During Geneva Watch Days 2023, Arnold & Son launched two new versions of the magnificent Dial-Side True Beat: the DSTB 42 Platinum with salmon dial and the DSTB 42 Red Gold with blue PVD dial. This 42 mm watches showcase one of the most spectacular complications on the dial side – the dead second (or true beat second). The presented pieces are prototypes (inconsistent finishes or minor differences from the final product)
Arnold & Son DSTB 42 Platinum on the wrist
Instead of the classic review article, I have decided to make a gallery where the information can be found in the caption. Please use the arrows to navigate between the pictures. Enjoy!
Arnold & Son DSTB 42 Platinum comes in a Pt 950 case measuring 42mm in diameter and 12.95 mm in thickness.
The shape of the case with reduced base and voluptuous lugs permits a nice wearing comfort.
The salmon dial features two distinct areas: the white opal time sub-dial and the true beat seconds indication.
The legibility is excellent although the true beat animation tend to catch your eyes.
A view worth of an even larger display: the true beat complication visible on top is an exercise of creativity and mechanical masterpiece.
The opal dial presents large Roman numeral and open arrow minutes and hours hands.
The anchor is a reminder or the marine chronometers and extensive brand’s heritage.
The running seconds feature a large hand against a printed railtrack. Due to the true beat complication, the reading is very precise.
The dead beat complication uses white gold nicely finished bridges with mirror polish and chamfered edges
Having the dead beat complication on top, permits a detailed study of the complication’s mechanism: simple on a first look but hard to implement.
The time dial is elegant: the white opal allows a good legibility on just a glimpse. Although the dead second is an interesting view, the wearer can focus on time reading.
A beautiful buckle featuring the Arnold & Son logo – in this case, in platinum.
The back of the DSTB reveals the new A&S6203 self-winding mechanical movement.
The rotor weight is manufactured in 22-carat white gold and it is heavily decorated.
As with other A&S timepieces, the movement is well decorated: a highlight is the sun-rayed côtes de Genève.
A keen eye might notice the unfinished decoration on one side of the bridge.
Calibre A&S6203 presents an harmonious architecture with many details, but keeping an elegant note.
On the wrist, the DSTB is a superb companion. The weight of the platinum is not an issue due to the relatively small dimensions. Still heavier than a steel 42mm watch.
The DSTB in red gold plays with the contrast between the copper rich 18 karat gold and the the blue of the PVD treated dial.
The red gold bridges of the dead second complication create a beautiful contrast on the blue PVD dial and highlight the components in motion.
The white opal pops up against the blue dial – exceptional legibility on an aristocratic face.
The details in red gold are more spectacular on this version of the calibre A&S6203.
DSTB 42 Platinum & DSTB 42 Red Gold Technical Specifications
References
red gold:1ATCR.U01A.C200A – CHF 42,600 incl. tax(subject to change), 88 timepieces
