Introduction
Few names in British horological history carry the significance of John Arnold. One of the eighteenth century's greatest watchmakers, Arnold revolutionised precision timekeeping through his work on marine chronometers and enjoyed a close friendship with Abraham-Louis Breguet, who regarded him as one of the foremost horological minds of his era. Revived in the modern age, Arnold & Son continues to honour this remarkable legacy by producing technically sophisticated timepieces that combine traditional craftsmanship with distinctive contemporary design, all manufactured in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
The HM Perpetual Moon is among the manufacture's most striking creations, placing one of watchmaking's oldest complications centre stage. Rather than treating the moonphase as a subsidiary display, Arnold & Son has dedicated almost half the dial to an exquisitely executed astronomical scene, complete with a hand-engraved moon floating against a deep blue guilloché sky scattered with golden stars. This "Elegant" version is housed in an 18K red gold case and paired with a radiant blue guilloché dial whose sunray pattern creates exceptional depth and changing reflections in the light. Beneath its artistic exterior lies the manufacture calibre A&S1512, whose highly precise moonphase mechanism requires correction only once every 122 years if kept continuously running. Combining technical ingenuity with exceptional decorative craftsmanship, the HM Perpetual Moon represents Arnold & Son's unique interpretation of one of horology's most romantic complications.
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Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and papers
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Arnold & Son
Dimensions
42mm
Model
HM Perpetual Moon
Movement
Manual-wind Arnold & Son calibre A&S1512
Reference
1GLAR.U01A.C123A
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Cirac 2018
Condition
Excellent
Material
18K Rose Gold
Included
Box and papers
Dial Color
Blue guilloché
THE DIAL
The blue guilloché dial is the defining feature of the HM Perpetual Moon, its intricate sunray motif drawing the eye towards the oversized moonphase display. A hand-engraved moon appears against a matching guilloché moon disc adorned with golden stars, creating a striking blend of traditional decorative arts and contemporary design.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The 42mm 18K red gold case balances classical proportions with contemporary presence, providing an elegant frame for the expansive moonphase display. A slim polished bezel maximises the visible dial area, while the sapphire case back offers an uninterrupted view of the finely decorated manufacture movement within.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The rose gold case shows a few light surface scratches and small nicks. The case back retains well-defined engravings and hallmarks, with some surface scratches and wear to the screw heads. The dial and hands are in near-mint condition. It is fitted with a leather strap and a yellow gold pin buckle showing light surface scratches. Comes with the box and warranty booklet.
Please note: The watch ticks at the time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
The HM Perpetual Moon demonstrates Arnold & Son's ability to transform a familiar complication into something genuinely captivating. Rather than simply displaying the lunar cycle, it celebrates it through exceptional craftsmanship, combining a beautifully executed guilloché dial with one of the most accurate moonphase mechanisms available in a serially produced wristwatch. For collectors seeking an elegant dress watch that showcases both artistic decoration and serious horological substance, the HM Perpetual Moon stands among the finest modern interpretations of this timeless complication.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
