehna Goldsmith.
The moon’s relationship with time
Who hasn’t had the urge to howl at the moon? The glowing orb inspires emotion. Some even claim its cycles can affect mood. While science hasn’t completely proven a connection, recent experiments show promising results.
The moon is a sexy satellite that presides over the starry night sky, waxing and waning on its monthly journey. Because the moon is tied to time, a moon phase is a common fixture on watch dials. There are some models that claim mind-boggling accuracy, faithfully tracking the exact position of the moon for over a thousand years. Though impressive, it’s often hard to appreciate the careful gearing and calculations required for such a faithful representation when the display is so small it’s hard to see. However, the Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon overcomes such issues with its large format indication.
Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon
Arnold & Son bask in the magic of the moon with the Perpetual Moon 41.5 Platinum Celestial Blue. First introduced in 2013, the Perpetual Moon collection was created to feature the moon in all its glory. Instead of peeking out from a small window, it reigned over the top half of the dial.
The moon on the Perpetual Moon 41.5 Platinum Celestial Blue is truly spectacular. Composed of mother-of-pearl and hand-painted shadows, it shimmers with a realism that’s uncanny in daylight. At night it gives off a soft, warm glow from the Super-LumiNova coating. The moon floats against a grained, midnight-blue sky, achieved with a PVD treatment. Like all Perpetual Moon timepieces, this one features hand-painted Big Dipper and Cassiopeia constellations which shine with luminescent material at night.
John Arnold marine chronometers
Arnold & Son chose these specific constellations as a nod to John Arnold’s legacy of making marine chronometers. In estimating the latitude necessary for naval navigation, the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia provide reference points in locating the North Star, which is located halfway between the two constellations.
Perpetual Moon 41.5 Platinum Celestial Blue – Stellar Rays decor
The moon sits against the backdrop of the brand’s lacquered ‘Stellar Rays’ finish. Through irregular engraving at various depths and widths, light plays across the dial, creating the feeling of falling into the galaxies beyond.
Perpetual Moon 41.5 Platinum Celestial Blue – a smaller case
The Perpetual Moon collection has historically resided in a 42 mm case, but in 2022, it was reduced to 41.5 mm. The result is a slimmer bezel that opens up the dial and further amplifies the moon. In addition, the lugs got a makeover. Shorter and more refined, they resemble ‘plunging bars with bevelled ends’, and form a single piece with the middle of the case. This change, though subtle, keeps the focus on the dial, where all the action takes place.
Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon 41.5 Platinum Celestial Blue – Calibre A&S1512
Normally, it can be a bit of a hassle to correctly set the moon phase, but Arnold & Son makes the process fast and easy with the hand-wound Calibre A&S1512 running the show. Seen through the exhibition case back, the movement has an indicator/corrector precisely noting the sectors of the moon. When set and kept wound, the phase of the moon will remain accurate to within a day for 122 years. And, you don’t have to fret about remembering to wind the watch constantly because the double-barrelled movement holds nearly four days (90 hours) of power reserve.
The rhodium-plated movement is appointed with radiating Côtes de Genève stripes, polished and chamfered bridges, circular satin-finished wheels and chamfered blued screws with polished heads. Encased in platinum and finished with a blue alligator leather, hand-stitched strap with an 18-carat white gold buckle, the Celestial Blue is limited to just 38 pieces.
Closing thoughts
There are lots of moon phase complications out there, but none quite match the majesty of Arnold & Son’s Perpetual Moon, especially in this noble metal and dial colour combination. It’s a creative and dazzling representation of the heavens on your wrist.
Further reading
Technical specification
- Model: Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon 41.5 Platinum Celestial Blue
- Reference: 1GLBX.U01A.C200X
- Case: platinum (950), diameter 41.5 mm, height 11.30 mm, water resistance 3 ATM (30 m), sapphire crystal to the front and exhibition case back
- Functions: Hours, minutes
- Movement: A&S1512 calibre, hand-wound movement, frequency 21,600 vph (3 Hz), 27 jewels, power reserve 90 hours
- Strap: dark blue alligator strap, hand-stitched, paired with an 18-carat white gold pin buckle
- Swiss retail price: CHF 46,600 including taxes (RRP as of 20.7.2023)
- Limited Edition: 38 pieces