In accordance with the traditional Chinese calendar, 2024 is foreseen as a year of prosperity and harmony. Arnold & Son commemorates this auspicious occasion with a distinctive portrayal of a flying dragon on the dial, bringing together the realms of fine watchmaking, sculpture, and miniature painting. The Perpetual Moon 41.5 Red Gold “Year of the Dragon” is presented in two versions, both limited to eight pieces, showcasing the encounter between a rose gold dragon and a mother-of-pearl moon.
Commencing on February 10, 2024, the Year of the Wooden Dragon is characterized by a dragon associated with calm determination, as its natural fervor is tempered by the wood element. A year marked by introspection, control, negotiation, and generosity, it is eagerly anticipated and celebrated by Arnold & Son through the Perpetual Moon 41.5 Red Gold “Year of the Dragon.”
Illuminating the tradition of decorative horology valued by Arnold & Son, this year introduces a new “Chinese Zodiac” limited edition within the Perpetual Moon collection. Consisting of two versions, each limited to eight pieces, these timepieces feature a large, panoramic moon casting light on a nocturnal garden scene, complemented by a sinuous rose gold dragon against an aventurine backdrop.
The dragon, delicately sculpted with intricate details, stands in profile against the aventurine glass. With powerful feet, dissuasive claws, an open maw, and flowing whiskers, this majestic creature appears to drift between two worlds. The scene is set against an aventurine glass sky, with a large mother-of-pearl moon overlaid with Super-LumiNova, surrounded by hand-painted constellations of the Great Bear and Cassiopeia.
Drawing a historical allusion to marine chronometer-maker John Arnold, the choice of star patterns signifies their role as guiding lights throughout time. The pole star in the middle distance serves as a navigational reference, emphasizing the significance of stars in the Chinese zodiac calendar.
Turning to mechanical excellence, the case back features a secondary display of the moon phases for quick and accurate adjustment of the moon age. The manually-wound A&S1512 caliber powers the Perpetual Moon 41.5 Red Gold “Year of the Dragon,” meticulously tracking the lunar phases with exceptional precision. Developed entirely at the La Chaux-de-Fonds manufacture, the A&S1512 caliber incorporates a double barrel with a 3 Hz oscillation frequency, providing a 90-hour power reserve. The dedication to craftsmanship ensures that, if constantly wound, it would take 122 years for a 24-hour discrepancy between the display and astronomical reality to accumulate.
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