Some thoughts on the Arnold and Son Nebula.
amanico
Unveiled in 2016 first in gold with a 41, 5 mm case, it became available in 2018 with the choice between two cases, in steel or in gold. And in 2020, if my memory serves me well, the Nebula also comes in 38 mm, with a blue dial in 2022.
The 38 and the 41, 5 mm have the same case height: 8, 73 mm, which gives a super harmony to the watch.
But the true raison d'être of this watch is the movement. Here, this is one of these very rare watches whose movement IS the dial, or used as a dial, which is an ode to Symmetry and Beauty.
Indeed, on the dial side, you have 7 bridges 6 + 1 at three o' clock which is " open ", triangle shaped, and skeletonized . Between 1 and 2 o' clock and 10 and 11 o' clock, you have the two barrels, echoing with the small seconds at 7 o' clock and the balance wheel at 5 o' clock. All these elements and parts are radiating from the center. Astonishing.
And here again, as with all Arnold and Son watches, the level of finishings is outstanding, with all the classic techniques of fine Horology, such as beveling ( bridges and wheels ), sunray decorated barrel covers and golden chatons with beveled and mirror-polished heads. Remarkable, both front and back sides.
The AS 5201 movement, from Lajoux-Perret, is manual winding, as you can see, beats at 21, 600 alternances per hour, and, cherry on the cake, it offers a power reserve of 90 hours. It is 31, 10 mm big and only 4, 18 mm high, which is enough to fit into a 38 or a 41, 5 mm case.
So, steel or gold, anthracite ( good or steel ) or blue ( steel ), 38 mm or 41, 5 mm? While, usually, I would favor a 38 mm case, here I would go for the 41, 5 mm one, because of its remarkable skeleton dial which you can enjoy even more with a bigger case. And most probably in steel, with the blue dial which adds some real cool factor.
I must say that it is one of my biggest coups I could discover in real life only this year.
What are your thoughts on this one?
Best,
Nicolas
Comments:
MichaelC December 19th, 2023-17:01
Appreciate this review. Visually, it is a striking piece. Legibility, IMO, is poor when the hands are in certain positions. Maybe black hands would help on both models. But maybe this is not a watch for reading the time as much as admiring the mechanics. It is a beauty.
amanico December 19th, 2023-17:02
You said it very well, it is more about admiring than reading the time.
Chronometer (aka yacomino) December 19th, 2023-18:46
I was thinking the same . This watch is fabulous but legibility would be a no go for me
amanico December 19th, 2023-18:54
That's a good reason to spend more time looking at your watch!
Chronometer (aka yacomino) December 19th, 2023-20:12
indeed, but I think blue hand would not take away from the concept but would provide better reading
Chronometer (aka yacomino) December 19th, 2023-22:54
Put blue hand on that puppy and I order one!
Chronometer (aka yacomino) December 20th, 2023-12:37
Well, I wish A&S would take note of it to be honest 🤣
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