In the realm of haute horlogerie, where time is not merely measured but celebrated as an art form,
Arnold & Son has long held a distinguished position. With a legacy dating back to the 18th century, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of watchmaking, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Their latest masterpiece, the World Time Double Tourbillon, is a testament to this unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation.
The roots of Arnold & Son can be traced back to the ingenuity of John Arnold, a brilliant watchmaker who revolutionized the industry with his groundbreaking inventions. His marine chronometers, renowned for their accuracy and reliability, played a pivotal role in maritime navigation during the Age of Exploration. Today, the brand continues to uphold Arnold's legacy, crafting timepieces that embody precision, elegance, and technical virtuosity.
Among Arnold & Son's most celebrated collections is the Double Tourbillon, a series of watches that showcase the brand's mastery of complex movements and captivating aesthetics. The double tourbillon, a mesmerizing complication featuring two rotating cages, is a testament to the brand's dedication to pushing the boundaries of horological engineering. Each timepiece in this collection is a symphony of mechanics, where gears and wheels dance in perfect harmony, captivating the eye and igniting the imagination.
Courtesy of Arnold & Son
The World Time Double Tourbillon represents a new chapter in Arnold & Son's horological narrative. This exceptional timepiece seamlessly integrates the complexity of a double tourbillon with the practicality of a world time function, allowing the wearer to effortlessly track time across different time zones. The watch's dial, a canvas of artistry and precision, features a captivating display of the world's continents, meticulously crafted with intricate details. The two tourbillons, prominently positioned on the dial, serve as a mesmerizing focal point, their intricate movements captivating the eye and showcasing the watch's mechanical prowess.
Crafted from 18K white gold, the case of the World Time Double Tourbillon exudes an air of understated elegance. Its polished surfaces shimmer with a refined luster, while its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist. The watch's crown, adorned with the Arnold & Son logo, is a testament to the brand's meticulous attention to detail.
The World Time Double Tourbillon is not merely a timekeeping instrument; it is a fusion of art and science, a testament to the brand's unwavering pursuit of horological excellence. The watch's movement, a marvel of engineering, is meticulously crafted and hand-finished by skilled artisans. Each component is carefully assembled and adjusted to ensure optimal performance and accuracy. The movement's intricate details, visible through the watch's sapphire crystal case back, are a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.
Courtesy of Arnold & Son
Delving deeper into the intricate details of the World Time Double Tourbillon, one discovers a timepiece that transcends mere functionality, embodying a harmonious blend of artistry, engineering, and horological heritage.
The dial of the World Time Double Tourbillon is a masterpiece in its own right. The centerpiece, a mesmerizing display of
Baltic amber, is a first in watchmaking. This rare material, sourced from the Baltic Sea region, boasts a warm, moiré yellow hue that shimmers with an ethereal glow. The amber, a fossilized resin with a history dating back millions of years, adds a touch of organic warmth to the watch's otherwise metallic composition.
The amber dial is not merely a static element; it is a living canvas that evolves over time. Exposure to sunlight will gradually alter the shade of the amber, creating a unique patina that reflects the wearer's personal journey. This dynamic interplay of light and material adds an element of individuality to each timepiece, making it a truly personal possession.
Courtesy of Arnold & Son
Surrounding the amber centerpiece are two white opal subdials, each displaying a different time zone. The subdials are adorned with Roman numerals for the local time and Arabic numerals for the reference time, creating a visually striking contrast that enhances legibility. The hands, crafted from polished white gold, glide effortlessly over the dial, their slender forms adding a touch of elegance to the overall aesthetic.
Powering the World Time Double Tourbillon is the A&S8513 caliber, a manually wound movement that exemplifies Arnold & Son's commitment to horological excellence. The movement features two independent tourbillons, each housed in a three-dimensional, skeletonized bridge crafted from white gold. These tourbillons, beating at a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour), are a testament to the brand's mastery of complex mechanics.
The A&S8513 caliber is equipped with two barrels, providing an impressive power reserve of 90 hours. This extended power reserve ensures that the watch remains accurate and reliable even when not worn for extended periods. The movement's intricate details, visible through the watch's sapphire crystal case back, are a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.
Courtesy of Arnold & Son
The World Time Double Tourbillon is housed in a 43.5mm case crafted from 18K white gold. The case's polished surfaces gleam with a refined luster, while its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist. The watch's crown, adorned with the Arnold & Son logo, is a testament to the brand's meticulous attention to detail.
The case is fitted with a domed sapphire crystal that enhances the dial's legibility and protects it from scratches. The crystal's anti-reflective coating minimizes glare, ensuring optimal visibility in all lighting conditions. The watch's water resistance of 3 bar (30 meters) makes it suitable for everyday wear.
With a price tag of $235,000 (excluding VAT), the World Time Double Tourbillon is a true investment piece. Its limited production run of just one piece ensures exclusivity, while its exceptional craftsmanship and technical complexity make it a coveted addition to any collection. The watch's unique blend of tradition and innovation, combined with its captivating aesthetics and mechanical prowess, make it a timepiece that will be cherished for generations to come.