Arnold & Son Nebula 40 Steel, Golden & Black Editions

Quick specs Arnold & Son Nebula 40 Steel, Golden & Black Editions
Price: starts at $ 16,164 | € 17.764 | approx. £ 15,000 | CHF 16’700 (black on rubber)
Size: 40 mm
Reference:
1NEGS.B01A.S135D (black/bracelet)
1NEGS.B02AK.003S (black/rubber)
1NEGS.B03A.C169S (black/leather)
1NEGS.H01A.S135D (gold/bracelet) – limited to 88 pieces

The Arnold & Son Nebula 40 Steel, Golden & Black Editions are part of the Nebula collection, known for its symmetrical skeletonized movements. Inspired by the celestial nebulae, these new models are a more refined version of their predecessors. Now with streamlined lugs, a more rounded bezel, and a more vertical case middle.

Just see it as a facelift. Furthermore, the case size is now 40 millimeters, which is more in line with the 9.1-millimeter thickness according to the brand. The case of the former Nebula was 41.5 millimeters. Check the 2017 Arnold & Son Nebula to spot the differences. The new one comes in two models, although the name can suggest three. All in steel, and either with golden or black tones.

Gold-treated or black-treated

The skeletonized design is a core element of this collection, and in the Nebula 40, the structure is more visible due to the arrangement of the movement. Available in two versions—one featuring golden accents and the other with a black main plate—the Nebula 40 Steel showcases meticulous finishing with palladium-treated skeleton bridges.

The case of both versions is made of stainless steel, and the golden version has a gold-treated backplate, gold-treated barrel covers, and a gold-treated flange on the dial. So, don’t expect too much weight in gold, it’s just the color tone to support the design. Despite that, the view of what’s going on inside the watch is miraculous.

The power reserve of the Arnold & Son Nebula 40 Steel, Golden & Black Editions is 90 hours

Inside the Nebula 40 is the Arnold & Son caliber A&S5201 hand-wound mechanical movement, a follow-up of the A&S5101 from its predecessor. This movement was developed specifically for the Nebula collection, following the star-shaped arrangement of the seven bridges. It features two large barrels in series, providing an extended power reserve of 90 hours.

The rhodium-plated balance is located at the periphery, adding to the visual appeal while maintaining a stable timekeeping rate. The finishing of the movement includes Rayons de la Gloire guilloché on the main plate, polished and satin-brushed surfaces, circular-grained and chamfered wheels, and chamfered screws with mirror-polished heads.

The Nebula 40 is smaller yet more expensive

These Arnold & Son Nebula 40 Steel, Golden & Black Editions are available with several strap options. The black version is available with a hand-stitched black alligator leather strap, a black rubber strap, or a stainless steel bracelet. The gold version only comes on a stainless steel bracelet. And only this model is limited to 88 pieces.  

With prices starting at 15 to 18k for the black version on rubber or leather, the Nebula 40 positions itself as a high-luxury timepiece. The black on steel version adds about 700 to 1000 to the price, and the gold version on steel is about 1500 more expensive.

Ad you might be interested in the story of the rather lightly confusing history of Arnold & Son.