A magnificent piece of contemporary haute horlogerie, the Tourbillon Chronometer No.36 wristwatch by Arnold and Son is a celebration of the legacy of one of the true pioneering forefathers of watchmaking, designed and created to mark the occasion of the 240^th anniversary of John Arnold’s unprecedented Chronometer No.36.

Renowned for its distinctive twist on classical horology, with its beautifully finished openworked displays showcasing technically complex mechanisms, the La Chaux-de-Fonds based company perpetuates the name of the great seventeenth century English master, and while its collections boast thoroughly modern aesthetics, features like the stepped bridges were synonymous with classical English watchmaking, but here updated and reimagined to spectacular effect.

Encased in a 46mm stainless steel case, the Tourbillon Chronometer No.36 has an imposing presence on the wrist, and with its eye catching openworked display, and the drama of its exposed mechanical architecture, it is a watch which does not shrink into the shadows. The round case features a basin-like waist, which curves inwards from top to bottom, and lugs which drop away from the case, so compensating with a comfortable sit on the wrist, in spite of its generous proportions.

Beneath the sapphire crystal, the dial is stripped back to the slender chapter ring with it applied steel hour indices protruding over the three dimensional exhibition of bridges and cocks in black DLC, which lay bare the silvered gears and the engraved covers of the two large barrels, while the graceful waltz of the tourbillon is captivating beneath the polished bridge at the five o’clock position. Polished angles and screws contrast against the black grained brushed finishings and the frosted base of the movement plate.

The hours and minutes are displayed with the signature Arnold and Son faceted sword-style hands, which taper to fine pointed ends, and unusually when a tourbillon is present, a silhouetted subdial at the seven displays the true beat seconds and a pointer which jumps rather than sweep around its dial.

The Manufacture A&S8600 manual winding movement is designed and developed by sister company and concept movement specialist La Joux-Perret, and through the sapphire crystal caseback, the underside reveals two interlocking horizontal bridges with grained surface finishing and finely polished anglage around the edges, which are screwed onto the anthracite frosted mainplate. Rounded cutaways provide a view of the tourbillon and small seconds from beneath, as well as the swirling brushed finishing on the winding barrel and the ratchet wheel.

A COSC certified chronometer, it has a power reserve of a minimum of 90 hours and a brisk running rate of 28’800vib/ (4Hz).

An exceptional, distinguished and outstanding piece, the daring conceptual design of the Arnold and Son Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36 emphasises the brand’s standards of Haute Horlogerie, It is presented on a black hand stitched alligator leather strap with folding deployant clasp.