Arnold & Son Announces the Perpetual Moon Red Gold “Year of the Dragon” in Moonlight

In 2024, as per the ancient Chinese calendar, the year is filled with prosperity and harmony. To celebrate this, Arnold & Son has introduced a magnificent flying dragon design on the dial, where various artistic techniques come together. The Perpetual Moon 41.5 Red Gold “Year of the Dragon” showcases two variants, each a blend of exquisite watchmaking, intricate sculpture, and detailed miniature painting. This exclusive edition, limited to eight pieces, showcases a stunning combination of a rose gold dragon and a mother-of-pearl moon.

Beginning on February 10, 2024, the Wooden Dragon year commences. This dragon, influenced by the wood element, symbolizes steady resolve; the wood’s presence moderates its inherent passion. Characterized by a time of introspection and mastery, it equally emphasizes the importance of negotiation and benevolence. The convergence of these traits makes this year one that is highly anticipated. Arnold & Son commemorates this particular year with the launch of their Perpetual Moon 41.5 Red Gold “Year of the Dragon” timepiece.

Arnold & Son upholds its distinctive tradition of ornate watchmaking by dedicating this year to a new “Chinese Zodiac” edition within their Perpetual Moon collection. There are two unique versions, each limited to eight pieces. These feature a prominent, expansive moon that casts light over a nocturnal garden scene, accompanied by a gracefully curving dragon crafted in rose gold (4N).

The scene is set against a backdrop of aventurine, in either black or blue, imbued with metallic powder that imparts a celestial, starry appearance. This serene amalgamation mirrors the gentle nuances associated with the Wooden Dragon. Adding to the ambience, several stone pines with twisting branches are depicted, their forms reminiscent of the dragon’s curved shape.

The dragon, meticulously sculpted and set against the aventurine glass background, boasts an array of finely handcrafted details. Its dynamic posture features robust legs, intimidating claws, an agape mouth, and whiskers that seem to flutter in the breeze, symbolizing the creature’s traversal between realms. The mother-of-pearl moon is rendered with striking realism, accentuated by hand-painted shadows and coated with Super-LumiNova for a luminous effect. This moon is set against a backdrop of aventurine glass, emulating the night sky, and is encircled by meticulously hand-painted constellations of the Great Bear and Cassiopeia, also enhanced with a luminescent material.

Including these constellations is a nod to the legacy of marine chronometer pioneer John Arnold, reflecting their longstanding role as navigational beacons. The pole star, positioned in the middle distance, is a steadfast indicator of the north. This artistic representation highlights the significance of stars in demarcating times, transitions, and symbols within the Chinese zodiac calendar, showcasing a unique blend of cultural and creative elements.

The Perpetual Moon 41.5 Red Gold “Year of the Dragon” features a secondary moon phase display on the case back, enabling quick and precise adjustments of the moon’s age. It is powered by the manually-wound A&S1512 calibre, renowned for its extraordinary precision in tracking lunar phases. The complete lunar cycle, lasting 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 2.8 seconds, is so accurately mimicked by this movement that it would only deviate by 24 hours from the astronomical cycle after 122 years of continuous operation.

True to Arnold & Son’s dedication to craftsmanship, the A&S1512 calibre is entirely developed, manufactured, decorated, assembled, adjusted, and encased at their La Chaux-de-Fonds facility. This calibre incorporates a dual-barrel system with a 3 Hz oscillation frequency, ensuring a substantial 90-hour power reserve.