Born in 2016, the Nebula watch by Arnold & Son set out to make the movement the dial: a perfectly balanced, openworked stage where seven radiating bridges, twin barrels and a dial-side balance create a calm, symmetrical look. Over the years, the concept has been refined (and downsized) without losing its architectural clarity. Marking 75 years of Dubai’s landmark retailer, Ahmed Seddiqi, the Nebula returns in a steel 40mm special edition that folds regional cues into the design while keeping the line’s signature restraint.
The case, which is made of stainless steel, measures 40.00mm in diameter and 9.10mm in thickness, with rounded flanks and downturned lugs that wear slim. A domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides rises from a narrow bezel to maximise the view; a sapphire back mirrors the effect. Water-resistance is 30m. The overall impression, as always, is purposeful and uncluttered, an elegant frame for the mechanics.
Colour and typography do the anniversary talking. A garnet-hued flange carries gold-finished Eastern Arabic numerals, a nod to Seddiqi’s home city. The palladium-plated bridges echo the case metal, while the main plate and the two barrel covers are warm, gold-finished. The Nebula’s hallmark layout remains: seven openworked bridges fan in toward the centre like a stellar map; the twin series-coupled barrels sit high; the small seconds and dial-side balance complete the equilibrium. Finishing is thorough, with polished bevels, alternating satin and shine on flats, circular-grained and chamfered wheels, mirror-polished screw heads, and the brand’s “Rayons de la Gloire” motif catching the light across the main plate.
The hand-wound calibre A&S5201 beats at a 21,600 vibrations/hour frequency and delivers a 90-hour reserve, an unusually generous autonomy for a compact skeleton. Turn the watch over, and two intersecting, ogival steel bridges support the going train, continuing the architectural theme visible from the front.
Three wearing options are included: a three-link steel bracelet with a folding clasp, a garnet calfskin strap, and a garnet technical fabric strap (both with steel pin buckles). The Arnold & Son Nebula 40 Steel Ahmed Seddiqi 75th Anniversary Edition is limited to 10 pieces and is priced at AED 101,000 (or about EUR 23,700). More details at www.arnoldandson.com and seddiqi.com.
https://monochrome-watches.com/arnold-and-son-nebula-40-steel-ahmed-seddiqi-75th-anniversary-edition-price-introducing/