Arnold & Son’s pursuit of integrating exceptional and rare materials into the art of watchmaking takes a magnificent turn with the introduction of the Double Tourbillon White Gold, Charoite Edition. This exquisite timepiece showcases the brand’s dedication to innovation and craftsmanship. The vibrant purple hue of the charoite, intertwined with delicate white veins, presents a noble elegance that Arnold & Son has gracefully enveloped in a white gold case. This review delves deep into the craftsmanship and unique elements that make the Double Tourbillon White Gold, Charoite Edition a masterpiece in the world of haute horlogerie.
The world of luxury watchmaking is no stranger to innovation and the use of exotic materials. However, Arnold & Son elevates the game with its Double Tourbillon White Gold, Charoite Edition. The brand, known for its artistic flair and technical prowess, has once again showcased its capability to blend rare natural elements with intricate mechanical complications. The marriage of charoite—a stone cherished for its rare beauty and complex formation—with a double tourbillon mechanism encapsulates a masterpiece of aesthetic and mechanical brilliance.
Precious white gold
Encasing the profound beauty and the intricate workings of the timepiece is an 18-carat white gold case, measuring 43.50 mm in diameter. It’s a size that commands presence and ensures that the exquisite details of the dial and the complexity of the movement are given their due reverence. The domed sapphire crystal, treated with anti-reflective coating on both sides, not only provides an unobstructed view of the dial but also contributes to the watch’s sleek and refined appearance. The craftsmanship extends to the water-resistance capacity, rated at 3 bar (30 meters/100 feet), ensuring that the watch is protected against occasional splashes, mirroring the careful thought and precision that Arnold & Son pours into its creations.
Purple beauty
The dial of the Double Tourbillon White Gold, Charoite Edition is a captivating showcase of Arnold & Son‘s commitment to embracing and highlighting the beauty of rare natural materials. The main dial, fashioned from charoite, exhibits a mesmerizing palette of purples, showcasing hues of parma violet, mauve, lavender, and lilac. The complexity and richness of charoite’s texture are highlighted through its fine polishing, offering a glimpse into the earth’s natural artistry. Complementing the charoite are the pure white opal subdials that house the local hours and minutes (marked by Roman numerals) at 12 o’clock, and the independent reference hours and minutes (displayed via Arabic numerals) at 6 o’clock. The stark contrast and interplay of colors and textures between the charoite and the opal subdials encapsulate a dial that is not just a face for timekeeping but a piece of art to be admired.
A hand wound beauty – Calibre A&S8513
At the heart of the Double Tourbillon White Gold, Charoite Edition beats the hand-wound A&S8513 caliber, a testament to Arnold & Son‘s mastery in watchmaking. The movement boasts an impressive 90-hour power reserve, supported by a dual-barrel system that underlines the watch’s capability for sustained precision. Operating at a frequency of 3 Hz / 21,600 vibrations per hour (vph), the movement showcases an exquisite array of finishes – from the mainplate treated with NAC, boasting a circular-grained finish, to the bridges that feature polished and chamfered edges with radiating Côtes de Genève.
The 18-carat white gold tourbillon bridges, polished and satin-finished, serve not only as a secure anchor for the dual tourbillons but as a testament to the brand’s commitment to aesthetic elegance and mechanical sophistication. The capability of the movement to display two different time zones, even those offset by unconventional intervals like 15, 30, or 45 minutes, highlights Arnold & Son‘s dedication to practicality and precision in timekeeping.
Final words
Arnold & Son‘s Double Tourbillon White Gold, Charoite Edition is a timepiece that transcends the traditional boundaries of watchmaking, both in aesthetic appeal and mechanical complexity. It is a testament to the brand’s relentless pursuit of blending art with precision engineering. The utilization of charoite not only sets the watch apart in terms of visual allure but also embodies the brand’s spirit of exploration and appreciation for Earth’s rare gifts.
Each element, from the 18-carat white gold case to the meticulously finished A&S8513 caliber, speaks volumes of Arnold & Son’s mastery over their craft. This watch is not merely a timekeeping instrument but a piece of wearable art that invites admiration and contemplation. The Double Tourbillon White Gold, Charoite Edition, with its unique elegance, sophisticated movement, and thoughtful craftsmanship, solidifies Arnold & Son’s place at the pinnacle of luxury watchmaking. It’s a one-off masterpiece that elevates a collection, narrates a story of exploration, and showcases the zenith of horological artistry.
Arnold & Son Double Tourbillon White Gold Charoite Edition Technical Specifications
References 1DTAW.Z06A.C289W – Limited edition one-off piece, Swiss retail price CHF 227,100 incl. VAT (subject to change)
Functions
- local hours and minutes (Roman numerals)
- independent reference hours and minutes (Arabic numerals)
Movement
- Calibre A&S8513, hand-wound mechanical
- Jewels 42
- Diameter 37.30 mm
- Thickness 8.35 mm
- Power reserve 90 hours
- Frequency 3 Hz / 21,600 vph
- Finishes mainplate: NAC treated, circular-grained
- bridges: NAC-treated, polished and chamfered, radiating Côtes de Genève
- wheels: rhodium-plated, circular-grained, polished and bevelled
- chatons: 18-carat white gold
- screws: chamfered, mirror-polished heads
- tourbillon bridges: 18-carat white gold, mirror-polished, satin-finished and hand-bevelled
- tourbillon carriages: polished and hand-bevelled
Case
- Material 18-carat white gold
- Diameter 43.50 mm
- Crystal domed sapphire with an anti-reflective coating on both sides
- Case back sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating
- Water-resistance 3 bar (30 metres/100 feet)
Dials
- Charoite
- Hour dials: white opal
Strap
- Material: aubergine alligator leather with papaya yellow lining, hand-stitched
- Buckle: folding clasp, 18-carat white gold
