Perpetual Moon Year of the Snake Red Gold

The Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon Year of the Snake Red Gold is a limited edition watch, with only eight pieces available worldwide, is a celebration of the Chinese zodiac's Year of the Wooden Snake, which commences on January 29, 2025. Arnold & Son, a brand with a storied legacy rooted in the pioneering work of 18th-century English watchmaker John Arnold, has seamlessly blended its horological expertise with the artistry and symbolism of the Chinese Zodiac in this exceptional creation.

The Year of the Wooden Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac, is a period characterized by transformation, self-improvement, energy, and introspection. It's a time for prudent decision-making and navigating a landscape often shrouded in mystery. Arnold & Son has masterfully captured the essence of this zodiac year in the Perpetual Moon Year of the Snake Red Gold, making it more than just a timepiece, but rather a symbolic representation of a significant cultural period. This watch is also part of the "Chinese Calendar" line for Arnold & Son.



The watch is housed in a substantial 41.5mm 18-karat red gold (5N) case, a warm and luxurious metal that perfectly complements the intricate details of the dial. The case is 11.67mm thick, giving it a presence on the wrist without being overly bulky. It's topped with a domed sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating on both sides for optimal clarity. The case back is also sapphire crystal, offering a view of the meticulously decorated movement within. The watch is water-resistant to 3 bar, which translates to 30 meters or 100 feet, making it suitable for everyday wear but not for swimming or diving.

The dial is where the artistry of this timepiece truly shines. Crafted from blue aventurine glass, it evokes the image of a starlit night sky. Aventurine glass is known for its shimmering, star-like inclusions, which are achieved by adding metallic oxides to the glass during the manufacturing process. This celestial backdrop sets the stage for the watch's centerpiece: a hand-engraved 18-karat rose gold snake.



The snake, a symbol of wisdom and transformation in the Chinese zodiac, is depicted with an extraordinary level of detail. Every scale, its forked tongue, and its broad, flat head are meticulously rendered, creating a sense of realism that is truly captivating. The serpent is positioned facing the viewer, coiled around the branch of a Ginkgo biloba tree, a symbol of longevity and resilience in many cultures. The landscape surrounding the snake is hand-painted with rose gold powder and overlaid with Super-LumiNova, adding a luminous dimension to the scene. This is another aspect of the watch that truly sets it apart.

Dominating the upper half of the dial is a large, realistic mother-of-pearl moon. The moon phase complication is one of Arnold & Son's specialties, and this watch showcases it in all its glory. The moon, complete with its shadowy craters, is overlaid with Super-LumiNova, allowing it to glow in the dark alongside the aventurine glass sky. This is not just a visual spectacle; it's a practical feature that enhances the watch's legibility in low-light conditions.



Surrounding the moon are hand-painted constellations, specifically Ursa Major and Cassiopeia. These constellations, also illuminated with Super-LumiNova, are not merely decorative. They are a direct nod to John Arnold's history as a maker of marine chronometers. These stars, used for navigation since ancient times, also hold significance in the Chinese zodiac calendar, where stars play a crucial role in determining periods and symbols. The inclusion of these constellations creates a unique point of convergence between Western horological history and Eastern cultural traditions. The dial really does combine the history of John Arnold and the eastern zodiac calendar.

The Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon Year of the Snake Red Gold is powered by the brand's in-house A&S1512 caliber, a hand-wound mechanical movement. This caliber is a testament to Arnold & Son's commitment to traditional watchmaking techniques. It comprises 27 jewels and boasts an impressive 90-hour power reserve, thanks to its use of two barrels. The movement oscillates at a frequency of 3 Hz, or 21,600 vibrations per hour, ensuring smooth and accurate timekeeping. The calibre is about 34 mm in diameter and 5.35 mm in thickness.

The A&S1512 caliber is not only technically impressive but also beautifully finished. The mainplate is rhodium-plated and circular-grained, while the bridges are chamfered and adorned with radiating Côtes de Genève stripes. The wheels are snailed, and the screws are blued and chamfered, with polished heads. The second moon phase indicator, visible through the case back, is also rhodium-plated and circular-grained. These exquisite finishes are a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into every Arnold & Son timepiece.



Turning the watch over reveals a secondary display on the case back that showcases the phases of the moon. This additional display allows for a more precise adjustment of the moon phase complication. The A&S1512 caliber's moon phase complication is remarkably accurate, deviating from the true lunar cycle by only one day every 122 years, assuming the watch is kept continuously wound. This level of precision is a hallmark of Arnold & Son's horological prowess. This is a very long period of time between necessary adjustments.

The watch is presented on an ink blue alligator leather strap, lined with red alligator leather for a touch of hidden luxury. The strap is hand-stitched, a detail that speaks to the brand's dedication to traditional craftsmanship. It's secured with an 18-karat red gold (5N) pin buckle, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. The color scheme of the strap is very appealing and a great combination.



The Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon Year of the Snake Red Gold is a limited edition of just eight pieces, making it an exceptionally rare and collectible timepiece. Each watch is individually numbered, further enhancing its exclusivity. This level of scarcity ensures that each owner possesses a truly unique piece of horological art. The rarity is part of the watch's appeal, only 8 very lucky people will have the ability to own one.

As for the price, this horological masterpiece commands a Swiss retail price of CHF 57,200, excluding VAT, which translates to approximately $61,600 USD. This price reflects the watch's exceptional craftsmanship, precious materials, and limited production. While undoubtedly a significant investment, it is in line with the pricing of other high-end timepieces from prestigious Swiss watchmakers. This watch is a true statement piece for the individual that owns it.

Case: 18K red gold 5N. 41.5 mm diameter. 11.67 mm thick. Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. Sapphire crystal case back with anti-reflective coating. Water-resistant to 3 bar (30 meters/100 feet).

Movement: A&S1512 caliber, hand-wound mechanical. 27 jewels. 34.00 mm diameter. 5.35 mm thick. 90-hour power reserve. Frequency of 3 Hz / 21,600 vph. Mainplate is rhodium-plated and circular-grained. Bridges are chamfered with radiating Côtes de Genève stripes. Wheels are snailed. Screws are blued and chamfered, with polished heads. Second moon phase indicator is rhodium-plated and circular-grained.

Dial: Blue aventurine glass. Hand-engraved 18-carat (4N) rose gold snake. Landscape hand-painted with rose gold powder, overlaid with Super-LumiNova. Blue aventurine glass sky. Hand-painted constellations overlaid with Super-LumiNova. Mother-of-pearl disc moons overlaid with Super-LumiNova.

Strap: Ink blue alligator leather. Red alligator leather lining. Hand-stitched. Pin buckle in 18K red gold (5N).

Price: $61,600 USD (excluding VAT).

Reference Number: 1GBLR.Z09A.C264A

Notes: Limited edition of 8 pieces. Celebrates the Year of the Wooden Snake in the Chinese zodiac. Features a highly accurate moon phase complication that deviates by only one day every 122 years.