Arnold & Son continues its exploration of mechanical artistry with the introduction of a striking new variant to its Nebula collection. The Nebula 40 Steel Blue Edition brings a cool, contemporary color palette to a timepiece already celebrated for its remarkable symmetry and architectural movement design. This latest iteration is not merely a change in color but a reinforcement of the watch's core identity, where every single component is designed to exist in a state of perfect visual and mechanical harmony. It builds upon the legacy of John Arnold, a name intrinsically linked to the high-precision marine chronometers of the 18th century, by showcasing a modern interpretation of horological engineering.
The very name "Nebula" hints at the design philosophy at play. A nebula is a vast interstellar cloud of dust and gas, often the birthplace of stars. In the context of this timepiece, the movement itself is the star, with its components radiating outwards from a central axis. This is not a skeletonized watch in the traditional sense, where an existing movement is simply cut away to reveal its workings. Instead, the Calibre A&S5201 was conceived from the ground up to be a symmetrical, openworked masterpiece, where the structure is the aesthetic.
Visually, the Nebula 40 Steel Blue Edition presents a captivating display of depth and mechanics. The eye is immediately drawn into the intricate, three-dimensional world of the movement. Seven bridges, shaped like slender rays, span the diameter of the calibre, converging towards the center but never touching. This arrangement provides the structural foundation for the entire mechanism, creating a sense of balanced tension and organized complexity that defines the watch's character.
The watch's face is a dynamic interplay of color and texture. The dominant shade is a deep, vibrant blue, applied via a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) treatment to the lower levels of the movement, including the main plate. This rich blue foundation serves as a dramatic backdrop for the components mounted above it. The main plate itself is not flat but features intersecting curves and a horizontal satin finish, which catches the light in a subtle, linear fashion, adding another layer of visual interest.
In stark contrast to the blue base, the seven radiating bridges, along with the gear train, ratchets, and the prominent balance wheel, are treated with a bright palladium finish. This silvery-white element echoes the polished and brushed surfaces of the stainless steel case, creating a cohesive link between the movement and its housing. The result is a spectacular sense of depth, as if one is peering into a miniature mechanical cosmos, with celestial bodies (the gears and balance) suspended over a
Deep Blue void.
The Calibre A&S5201 is the heart of the Nebula, a movement that is as technically proficient as it is visually stunning. Designed and produced entirely in-house at the
Arnold & Son manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, it is a testament to the brand's commitment to integrated watchmaking. The manual-winding calibre operates at a frequency of 3 Hz, or 21,600 vibrations per hour, a steady beat that ensures reliable timekeeping performance over its extended power reserve.
A significant feature of the A&S5201 is its impressive 90-hour power reserve. This is achieved through the use of two large mainspring barrels, which are positioned symmetrically on the horizontal axis of the movement at the 10:30 and 1:30 positions. These barrels work in sequence to deliver consistent energy to the regulating organ, contributing to the watch's chronometric stability throughout its running time. Their prominent placement is a deliberate design choice, making them key elements of the watch’s balanced aesthetic.
Symmetry governs every aspect of the movement's layout. Opposite the two barrels, on the lower half of the dial, are the small seconds sub-dial at 7:30 and the balance wheel assembly at 4:30. This creates a perfect X-shaped or four-fold symmetry across the entire calibre. This equilibrium is a signature of Arnold & Son's modern collections, reflecting a deep respect for classical watchmaking principles while pushing the boundaries of contemporary design.
The level of finishing applied to the A&S5201 demonstrates a meticulous attention to detail. Beyond the contrasting blue PVD and palladium treatments, the bridges are painstakingly openworked and feature hand-chamfered and polished edges. On the reverse side of the watch, visible through the sapphire case back, the main plate is adorned with Arnold & Son's signature 'Rayons de la Gloire' motif, a sunray guilloché pattern that further enhances the radiating theme of the watch.
Even seemingly minor technical elements are engineered to enhance the overall symmetry. The crown's winding mechanism, for instance, has been cleverly inverted and moved to the case-back side of the movement. This was done specifically to create a visual counterpoint to the gear wheel visible at the 9 o'clock position on the dial side, ensuring that no single element disrupts the carefully orchestrated balance of the whole composition.
The case of the Nebula 40 Steel Blue Edition is crafted from high-quality stainless steel, providing a robust yet refined frame for the mechanical spectacle within. It measures a contemporary 40 mm in diameter, a versatile size that is suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes. The proportions are thoughtfully considered, with a thickness of just 9.10 mm, allowing the watch to sit comfortably and discreetly under a shirt cuff if desired.
