Arnold & Son reinterprets its emblematic, symmetrical skeleton Nebula in new proportions

The three-dimensional, openwork movement and dial of the Nebula 38 offer views into the very heart of the in-house manufacture calibre. Its gold case has been reinvented in a 38 mm diameter, magnifying the hypnotic micro-mechanical spectacle of the hand-wound movement. 

Besides the careful attention to equilibrium, the powerful allure of the Nebula 38 also derives from the calculated proportions and ratios of diameter versus height, size and placement of every gear and wheel. Rather than being an assembly of disparate components – case, dial, and movement – Nebula was designed from the ground up to be completely holistic, with all components blending harmoniously into one. For instance, no less than ten bridges of this complex calibre form the dial.

Highly legible hours and minutes rotate above the movement conceived and developed from the outset to be open rather than have superfluous material skeletonized as an afterthought. The revised sloping chapter ring and faceted golden indexes complete the impactful visual effect of the Nebula 38.

The balanced construction of A&S 5101 calibre - horizontally and vertically symmetrical, both front and back - explains the watch lovers’ strong attraction to the refined Nebula 38. On the dial side, symmetry at top to bottom is provided by the two mainspring barrels, which provide a very healthy 90 hours of power above, and small seconds plus the oscillating balance wheel below. Seven of the skeletonized and chamfered triangular bridges with polished edges fixed around the perimeter of the movement and radiating inward, offer a contemporary take on traditional architecture.

Not only is all of the movement visible and highly decorated - barrels, gear train, balance and escapement, and winding mechanism - can be appreciated from the dial side. But that’s not to say the underside of the movement is something to be overlooked.

The view through the display back reveals even more finishing, with skeletonized and chamfered main plate with polished edges, solid 18-karat gold settings and gears featuring polished chamfers. The Nebula 38 is available in a red gold case, in a limited edition of 50.

About the name

"Nebula" (Latin for "cloud") refers to the astronomical term describing a giant cloud of dust and gas thrown out by the explosion of a dying star. Nebulae are also regions where new stars are beginning to form. The seven bridges on the dial side radiate from the centre toward the perimeter and give an impression of stellar explosion to the sculptural movement.

Nebula 38

Technical specifications

Functions:

Hours, minutes, small seconds

Movement:

Calibre - A&S5101, hand-wound,

Jewels - 24

Diameter - 31.50 mm

Height - 4.04 mm

Power reserve - 90 hours

Frequency - 3 Hz / 21,600 vph

Decoration - Skeletonized movement, palladium-treated bridges, NAC-treated main plate, chamfered bridges with polished edges and brushed surfaces, chamfered wheels with A&S three-spoke design and polished edges, gold settings, bevelled screws with mirror-polished heads

Dial:

Rhodium plated chapter ring

Case:

Material - 18-karat red gold (5N)

Diameter - 38.00 mm

Thickness - 8.91 mm

Crystal - Cambered sapphire, anti-reflection coating on both sides

Back - Sapphire crystal

Water resistance - 30 m /100 ft

Strap:

Material - Hand-stitched brandy or grey alligator leather

Buckle - Pin, 18-karat red gold (5N)

Reference number:

1NEBR.A01A.C144A (brandy leather)

1NEBR.A01A.C147A (grey leather)

Limited edition:

50       

World retail price:

CHF 23’300 without taxes (prices can be subject to change)