In preparation for Baselworld 2017 which is only 12 days away, Arnold & Son just released the new Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36. Symmetry and skeletonization are two traits that should come to mind whenever Arnold & Son is mentioned, and the Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36 is certainly no exception. Drawing inspiration from the John Arnold pocket chronometer No. 1/36, which will mark its 240th anniversary in 2018, the Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36 is a commemorative creation leading up to the milestone year for the historically significant John Arnold chronometer.
The tourbillon, a central element of this timepiece, is highlighted in a most magnificent manner. Held by a skeletonized and mirror-polished top bridge, the one-minute tourbillon features a typically Arnold & Son three-spoke design. Weighing mere fractions of a gram, the tourbillon cage consists of no less than 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 apparent technical virtuosity of the Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36 is not only a treat for the eyes, as the watch is a COSC certified chronometer; something of a rare achievement for a tourbillon-equipped timepiece. The decorative haute horlogerie arts are also lavishly demonstrated in the Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36. The entirely in-house conceived and manufactured A&S8600 calibre features a smooth sand-blasted main plate and bridges with chamfered and polished edges. The main plate and bridges are treated with a golden coating, echoing the aesthetics of the historical pocket watches made by John Arnold. The main plate also is set with several mirror-polished 18k gold chatons, while the wheels in the gear train are embellished with circular satin finishing with chamfered and polished edges. Even the screws are beveled and feature with mirror-polished heads.
The heart of the watch, 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 double barrels, embellished with laser-engraving decoration, provide a considerable power reserve of 90 hours when fully wound. The Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36 is available in 5N 18K red gold as well as stainless steel and limited to 28 examples in each version. Live pictures and hands-on review to follow as we land in Switzerland in a little bit over a week.
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