Arnold & Son Celebrates Tourmaline in the Luna Magna Ultimate II
The blue-green glow of the Paraíba tourmaline is the cornerstone of an exceptional new creation by Arnold & Son. 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. Luna Magna Ultimate II, a limited edition of eight pieces, takes Arnold & Son’s manufacture creations to exclusive new heights.
Arnold & Son is releasing a new high-jewelry version of its three-dimensional moon model. Above and beyond the technical prowess of inserting a 12mm 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 44mm diameter case is crafted from 18-karat white gold and is studded with no fewer than 7.62 carats 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.
Precious Lagoon
A fine, atoll-like ring surrounds Luna Magna Ultimate II. It is formed of 112 baguette-cut diamonds totaling 5.90 carats. They overhang the flat surface of the bezel, appearing as if simply placed upon it, floating over its edge, allowing the pass through them like an open prism. This is known as an “invisible” setting, generating unique sparkle.
The rarity of its material makes the dial just as exceptional. Its glittering appearance is 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.
Tourmaline Nights
A traditional dial is located at 12 o’clock, marked with 12 signature Arnold & Son Roman numerals. This off-center subdial owes its pristine, slight milky white hue to 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. It is 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.
Mechanical Excellence
Luna Magna Ultimate II is driven by the A&S1021 caliber, which has been fully developed, manufactured, assembled, and adjusted in the manufacture. This hand-wound caliber, 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 caseback 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.
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