The new Instrument Collection from Arnold & Son was inspired by the timepieces produced during the second part of John Arnold’s life and later, following his death, by his son, John Roger.

This was a period when the Arnolds dedicated themselves exclusively to the quest for absolute precision and a solution to the problem of determining longitude accurately and reliably on the high seas. So successful were they, and of such high quality their products, that within the space of a few years they had established themselves as suppliers of choice to the Royal Navy and to some of the most distinguished mariners and explorers of their day. Ultimately, they helped ensure that Britannia really did rule the waves.

DBG Timepieces - Left: 18-carat rose gold case, silvery-white and silvery opaline dial, case diameter 44 mm, A&S1209 exclusive Arnold & Son mechanical movement, hand-wound © Arnold & Son - Right: Stainless steel case, light-grey and silvery opaline dial, case diameter 44 mm, A&S1209 exclusive Arnold & Son mechanical movement, hand-wound © Arnold & Son

All watches from the Instrument Collection host brand new manufacture movements, which have been developed, designed and manufactured entirely at the brand’s workshops in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The design of these new movements clearly shows the influence of the pocket watches and marine chronometers developed and crafted by John Arnold and his son.

TBR Timepieces - Left: 18-carat rose gold case, silvery-white and silvery opaline dial, case diameter 44 mm, A&S6008 exclusive Arnold & Son mechanical movement, self-winding © Arnold & Son - Right: Stainless steel case, light-grey and silvery opaline dial, case diameter 44 mm, A&S6008 exclusive Arnold & Son mechanical movement, self-winding © Arnold & Son

Typical of the Instrument Collection’s design is the off-centre position of the hours and minutes indication. The second hand takes centre stage and dominates the dial, thus perfectly showcasing the down-to-the-second precision needed by marine navigators to determine longitude. This dial layout also creates space for the display of other complications without one overlapping the others, making the dial much more legible.

The other stylistic features that define the new timepieces are pure, timeless lines and a discreet – almost austere – case. Viewed from the side, the housing is stepped and tapers from top to bottom, the widest section accommodating the extra-large glass and dial with the lower part narrowing to fit snugly on the wrist.

Source: Arnold & Son