Arnold & Son is known for its high-precision and heritage-rich timepieces. While last year, we saw two Ultrathin Tourbillon Skeletons and three Longitude Titanium references at the brand, this year’s Constant Force Tourbillon 11 (Ref. 1FCBJ.E01A.C246J) celebrates the 260th anniversary of John Arnold as well as his collaboration with legendary watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet.
Limited to 11 pieces, the watch is equipped with an in-house Calibre A&S5219, a hand-wound mechanical movement with a constant force mechanism. The architecture of this calibre draws inspiration from the first tourbillon created by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1808, based on a chronometer movement designed by John Arnold. A constant force tourbillon balances the energy provided by the barrels. It also prevents both excessive and insufficient torque that affects the oscillations of the balance in the tourbillon carriage, thereby ensuring precision of the watch..
Measuring 41.5mm, the watch is crafted in 18K yellow gold, as this metal was often used by John Arnold for his prestigious pocket watches in the 18th century. The watch features a white grand feu enamel dial, reminiscent of the dials of the ship’s chronometers given to English naval officers by John Arnold. The desired thick and smooth white enamel is the result of the melting powdered materials at a temperature over 800°C, after which a translucent enamel is applied, and the disc is fired one more to create both depth and transparency.
The constant force tourbillon is at 4 o’clock, on which is a contrasting anchor which represents the ‘dead-beat’ seconds hand or jumping second hand, a nod to marine chronometers. Further, there is a concave white opal dial with hour and minute hands located at 10 o’clock for better legibility.
The exhibition caseback reveals the movement - the tourbillon is at 6 o’clock, and the hand-engraved inscriptions and the famous plate, which reads “To the revered memory of John Arnold and Abraham-Louis Breguet. Friends in their time, legendary watchmakers always.” The watch has a power reserve of about 100 hours. A midnight blue alligator strap flanks the case.
Price: 1,25,86,000 (approx.)
Images: Courtesy Arnold & Son
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