Our Take

Based out of La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Arnold & Son has released some exceptional timepieces from the Time Pyramid to the Luna Magna over the years. We now have the pleasure of introducing one of our favorite timepieces from the brand, the Nebula 41.5 now in blue and with an optional bracelet for the first time.

Inspired by the aesthetic of the remarkable Constant Force Tourbillon, the Nebula Steel is a time-only, open worked masterpiece. Intended as an entry-level timepiece, the Nebula provides collectors with all the emblems of Arnold & Son’s design DNA – three-dimensional movement architectures, multi-axial symmetry, openworked dials, and a deep homage to John Arnold’s English maritime watchmaking. With the Nebula, we see a mixture of all these common motifs in the brand’s work.

Lining the edges of the dial, the Nebula’s 7 bridges are all wonderfully finished and hold everything together. That is, the seconds hand at 7 o’clock, two 90-hour power reserve barrels at 10 & 2 o’clock as well as the balance spring at 4 o’clock. All four visually balance one another while the depth of the openwork provides collectors with the ability to view the brand’s intricate craftsmanship in every nook and cranny. Finishing through the dial and movement cover the essentials of fine watchmaking – bright blue PVD-coated mainplate, chamfered bridges, polished edges, brushed surfaces, chamfered wheels, and beveled screws with mirror-polished heads.

Whereas the Nebula historically leaned toward more dressy, the blued mainplate moves this timepiece toward a much more casual feel. Coupled with the bracelet and larger case dimensions, 41.5mm, this is an Arnold & Son that can comfortably be on the wrist through both formal and informal occasions. As with many of the brand’s timepieces, the Arnold & Son Nebula Steel Blue straddles the past and the present, an homage to historical English watchmaking while firmly modern in its presentation. While finding a balance between both poles is something much easier said than done, Arnold & Son created a cohesive timepiece at a compelling price point.

The Details

Brand: Arnold and Son

Model: Nebula Steel Blue

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds

Movement: A&S5101 - Open Work, Manual Winding

Case: 41.5mm or 38mm Stainless Steel

Dial: blue PVD flange, rhodium-plated appliques

Strap: Hand-aged anthracite calf leather

Water Resistance: 30 m / 100 feet