Geneva Watch Days 2022 : Arnold & Son : Luna Magna Ultimate II - A Lagoon-Blue Moon

Arnold & Son has just dropped a new high-jewellery version of its three-dimensional moon model - Luna Magna Ultimate II. The blue-green glow of the Paraíba tourmaline is the cornerstone of an exceptional new creation by Arnold & Son.

Above and beyond the technical prowess of inserting a 12 mm lunar sphere into a watch, the piece features superlative gem-setting, both in terms of the stones chosen and the techniques used. From pavé to invisible and channel setting, Arnold & Son is drawing on know-how of the highest level to produce eight Luna Magna Ultimate II timepieces. The 44 mm diameter case is crafted from 18K white gold and is studded with no fewer than 7.62 ct of exceptional-quality diamonds. The extraordinary color of the Paraíba tourmaline, a rare and much sought-after stone, is the finishing touch on this exotic and refined piece in blue-green tones bordering on turquoise.

Luna Magna Ultimate II is adorned with PVD-treated ruthenium crystals. Encircled by baguette-cut diamonds, the dial adopts the same shade as the Paraíba, which is one of the rarest and most precious gemstones and is pavé-set on the three-dimensional astronomical moon.

A precious lagoon

The fine, atoll-like ring that surrounds Luna Magna Ultimate II is formed of 112 baguette-cut diamonds totalling 5.90 ct. Hanging over the flat surface of the bezel, they appear as if they are simply floating over its edge, allowing the pass through them like an open prism, an “invisible” setting, generating unique sparkle. The rarity of its material makes the dial just as exceptional with its glittering appearance due to millions of pure ruthenium crystals. This extremely hard metal is found in platinum mines, as they are found in the same ore however, ruthenium is much rarer than platinum. For Luna Magna Ultimate II, the ruthenium was reformed into crystals and dyed using complex processes, before being deposited onto a dial plate. The result, now found regularly on Arnold & Son’s timepieces, is unique in the watchmaking world.

A tourmaline night

This stunner sports a traditional dial located at 12 o’clock, marked with the 12 signature Arnold & Son Roman numerals with a slightly milky white off-centre subdial due to the opal. Its classic design harks back to the aesthetics of the famous marine chronometers made by English watchmaker John Arnold. Under the time display, Luna Magna’s three-dimensional moon takes on a new appearance. The white gold globe is entirely pavé-set, split into 161 brilliant-cut diamonds, representing the illuminated side of the moon, and the same number of Paraíba tourmalines for the portion in shadow.

Finally the Luna Magna Ultimate II is driven by the A&S1021 calibre, which has been fully developed, manufactured, assembled and adjusted in the Manufacture. This hand-wound calibre, which has been designed with the lunar globe in mind, features a 90-hour power reserve and a regulating organ oscillating at a frequency of 3 Hz. The movement offers a secondary display on the case-back side presenting the phase of the moon. Its clearly readable markings are designed for high-precision adjustments. The sophisticated celestial mechanics are also based on precise astronomical reality. The duration of a complete lunar cycle is 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 2.8 seconds, and Arnold & Son has managed to replicate it in such a way that it will take 122 years for the movement’s display to deviate from the correct celestial reading by one day. The correction required at this time will be easy to make, as the Luna Magna’s moon-phase function is directly accessible from the crown. This practical feature has been made possible by Arnold & Son’s total command of the watchmaking process.

Luna Magna Ultimate II, a limited edition of eight pieces, takes Arnold & Son’s manufacture creations to exclusive new heights.