Arnold and son

Arnold & Son creates skeleton tourbillon ahead of historical milestone

Watch brand Arnold & Son has introduced a new skeletonised tourbillon as a modern tribute to a historical chronometer made by its founder.

The Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36 champions symmetry and skeletonisation and draws inspiration from the John Arnold pocket chronometer No. 1/36, which will mark its 240th anniversary in 2018.

It is a commemorative creation leading up to the milestone year for the original John Arnold chronometer.

The main pivoting elements such as the wheels, barrels, the tourbillon, and others are each mounted on their own bridge. The triangular, multilevel bridges are mostly skeletonised, designed to provide a more contemporary sense of three-dimensional depth to the entire timepiece.

Held by a skeletonised and mirror-polished top bridge, the oneminute tourbillon features a three-spoke design, typical of the brand.

The tourbillon cage consists of 58 components. Prominently positioned on the dial side, the tourbillon can also be viewed from the back, thanks to an opening in the main plate. The same kind of opening is made below the small seconds display, adding to the symmetry of the Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36.

The tourbillon features a traditional construction with a top bridge, while the mirror-polished cage has the signature Arnold & Son three-spoke design, making a complete turn in 60 seconds.

The John Arnold Chronometer No. 1/36 or “Arnold 36” was not only the first pocket watch by John Arnold to use a larger movement with his “T” balance, but also the first to be referred to as a “chronometer” for its superior timekeeping capabilities.

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