The colours of the night
With its “Colours of the Moon” series, Arnold & Son showcases astronomy. Presented in limited editions of 18 pieces each, these three steel versions introduce a world first in watchmaking: the use of mother-of-pearl coloured using a PVD process for both the dial and the moon phase sky. Dedicated to our natural satellite, they feature a mother-of-pearl moon-phase disc with remarkable astronomical precision. It is luminescent and crafted in three shades inspired by the changing hues of the Moon in certain seasons or under exceptional conditions.
Technical Specifications
Functions
Movement
- Calibre:
- A&S1512 (view calibre)
- Jewels:
- 27
- Diameter:
- 34.00 mm
- Thickness:
- 5.35 mm
- Power reserve:
- 90 hours
- Frequency:
- 3 Hz / 21,600 vph
Dial
Moon phases
- sky:
- PVD treated mother-of-pearl in black
- constellations:
- hand painted, added with Super-LumiNova
- moons:
- mother-of-pearl discs tinted red, gold or blue added with Super-LumiNova
Case
- Material:
- stainless steel
- Diameter:
- 41.5 mm
- Thickness:
- 11.30 mm
- Crystal:
- domed sapphire, with an anti-reflective coating on both sides
- Back:
- sapphire crystal, with an anti-reflecting coating
- Water resistance:
- 3 bar (30 metres/100 feet)
Strap
- Material:
- black alligator leather
- Buckle:
- pin buckle, stainless steel
Interested in this watch?
A question of encounters
The moon played a discrete but decisive role in John Arnold’s career. In 1768, after presenting King George III with a sophisticated watch ring, the watchmaker came to the attention of the Astronomer Royal Nevil Maskelyne, who was researching solutions for calculating longitude using the lunar distance method. Rather than copying John Harrison’s famous H4, Arnold decided to innovate and develop his own marine timekeeper. Impressed by the precision of Arnold’s work and a watch he had recently altered at his request, Maskelyne trialled it on a scientific expedition to the West Indies in 1769. This recognition led John Arnold to offer the Board of Longitude a chronometer – a term he invented himself – that was accurate, affordable and reproducible, designed for use at sea.
The choice of stainless steel
Another distinguishing feature of these new “Colours of the Moon” models, which reinterpret the Perpetual Moon collection, is their stainless-steel case measuring 41.5 mm in diameter and 11.67 mm thick, giving this highly exclusive series, limited to just 18 pieces per version, a unique identity. The steel highlights the richness of the dial and the play of light across the moon phase while lending the watch greater versatility for everyday wear without diminishing its horological exclusivity.
Luxury finishing
Visible through the sapphire crystal case back, the calibre demonstrates meticulous attention to detail in its finishing, from the 3 Hz regulating organ to the bridges adorned with radiating Côtes de Genève and hand-bevelled edges, as well as the perlage of the main plate and the snailing of the wheels. This opening also reveals blued screws with polished, chamfered heads and a secondary moon-phase display with graduated markings, allowing precise adjustment of the astronomical display visible on the dial side.
Bringing celestial mechanics to life
To bring this celestial mechanism to life while ensuring everyday timekeeping, Arnold & Son has equipped the three Perpetual Moon “Colours of the Moon” limited editions with its in-house A&S1512 manual-winding calibre. With a diameter of 34 mm and a thickness of 5.35 mm, this movement offers a generous 90-hour power reserve when fully wound.
Classic styling
In keeping with their striking aesthetic character, the Perpetual Moon “Colours of the Moon” timepieces are paired with hand-stitched alligator leather straps in matching tones. They are fastened with traditional pin buckles in the same stainless steel as the case.
