Arnold & Son derives its name from a legendary 18th Century horologist called John Arnold and his son (John Roger Arnold). Within in his lifetime he devised clocks for King George III and dignitaries like Admiral Harland. The modern day company is based in Switzerland and owned by mechanical movement producer Manufacture La Joux-Perret S.A. Within the world of horology the brand is recognized (by its contemporaries) as a watchmaker of distinction. Here are five timepieces from the Royal Collection that perfectly illustrate this point.
Constant Force Tourbillon
The Constant Force Tourbillon has a visually delightful appearance. Every fine detail of this timepiece has been well considered and the composition is cohesive. Dimensionally the watch exudes masculine proportions and has a luxurious 18-karat red gold case measuring 46mm. What makes this timepiece so extraordinary is the distinctive anthracite open worked dial with contrasting gold hour/minute hands. This characteristic perfectly showcases all the brilliant mechanical elements of the watch. Beneath the refined exterior is an exclusive 39-jewel hand winding movement.
TE8
In the world of horology the tourbillon is still considered to be one of the most desirable complications. Certainly this mechanism played a significant historical part in John Arnold’s association with Abraham-Louis Breguet. The works of these two brilliant 18th Century watchmakers inspires the design of the TE8. With an opulent 18-karat red gold case measuring 44mm, I feel the watch is well proportioned. What makes this timepiece so elegant is the meticulously hand engraved multi layered anthracite dial. Other features include delicate gold hour/minute hands and a large exposed tourbillon (located at 6 o’clock). At the heart of the watch is a 19-jewel mechanical hand winding movement.
HM Perpetual Moon
There are many beautiful moon phase watches available on the market from a range of prestigious brands. However not many timepieces can boast an indication as large as the HM Perpetual Moon. Impressively this watch has a 29mm rotating disc visible through a large aperture (located at 12 o’clock). Other features include a translucent blue lacquered guilloche dial with contrasting gold hour/minute hands and indexes. This entire splendor is encapsulated in a classical 18-karat red gold case measuring 42mm. Powering the watch is a 27-jewel mechanical hand winding movement.
HMS Victory Set
The magnificent timepieces John Arnold created for King George III and the royal court inspired the HMS Victory Set. Each of the watches tell a different story including the appropriately named ‘Cannons Ablaze, Lord Nelson’s Flagship Takes On The French Fleet’. With a modest 18-karat red gold case measuring 40mm, I feel this watch will appeal to the discerning collector. What makes this timepiece so special is the fastidiously hand-engraved, duplicated hand tarnished silver dial. At the heart of the watch is a 21-jewel mechanical hand winding movement with Côtes de Genève decoration.
TB88
One of John Arnold’s most famous timepieces was called the Arnold No. 36. This incredible creation was the first ever chronometer certified watch because of its extreme accuracy. The TB88 pays homage to this magnificent timepiece and has a case measuring 46mm. What makes this watch so enticing is the wonderful multi-layered black open worked dial. This characteristic perfectly displays all the fine mechanics of the watch. Other features include elegant facetted hour/minute hands and an ornate crown. Beneath the sophisticated façade lies a bespoke 32-jewel mechanical hand-winding movement.
