Arnold & Son is celebrating its Double Tourbillon collection with the unveiling of two unique pieces adorned with dazzling green jade and delicate white opal. The two independent tourbillons and two time zones of this rare model have taken on a new face. As the result of high-caliber watchmaking execution, these models are available in either red gold or white gold in a generous 43.5 mm case.
Paying homage to its founder, John Arnold, one of the most inventive watchmakers of his time and of the golden age of chronometry, Arnold & Son has always approached the double time zone with sophistication and precision. Instead of the classic “GMT” system, where an hour hand in the center indicates the second time zone, Arnold & Son has chosen to give each time zone its own regulating organ:
The A&S8513 calibre is therefore equipped with two barrels and two crowns that control the two time zones. At midday, the local time is visible in Roman numerals. At six o’clock, Arabic numerals indicate the time of a second. The two time zones are set completely independently down to the minute. Unlike most so-called travel watches, the Double Tourbillon Jade can therefore follow time zones offset by 15, 30, or 45 minutes, as is the case with certain countries in Central Asia.
For these special timepieces, Arnold & Son had their sights set on jade from Wyoming. This bright green nephrite is known as ‘Apple Green’ due to its slightly black veined nature. This brings greater depth, contrast and makes the stone more precious. The dial plate of the Double Tourbillon Jade has also been expertly cut in a very particular way. In the shape of a clover, allowing both dials and tourbillons to emerge to their full height.
The structure of the movement can be seen on the back of the Double Tourbillon Jade. The finishing of the movement includes radiant Côtes de Genève, circular-graining on the main plate, double snailing of the barrels, sunray decoration on the crown wheels, and polish on the gold bezels held in place by blued screws. When fully wound, this manual wound movement provides an outstanding power reserve of 90 hours.
The red gold model is delivered on a green alligator strap and the white gold model on a black alligator strap both equipped with a pin buckle matching the metal of the case.
Sticker Price CHF 198,000 Swiss Francs —approximately $215,000 USD. For more info on Arnold & Son click here.
