The three-dimensional, openwork movement and dial of the Nebula offer views into the very heart of the in-house manufacture calibre. Its gold case has been reinvented in a 38 mm diameter, magnifying the micro-mechanical spectacle of the hand-wound movement.
Besides the careful attention to equilibrium, the powerful allure of the Nebula also derives from the calculated proportions and ratios of diameter versus height, size and placement of every gear and wheel. Rather than being an assembly of disparate components, Nebula was designed to be completely holistic, with all components blending harmoniously into one. For instance, no less than ten bridges of this complex calibre form the dial.
Highly legible hours and minutes rotate above the movement conceived and developed from the outset to be open rather than have superfluous material skeletonized as an afterthought. The revised sloping chapter ring and faceted golden indexes complete the impactful visual effect of the Nebula 38mm.
The hand-wound A&S 5101 calibre offers a balanced construction - horizontally and vertically symmetrical, both front and back. On the dial side, symmetry is provided by the two mainspring barrels, which provide a 90-hours power reserve, and small seconds plus the oscillating balance wheel below. Seven of the skeletonized and chamfered triangular bridges with polished edges fixed around the perimeter of the movement and radiating inward, offer a contemporary take on traditional architecture.
The whole movement is highly decorated - barrels, gear train, balance and escapement, and winding mechanism - and visible from the dial side. The view through the display back reveals even more finishing, with skeletonized and chamfered main plate with polished edges, solid 18-karat gold settings and gears featuring polished chamfers.
The Nebula 38mm is available in a 18-karat red gold case, completed with a hand-stitched brandy or grey alligator leather strap with gold pin buckle. It comes in a limited edition of 50.
