Presently a lot of Swiss brands are drawing inspiration from legendary timekeepers. Obviously this is a great marketing strategy and has a massive commercial element. It also presents a wonderful story to customers, which is essential in a competitive market. However I personally feel the owners of the brands do have a love of horology and respect past traditions. In the last couple of years I have written many articles about Jean-Marie Schaller’s company Louis Moinet SA. He has strived to honour the original atelier (Louis Moinet) and create some wonderful timepieces. Certainly any one that really knows Jean-Marie will testify that his motives are genuine. Another great example is Arnold & Son, who have derived their name from English Watchmaker and Inventor John Arnold.
Although Arnold & Son have no connection to John Arnold they do produce wonderful watches. In fact I would say if John Arnold were alive today he would be proud of what the Swiss brand has achieved. A few weeks ago I reviewed the sensational U10 Tourbillon Lumière by Angelus. Coincidently this label is part of the same group as Arnold & Son and owned by Manufacture La Joux-Perret SA (who are now owned by Japanese watch giant Citizen).
Even though I had not previously arranged a meeting with Arnold & Company, one of the personnel (from Manufacture La Joux-Perret SA) kindly let me try on the exquisite Time Pyramid Guilloché. In contrast to the formidable U10 Tourbillon Lumière the Time Pyramid Guilloché is a much more delicate affair with a diameter of only 44.6mm. These understated proportions should appeal to collectors with more traditional tastes. Generally I found the watch sat comfortably on my wrist and I would be content to wear it on a daily basis. Primarily this is down to the stylish case design and choice of luxurious 18-karat red gold used in production.
Visually the Time Pyramid Guilloché has a supreme classical appearance. Certainly the façade isn’t anywhere near as radical as the U10 Tourbillon Lumière. Nevertheless the timepiece is still extraordinarily beautiful and should appeal to a broad demographic. One of my favourite aspects of the design is the open worked dial exposing the brilliant mechanical movement. This characteristic is showcased perfectly on a sublime sunray decorated gold background. Other features include an offset hour minute sub dial (located at 6 o’clock), bottom mounted integral crown, twin power reserve indications and sapphire crystal lens. Overall the composition is striking and level of detail is first class.
At the heart of the watch is a refined double barrel manual winding skeletonized movement produced in house by Manufacture La Joux-Perret SA. The Caliber A&S1615 comprises 27-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. This intricate mechanism has hand-chamfered bridges, blue screws and Côtes de Genève, circular satin-finished wheels. Functionally the Time Pyramid Guilloché features hours, minutes and seconds. The timepiece also has an impressive power reserve of 90-hours and is water resistant to a depth of 30-metres.
The Time Pyramid Guilloché has a hand stitched brown alligator strap with matching 18-karat gold buckle. Priced at: CHF 42,900 (approximately $45,491).
For more information about Arnold & Son visit the company’s website: http://www.arnoldandson.com
