Arnold & Son recently unveiled the Nebula 40 Steel in Golden & Black Editions. It is the latest version of the Nebula collection, which includes the 38 mm and 41.50 mm versions.
The new Nebula 40 Steel features “a more striking case with a universal diameter of 40 mm while retaining its remarkably finished movement and unique abundance of watchmaking tradition.”
There are two versions: Golden Edition with stainless steel bracelet, and Black Edition with stainless steel bracelet, black alligator leather strap, and black rubber strap.
Image: Golden Edition. Header image: Black Edition with black rubber strap.
Key Features
“The word ‘Nebula’ was chosen to refer to the massive cloud of dust and gas that exists in space. Some nebulas are formed when a dying star, like a supernova, explodes and expels gas and dust. Others are regions where new stars begin to form. The collection features seven bridges on the dial that radiate from the centre, giving the sculptural movement the appearance of a cosmic explosion.”
Functions
Image: Black Edition with black alligator leather strap.
Dial
Image: Golden Edition. Both Editions are exactly the same, except for their gold or black treatment.
Open dial displaying hand-wound skeletonised calibre A&S5201.
Golden Edition features a gold-treated flange.
Black Edition features a black-treated flange.
On both versions, the 11 hour-markers on the flange are rhodium plated. Minute scale, graduated in increments of 5 minutes each.
Movement
Image: Caseback view of Golden Edition.
Powered by hand-wound skeletonised calibre A&S5201.
“The calibre was born with Nebula, for which it was specifically developed. Its architecture, inspired by the nebulae from which the arms of stars radiate, is what gave the collection its name. Here, these arms are represented by seven bridges, all functional, skeletonised, and harmoniously arranged. Facing the inside of the watch, they converge towards its centre, creating an incomparable impression of order, symmetry, and transparency.”
Diameter: 31.10 mm. Thickness: 4.18 mm.
Jewels: 24. Frequency: 21,600 vph or 3 Hz.
Power reserve: 90 hours.
Image: Front view of Black Edition with black rubber strap.
Mainplate: Golden Edition features a gold-treated mainplate, and Black Edition features a black-treated mainplate. Both showcase ‘Rayons de la Gloire’ guilloché, “one of Arnold & Son’s discreet aesthetic signatures.”
Barrel covers: Golden Edition features gold-treated barrel covers, and Black Edition features black-treated barrel covers. Both highlight a sunray-brushed finish.
Bridges are palladium-treated, feature polished corners and satin-finished surfaces.
Balance is rhodium plated.
Wheels are circular-grained and chamfered.
Screws are chamfered and feature mirror-polished heads.
Image: Caseback view of Black Edition.
“Behind the radiant appearance of the A&S5201 calibre, the shape of the bridges is just as important as their arrangement. They have hollowed-out centres and their chamfers, both internal and external, are carefully polished. Each bridge brings together one screw and two pins to create a rhythm that reinforces the structured appearance of the calibre. On the case back, two large intersecting ogival bridges support the movement’s functional organs at the back.
With its two large barrels arranged in series, Nebula 40 Steel offers a power reserve of 90 hours: exceptionally long for a skeletonised piece, but typical of Arnold & Son calibres. Their energy is transmitted to the gear train, whose layout follows the starshaped arrangement of the bridges. The balance at the end oscillates at a frequency of 3 hertz. These attributes combine to make the A&S5201 calibre a rare phenomenon in the watchmaking cosmos.”
Arnold & Son’s movements are designed and developed by Manufacture La-Joux Perret S.A., a renowned movement specialist based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Citizen Group of Japan own both Arnold & Son and Manufacture La-Joux Perret S.A.
Case, Bracelet, and Strap options
Image: Black Edition with black alligator leather strap.
Case is made from stainless steel.
Diameter: 40 mm. Thickness: 9.10 mm.
Dial side features a domed sapphire crystal with dual side anti-reflective coating.
Caseback features a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.
Water resistant up to 3 Bar / 30 metres / 100 feet.
“The case of the Nebula collection has been redesigned, modernised, and refined. With streamlined lugs, a softly rounded bezel, a more vertical case middle and a diameter of 40 mm in harmony with its thickness of just 9.10 mm, this steel case opens a new chapter for the collection. Featuring the A&S5201 skeletonised calibre offering an ultra-graphic layout, Nebula retains its identity as a watch whose movement fascinates, captivates, and draws the eye into its depths.”
Image: Black Edition with stainless steel bracelet.
Golden Edition features a stainless steel bracelet, with a stainless steel folding clasp.
Black Edition is available with a stainless steel bracelet with a stainless steel folding clasp, hand stitched black alligator leather strap with a stainless steel pin buckle, or black rubber strap with a stainless steel pin buckle.
Our Thoughts
Image: Golden Edition. A versatile watch. Notice how slim it is. The 40 mm case size is perfect.
The Nebula 40 Steel Golden & Black Editions are interesting watches. Their combination of an open dial displaying a manufacture skeletonised movement, a 40 mm stainless steel case, choice of bracelet and straps (for the Black Edition as the 88-piece Golden Edition only comes with bracelet) and relatively affordable prices will definitely appeal to collectors.
Image: Black Edition with black rubber strap. My personal favourite, as I feel the rubber strap transforms it into the most versatile and comfortable version to have.
It is a unique and versatile watch that will complement many collections. Based on images and supporting information, my personal favourite is the Black Edition with black rubber strap.
Additional Details
Name: Nebula 40 Steel – Golden Edition
Reference: 1NEGS.H01A.S135D
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF): 18,100 (Including VAT)
Limited Edition of 88 pieces.
Name: Nebula 40 Steel – Black Edition (stainless steel bracelet)
Reference: 1NEGS.B01A.S135D
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF): 17,600 (Including VAT)
Name: Nebula 40 Steel – Black Edition (black alligator leather strap)
Reference: 1NEGS.B03A.C169S
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF): 16,900 (Including VAT)
Name: Nebula 40 Steel – Black Edition (black rubber strap)
Reference: 1NEGS.B02AK.003S
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF): 16,700 (Including VAT)
Please visit the Arnold & Son website and Instagram page for more information.
In the UAE, Mohammed Rasool Khoory & Sons retail Arnold & Son. They are based in Abu Dhabi. Please visit their website for more information.
Our earlier coverage of Arnold & Son includes the one-off Double Tourbillon White Gold with a Charoite dial and Baltic amber dial.
