Swiss watchmaker Arnold & Son has continued the evolution of its astronomical Luna Magna collection with the new, highly sculptural limited-edition timepiece – the Luna Magna Platinum Dragon Verdite brings together métiers d’art craftsmanship with the manufacture’s signature astronomical moon-phase complication. Limited to just eight pieces, the new model brings alive the ancient Asian legend of the Dragon and the Pearl of Wisdom – earlier featured in the Luna Magna Red Gold “Year of the Dragon,” crafted in 18K red gold with a pietersite dial or an onyx dial – now evolved with materials like platinum, white gold, and verdite stone.

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The Arnold & Son Luna Magna collection puts horology’s most romantic complication at centre stage. Distinguished by the world’s largest three-dimensional spherical moon phase, measuring 12 mm in diameter, this monumental lunar globe is carved from dual materials – such as white marble paired with aventurine glass, or Cacholong opal alongside ferrous meteorite – to represent the illuminated and shadowed sides of the moon, all showcased beneath a dramatic double-domed sapphire crystal. This beautiful display is driven by the in-house hand-wound Calibre A&S1021, which tracks the lunar cycle with such exact astronomical fidelity that it requires a single-day correction only once every 122 years. The elegant aesthetic balance on the dial is achieved by shifting the timekeeping subdial to 12 o’clock, paying homage to John Arnold’s historic English marine chronometers – where the roots of Arnold & Son lie.

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Also Read: Arnold & Son presents the new Perpetual Moon 41.5 Cliff Grey Edition

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The 44 mm x 15.9 mm case of the Luna Magna Platinum Dragon Verdite is made of platinum, topped by an anti-reflective box sapphire crystal, and the dragon dominating the dial is sculpted from 18K white gold, coiling across a verdite stone base and wrapping itself around the three-dimensional moon-phase display. The dragon extends its claws toward the oversized moon sphere, symbolising the mythical Pearl of Wisdom that grants power and enlightenment in Asian folklore. Arnold & Son specifically chose a traditional Eastern interpretation of the dragon, depicted wingless and associated with water, while the five claws on each foot reference imperial Chinese symbolism.

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It is the first time in the Luna Magna collection that such a broad range of artistic techniques has been combined within a single watch. The high-grade verdite dial was chosen for its rich green veining and natural depth. The same stone is also used for half of the spherical moon-phase display, with the other half made of white gold. The dragon’s engraving showcases outstanding craftsmanship, with individually executed scales, claws, beard, crest, and facial features achieved through extensive hand-finishing. Lastly, the off-centred time display has been laid out in white opal with Super-LumiNova that emits a soft glow in the dark, just like the Moon.

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Also Read: Arnold & Son brings back the Globetrotter in 42 mm

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The moon-phase mechanism offers generous astronomical precision, deviating by only one day after 122 years, provided the watch remains continuously wound. The moon-phase indication can also be adjusted directly through the crown. Designed specifically for this complication, the in-house calibre A&S1021 operates at 3 Hz and delivers a substantial 90-hour power reserve. Visible through the sapphire caseback, the calibre features circular graining, radiating Côtes de Genève, chamfered bridges, satin-finished wheels, and polished blued screws. A secondary moon-age display on the back allows particularly precise moon-phase setting through clearly graduated markings.

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The watch is paired with an imperial green alligator leather strap lined in black alligator leather and secured by a folding clasp combining platinum and titanium components. The Arnold & Son Luna Magna Platinum Dragon Verdite is priced at approx. INR 1,16,50,000.

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Images: Courtesy Arnold & Son

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