Yet, here's another amazing timepiece unveiled at Baselworld 2015 by Arnold & Son. Here's the turn for the new Royal TEC1 with a stunning black guilloché dial and a 45 mm palladium case. The TEC1 wristwatch is at once both alluring and intriguing. It masterfully integrates three complexities never before combined by the brand in such an elegant rendition. A tourbillon, a column wheel chronograph and an automatic winding system deftly blend in a superb avant-garde yet classic timepiece. The TEC1 is part of the sophisticated Royal Collection, which is inspired by the timepieces created in the early part of John Arnold’s life for King George III and members of the royal court. The sophisticated TEC1 is a worthy example of Arnold & Son’s innovative spirit, technical prowess and artistic achievement. The challenge for Arnold & Son’s Research and Development team in creating this timepiece was the integration of a high-frequency tourbillon, a chronograph and an automatic winding system in a way that is elegant and technically advanced.
The A&S8305 calibre is an exclusive mechanical self-winding movement that offers hours, minutes, tourbillon and chronograph. The tourbillon escapement majestically occupies the entire top portion of the dial from 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock with an oversized aperture that offers an incredible three-dimensional effect as the tourbillon cage rotates. With a sapphire crystal and case back, the aperture allows for a view that is totally unencumbered and breathtaking.
The TEC1 ref. 1CTAG.U02A.C113G is the brand’s first high-frequency tourbillon, with 28,800 vph and with a generous power reserve of 55 hours. The lower portion of the dial features the chronograph function, with the 60 minutes counter strategically located at 6 o’clock for harmonious balance. The seconds counter is offered via a central seconds hand. Making the watch even more technologically savvy is the fact that it is built with a column wheel chronograph —whose large column wheel is visible via the transparent sapphire case back.
In typical Arnold & Son tradition, the 255-part, 30-jewel automatic calibre A&S8305 is meticulously finished. Each palladium treated movement boasts manually chamfered bridges with polished edges, fine circular graining and Côtes de Genève rayonnantes. The chronograph levers are satin-finished with hand-chamfered, polished edges and screws are blued with bevelled and mirror polished heads. The highlight of the watch is the 22K red gold skeletonized rotor that is breathtakingly beautiful thanks to hand-engraved craftsmanship, its brushed surfaces and chamfered polished edges. The movement provides a power reserve of 55 hours when fully wound.
The new Arnold & Son Royal TEC1 Black Guilloché dial is fitted with an elegant hand-stitched alligator strap in black or brown with matching pin buckle. On the wrist, the watch wears quite large but with a stunning wrist presence. If you have a wrist smaller than 7.25" in circumference, you'll find it difficult wearing this watch. The TEC1 with black guilloché dial ref. 1CTAG.U02A.C113G is only available in a limited edition of 125 pieces.
Sticker Price $89,150 USD. For more info on Arnold & Son click here.
