Arnold & Son Unveils the Perpetual Moon “Colours of the Moon”

A New Nighttime Spectacle

Following the recent debut of the HM London Skyline, which captures the British capital in a striking nocturnal scene, Arnold & Son once again turns its attention to the night sky. This time, the spotlight falls on Earth’s closest celestial companion. The new Perpetual Moon “Colours of the Moon” presents the manufacture’s signature oversized luminous moon-phase display in three distinct interpretations, each limited to just 18 pieces. The astronomical complication is housed in an elegant stainless-steel case measuring 41.5mm in diameter and a slim 11.67mm in height, giving the watch a versatile presence while showcasing its highly artistic dial.

The Many Colors of the Moon

The moon is not always the familiar silver-white orb we see on clear nights. Atmospheric conditions, seasonal changes, and astronomical events can transform its appearance into a surprising palette of colors. These rare celestial phenomena provided the inspiration for Arnold & Son’s latest creation. The green-dial version evokes the cool tones associated with the so-called Blue Moon and other atmospheric effects that can lend the moon a bluish cast. The blue model pairs its celestial backdrop with a warm golden moon, recalling the rich amber hues often seen when the moon hangs low on the horizon. The black-dial edition, meanwhile, celebrates the dramatic “Blood Moon,” whose deep red glow appears during a total lunar eclipse.

A First for Mother-of-Pearl

For the first time in watchmaking, Arnold & Son applies PVD coating to mother-of-pearl for both the dial and the moon-phase sky. The vacuum-deposition process creates black, blue, and green surfaces with remarkable depth and constantly shifting reflections. As light moves across the dial, the natural layers of the organic material emerge, producing a captivating interplay of texture and color. The moon itself is crafted from colored mother-of-pearl and enhanced with Superluminova, allowing it to glow brightly in the dark. Completing the celestial scene are hand-painted depictions of the constellations Cassiopeia and Ursa Major, which are also treated with luminous material. Their inclusion pays tribute to the navigators and explorers who relied on the stars to find their way across the seas.

Astronomical Precision and 90 Hours of Power Reserve

The display faithfully reproduces the lunar cycle of 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 2.8 seconds. A secondary moon-phase indication on the movement side allows for precise adjustment and reveals the sophistication of the mechanism. This display is so accurate that it requires correction by just one day every 122 years.

Powering the watch is the in-house, hand-wound caliber A&S1512. Developed and manufactured entirely by Arnold & Son, the movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and delivers an impressive 90-hour power reserve. Visible through the sapphire caseback, it showcases refined haute horlogerie finishing, including Geneva stripes, perlage, beveled bridges, and blued screws.

Matching hand-stitched alligator leather straps in black, ink blue, or Cornwall green complete the respective models. The retail price is CHF21,100, equivalent to approximately $26,140 at current exchange rates.

To learn more, visit Arnold & Son, here.