Protecting the dial is a domed sapphire crystal, which has been treated with an anti-reflective coating on both its upper and lower surfaces. This dual coating is crucial for a watch of this nature, as it minimizes glare and distortion, providing a crystal-clear view of the intricate movement from any angle. The case back is also fitted with a flat, anti-reflecting sapphire crystal, offering an unobstructed look at the rear of the calibre and its 'Rayons de la Gloire' finishing.
While the movement is the undeniable star, the functions of timekeeping are presented with clarity. A blue PVD-treated flange runs along the outer perimeter of the open dial, serving as the minute track. Upon this flange are applied rhodium-plated hour markers. These markers are not simple batons; they are faceted and polished, designed to match the shape and finish of the hour and minute hands, creating a unified and legible display.
The hands themselves are generously proportioned and filled with Super-LumiNova for readability in low-light conditions, as are the tips of the hour markers. This ensures that for all its artistic complexity, the Nebula 40 remains a practical instrument for telling time. The small seconds hand sweeps smoothly within its designated space at 7:30, its movement adding a constant, subtle animation to the dial.
The historical context of Arnold & Son adds another dimension to the Nebula 40. John Arnold was an English watchmaker of the 18th century, a pioneer whose work was critical to solving the problem of determining longitude at sea. His marine chronometers were renowned for their precision and reliability. The modern brand, while Swiss-made, channels this spirit of innovation and technical excellence.
John Arnold’s focus on absolute precision and functional design can be seen as a direct ancestor to the philosophy behind the Nebula. The symmetrical construction and the visibility of every working part speak to a desire for mechanical transparency and integrity. The watch is not hiding anything; it is celebrating the very nature of how it works, much like how early chronometers were built for function first, with their form following that primary purpose.
This new Blue Edition is presented with three distinct options for securing it to the wrist, each imparting a different personality to the watch. The first is a three-link bracelet crafted from stainless steel, with brushed outer links and polished center links. This option provides a fully integrated, sporty look, extending the metallic sheen of the case around the wrist and allowing the vibrant blue of the dial to stand out with maximum contrast.
Alternatively, the watch can be paired with a blue alligator leather strap. This choice lends the timepiece a more classic and luxurious character. The texture of the leather complements the complexity of the dial, and the color continuity creates a rich, monochromatic feel. The strap is fitted with a stainless steel pin buckle, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
The third option is a modern and casual blue rubber strap. This choice is perfect for daily wear, offering durability and comfort. The rubber strap underscores the watch's stainless steel construction and 30-meter water resistance, positioning it as a versatile piece that can transition from the office to more leisurely environments without missing a beat. The texture on the strap adds a contemporary, sporty touch.
Courtesy of Arnold & Son
The Arnold & Son Nebula 40 Steel Blue Edition is a carefully considered addition to the collection, offering a new perspective on a celebrated design. It is a piece that finds its strength in balance—balance between historical inspiration and modern execution, between technical substance and aesthetic expression, and between its various components, which are arranged in a state of perfect, radiating harmony.
Pricing for this mechanical artwork varies by the chosen strap or bracelet. The reference 1NEGS.U01A.K0243S, presented on the blue rubber strap, is positioned at $18,900. The version with the blue alligator leather strap, reference 1NEGS.U01A.C1235S, is available for $19,200. Finally, the model on the full stainless steel bracelet, reference 1NEGS.U01A.S135D, is priced at $19,900. These new models are available through authorized Arnold & Son retailers, offering collectors a chance to acquire a timepiece that truly puts its mechanical soul on full display.
Case: Stainless steel; 40 mm diameter; 9.10 mm thickness; domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides; sapphire crystal case back with anti-reflective coating; water resistance 3 bar (30 metres/100 feet).
Movement: Calibre A&S5201; manual-winding; 31.10 mm diameter; 4.18 mm thickness; 24 jewels; 90-hour power reserve; frequency of 3 Hz / 21,600 vph; functions include hours, minutes, and small seconds.
Dial: Skeletonized; blue PVD treated flange; rhodium-plated appliques.
Strap: Available in three versions: a three-link stainless steel bracelet, a blue alligator leather strap, or a blue rubber strap.
Price: $19,900 (Steel Bracelet); $18,900 (Blue Rubber Strap); $19,200 (Blue Leather Strap).
Reference Number: 1NEGS.U01A.S135D (Steel Bracelet); 1NEGS.U01A.K0243S (Blue Rubber Strap); 1NEGS.U01A.C1235S (Blue Leather Strap).
Notes: The movement is built around a radiating concept with seven bridges creating a star shape. Its symmetrical design is achieved by placing the two barrels, small seconds, and balance wheel along four lines of symmetry.