Over the last few years Swiss watchmaker Arnold & Son have really established themselves as key players within the world of horology. Ultimately this is because they produce exquisite watches and have the backing of Manufacture La Joux-Perret S.A. This also means that all their timepieces are equipped with the finest mechanical movements. Here are five timepieces from the Instrument Collection that perfectly highlights this point.
Golden Wheel
The Golden has a visually striking appearance that is designed for the connoisseur. Aesthetically this timepiece truly is a work of art and wouldn’t look out of place in a museum. This watch has a well-proportioned luxurious 18-karat red gold case measuring 44mm. What makes this timepiece so enticing is the stunning multi-layered silver and white mother of pearl dial. This amazing detail perfectly showcases all the brilliant mechanical elements of the watch. Functionally the timepiece features jumping digital hours, minutes and true beat seconds. Beneath the opulent façade is a Swiss made 29- jewel self-winding movement.
Time Pyramid Guilloché
The Time Pyramid Guilloché is one of Arnold & Son’s latest and most distinctive models. Back in March I was fortunate to test this marvelous watch (at Baselworld 2015) and found it absolutely captivating. With an opulent 18-karat red gold case measuring 44.6 mm, the watch is designed to make a bold statement. What makes this timepiece so opulent is the meticulously hand decorated gold guilloche open worked dial. Other features include vibrant blue hour/minute hands and an ornate bottom mounted crown (located at 6 o’clock). Powering the watch is a bespoke skeletonized 27-jewel mechanical hand winding movement.
DSTB (Dial Side True Beat)
The DSTB (Dial Side True Beat) showcases all the finest traditional, watchmaking techniques. This exclusive limited edition (125 pieces) is designed for the discerning collector. Dimensionally the watch displays modest proportions and has a luxurious 18-karat white gold case measuring 43.5mm. What makes this timepiece so special is the sublime blue and white lacquered dial. This Marvelous feature acts as perfect backdrop for the exposed mechanical elements of the watch. Beneath the refined exterior is a sophisticated 32-jewel self-winding movement.
UTTE
The UTTE is a series of three highly limited (50 pieces) watches each with their own distinctive characteristics. Probably my personal favourite is the Ref. 1UTAR.M01A.C120A with a sensational white mother of pearl dial. This feature is an absolute revelation and works in perfect harmony with the large exposed tourbillon (located at 6 o’clock). Other details include a classical 18-karat 42mm red gold case and ornate crown. At the heart of the watch is an in house manufacture (Caliber A&S8200) 29-jewel ultra slim mechanical hand winding movement with Côtes de Genève decoration.
Sir John Franklin Set
The Sir John Franklin Set of watches is the most recent addition to the Instrument collection. Within the series there are three distinctive watches that are limited to only 28 pieces. Each timepiece depicts a famous painting from London’s National Maritime Museum. What makes these watches so spectacular is the miniature artwork superimposed on a hand-finished mother-of-pearl dial. This entire splendor is encapsulated in a 44mm 18-karat rose gold case. Powering the watch is a 30-jewel mechanical self-winding movement with Côtes de Genève decoration.
