Arnold & Son Luna Magna Platinum Aventurine Meteorite

amanico · 2024-01-15T16:47:48Z

Explore the Arnold & Son Luna Magna in platinum with aventurine and meteorite dials. Amanico's review and collector insights on this unique moon phase watch.

amanico

WPS member · Independents forum

49 replies11974 views11 photos

Amanico's insightful review of the Arnold & Son Luna Magna in platinum, featuring both aventurine and meteorite dials, offers a deep dive into a timepiece that pushes the boundaries of traditional moon phase complications. His detailed examination of the case, dial, and movement highlights why this model stands out in high horology. This article explores the nuances of its design and the community's reactions to its unique aesthetic and technical prowess.

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Arnold and Son is just an incredible brand. The more I see some of their creations, the more I love the brand.

The Luna Magna ( Big moon, in latin ) is an awesome creation, or should I call it Creature. Launched in 2021 in rose gold or in platinum with an aventurine crystal, Arnold and Son came in 2022 with another platinum version, showing a meteorite and an opal dial.

These are these two platinum versions we'll see, now.

1/ The Case: As we said, made in platinum 950, the case is huge: 44 mm and thick:15, 90 mm, but the height included the super domed sapphire glass which has to protect the prominent moon.

It has a classic shape, like if the brand wanted us to focus on the most important part of this watch, the dial. The crown is well integrated and lovely.

2/ The Dial is the Soul, the raison d'être of this watch.

Indeed, there is no other watch like this one. Its huge spherical moon ( 12 mm! ) is as romantic as it is spectacular showing its visible and dark side. The visible side is made of marble, while the dark side is made of aventurine crystal which we also find for the main dial. The dial dedicated to Time is in mother of pearl.

The Meteorite version is even more special! Its main dial is made in Meteorite, surrounding the dial dedicated to Time in Opal and the spherical moon in meteorite ( dark side ) and in opal (visible side ). AND, if it was not enough, the dial dedicated to Time and the visible part of the moon receive a layer of Superluminova which literally shine in the dark. Poetry at its best.

The meteorite parts have a sand colored pvd.

3/ The movement is the Cal A&S 1021, superbly decorated and finished, with " Soleillé " Côtes de Genève radiating from the center occupied by the second and more accurate moon phase, chamfered screws, polished heads, circular graining, well, an ode to fine horology.

It is big ( 37, 6 mm ) and thick if we include the moon ( 12 mm ) but quite thin without ( 4, 75 mm ) and offers a good power reserve of 90 hours. To be complete, it beats at the pace of 21, 600 alternances per hour.

As for the moon phase, it is accurate to one day each 122 years, which is in the normality. Some brands did better, here, with one day each 3500 years, but who will be there to witness that kind of accuracy?

Both platinum versions are limited to 28 pieces and there is a gap of around 15, 000 Euros between the Aventurine and the Meteorite platinum versions, the meteorite being the most expensive of these two.

I must confess I am totally in love with the Luna Magna, a real coup de coeur, a strong love affair. The funny thing is that I am not a huge fan of moon phases when they are not coupled to a perpetual calendar, because the setting is generally fastidious. You have to go to a site which is dedicated to moon phases, then you have to set it generally through a pusher.

BUT here, I am totally under the charm. The concept, the design, and the fact that you can set the moon phase through the crown are convincing me.

The big question is which one to get?

The aventurine version is sumptuous: You are submerged in a starry sky, you are smitten by the spherical moon, the mother of pearl dial dedicated to the Time is gorgeous, you are living a dream.

The meteorite dial is another evocation of space. I am a huge fan of meteorite dials, so this is a plus for me. But the real PLUS is the fact that the opal dial dedicated to Time and the visible side of the moon are luminous...

Isn't that a delicious dilemma to have?

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best,

Nicolas

About the De Bethune DB25 Ref. DB25

De Bethune DB25 Reference DB25

The DB25 represents De Bethune's entry in the 44.5mm manual-wind category, distinguished by its silver dial configuration within the DB25 series. This reference launched in 2006 and continues the brand's approach to contemporary haute horlogerie complications.

The 44.5mm case is crafted from 18k white gold with a fixed bezel and sapphire crystal. Water resistance extends to 30 meters. The manual-winding caliber DB2105 movement provides a substantial 120-hour power reserve. The watch features a leather strap attachment.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking De Bethune's technical approach to timekeeping in a precious metal case. The extended power reserve and manual-wind operation position it for enthusiasts who appreciate hands-on interaction with their timepieces. The 44.5mm sizing places it in contemporary proportions within the independent watchmaking segment.

Specifications

Caliber: DB2105

Case: 18k White Gold

Diameter: 44.5 mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

Most moon phase watches cannot accurately display gibbous and quarter phases due to their design limitations. The spherical moon of the Luna Magna addresses this, but it raises the question of whether a flat moon phase could achieve full phase accuracy.
The spherical moon of the Luna Magna, while innovative, does not perfectly replicate the appearance of the moon's phases as seen from Earth, which often show a crescent or partial illumination rather than a fully visible or fully dark sphere.
The Luna Magna's limited production of 28 pieces makes it exceptionally difficult to acquire, and market prices for the meteorite version are often significantly higher than for the aventurine variant.
While meteorite dials are generally favored, some collectors believe that Omega's execution of meteorite dials remains unsurpassed, influencing their preference for the aventurine dial in the Luna Magna.
The aventurine dial is often preferred for its 'infinite' starry sky aesthetic, aligning perfectly with the watch's celestial theme, while the meteorite version offers a distinct, rugged appeal.
The absence of Superluminova on the aventurine version is a missed opportunity, as a lumed aventurine dial would offer a stunning day-to-night transformation, similar to the meteorite version's luminescent features.

The Discussion

jlux

Jan 15, 2024

A real dream watch!

One of the many beautiful creations from Arnold & Son. For me one of the most interesting high horology brands currently on the market. If I would have to choose for the Luna Magna I would probably go with the aventurine dial.

amanico

Jan 15, 2024

Or the UAE edition in steel for half of the price...

AuHavrePro

Jan 15, 2024

Absolutely beautiful.

Would love to see any version in person. I think though that my preference here would be the aventurine dial. I'm not exactly sure why, but even though meteorite dials are my favorite I'm still of the opinion no one has managed to surpass Omega in their execution........ Thanks for the write-up Nico!!

amanico

Jan 15, 2024

In person, even nicer!

TeutonicCarFan

Jan 15, 2024

Love the idea of this.

For me the size would be a limitation. If I had to pick the aventurine matches the sky theme, however, this meteorite version is a looker as well!

amanico

Jan 15, 2024

In real not that big...