GLOBETROTTER PLATINUM

Limited to only 28 pieces, the Globetrotter Platinum by Arnold and Son represents this distinguished independent watchmaking atelier’s intimate relationship with the great sea-faring explorers of the 18th century. Featuring a métiers d’art demi globe which rotates every twenty-four hours displaying the current time across the northern hemisphere, this exceptional world timer wristwatch is presented for the first time in a platinum casing.

The Globetrotter Platinum model is housed within a case of platinum (Pt 950), sized at 45mm diameter, and just over 17.2mm tall. Fitted with a domed sapphire crystal, which rises above the housing in order to accommodate the pronounced bridge which arcs across the centre of the display, it is a watch which has an extraordinary presence on the wrist.

Beneath the rounded mass of sapphire crystal the mother-of-pearl dial is tinted with graduating shades of blue while the faceted appliqués are rendered in 18ct white gold. The universal hours ring is in transparent sapphire with local time displayed via red arrows pointing to the markers, while world times are read by visualising imaginary longitudes from the central jewel atop the openworked central bridge, to the 24-hour ring. With no city names printed around the dial the Globetrotter Platinum is a watch that breaks with the typical world timer format, yet the architecture of its arrangement remains wholly practical and it is a superb functional partner for the traveller who likes a little individuality.

Beautifully executed throughout, the dial has an abundance of visual highlights. The transverse bridge which spans the layout has been openworked and meticulously finished with polished, satin, and chamfered techniques, while its crowning jewel marks the axis of universal time. Just beneath, the globe is sculpted from a single piece, and with contrasting polished and rhodium plating on the land mass, and matte finishing on the relief of the mountain ranges, it exhibits extraordinary detailing. In a final flourish, the shimmering effect of the oceans is achieved using several layers of hand-painted lacquer, enriched with powdered mother-of-pearl and after dark, the coastlines are illuminated with a subtle Super-LumiNova glow.

Beating within, the Globetrotter is powered by the bespoke A&S6002 self winding movement which is revealed through the sapphire crystal exhibition caseback. The movement itself has an anthracite finish and is decorated with sunray Côtes de Genève stripes on the main plate and perlage on the internal surfaces, while the oscillating weight features deep guilloché engraving. Running at a brisk 28’800 vib/h (4Hz), the movement boasts a minimum of 45 hours of reserve.

The Arnold and Son Luna Globetrotter Platinum is limited to 28 pieces, and comes presented on a blue alligator leather strap, lined with raspberry pink alligator leather and secured with a platinum and titanium folding clasp.