The Arnold & Son Constant Force Tourbillon 11 Platinum Edition stands as a remarkable homage to 260 years of horological heritage. This watch encapsulates a dialogue across time, drawing inspiration from the historic chronometers of John Arnold and the iconic tourbillon mechanism created by Abraham-Louis Breguet in the early 19th century. The platinum edition, which concludes the Constant Force 11 series, is a manifestation of refined craftsmanship intertwined with history and nature, making it a notable piece for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
The dial of this timepiece is crafted from solid 18-carat yellow gold with a 3N finish, upon which an intricate hand-engraved guilloché motif is presented in the tremblé style. This pattern evokes the wild fern-covered moors of Cornwall, the birthplace of John Arnold, imparting a naturalistic and subtle vitality to the dial surface.
The engraving is executed with a burin, whose controlled, irregular zigzags mirror the organic arabesques of ferns in the wind. The dial is thoughtfully pierced to accommodate a white opal hour and minute subdial, which is concave to enhance legibility and contrast. The constant force mechanism is proudly displayed beneath an 18-carat gold bridge and delivers a true-beat seconds indication via a blued anchor-shaped hand, reinforcing the watch’s marine chronometry roots.
At the heart of the watch lies the manually wound Arnold & Son calibre AS5219, a technical marvel that combines historical respect with modern innovation. The movement measures 33mm in diameter and stands 10.48mm high, featuring a 100-hour power reserve and operating at a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour). The constant force mechanism is positioned between the gear train and the one-minute tourbillon, ensuring consistent energy delivery to the balance, which stabilises the oscillator’s amplitude and supports accurate timekeeping.
This patented system replaces the classical fusee-chain solution, guaranteeing a stable torque transmission and a precise true-beat seconds display. Throughout the movement, finishing is executed to the highest standards, with a 3N gold finish on the main plate and barrel bridge, grained surfaces, polished bevels and stretched edges. The tourbillon cage bridge is mirror-polished and rounded, a direct nod to Breguet’s original design, and the use of flame-blued, mirror-polished screws and rhodium plating further accentuates the refined aesthetic and technical prowess.
The case is a classical yet modern silhouette measuring 41.5mm in diameter and 13.7mm thick, crafted in platinum Pt 950. Despite the density of platinum, the watch wears with an exceptional slenderness on the wrist, an achievement in ergonomic form. Both the front and case back feature domed sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coatings on both sides, offering crystal-clear views of the finely decorated dial and the complex movement respectively. The watch is water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres), making it suitable for everyday wear with a midnight blue hand-stitched alligator leather strap secured by a folding platinum clasp. Every element speaks to an understated elegance that complements the technical sophistication within.
This limited edition of just 11 pieces not only celebrates the friendship between John Arnold and Abraham-Louis Breguet but also their monumental contributions to horology. The Constant Force Tourbillon 11 Platinum Edition is a sublime fusion of history, nature, and advanced watchmaking technique. It presents a unique opportunity to own a watch that exemplifies both technical innovation and artisanal craft, encapsulated within a tribute of profound historical significance and aesthetic refinement. This timepiece is undoubtedly a masterstroke for those appreciating the pinnacle of precision and beauty in fine watchmaking.
