Complications
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.
De Bethune DB28 Reference DB28
The DB28 represents De Bethune's approach to contemporary haute horlogerie, featuring the brand's distinctive floating lug design within a 42.6mm case format. This reference showcases the manufacture's technical capabilities through its extended power reserve specification and proprietary movement caliber.
The 42.6mm titanium case houses the manual-winding caliber DB2115, delivering a 120-hour power reserve. The silver dial is protected by sapphire crystal, while the characteristic floating lugs define the case architecture. Water resistance extends to 30 meters, and the watch is completed with a leather strap.
This reference appeals to collectors focused on independent Swiss manufacture capabilities and contemporary case design. The DB28 represents De Bethune's technical approach to manual-winding movements, particularly notable for collectors interested in extended power reserve complications. Production commenced in 2010, positioning this reference within the brand's modern catalog offerings.
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.
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!!
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!
...and except for the considerable size, the color scheme makes it pretty subtle. The glow of the dial and moon is really fantastic!
And it's this: most all moon phase watches ignore the fact that the gibbous and quarter phases can not be displayed due to the design and movement of the complication. I know that is pretty picky but it just seems like every designer has decided "well there's nothing we can do about it so it is what it is". That's not a very common attitude toward design in a world of chain and fusee and tourbillions of all varieties. So I'm curious: has ANYONE ever designed a moon phase that displays ALL phases
That's what actually makes the difference to my eyes here!!
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