The History Of Arnold & Son

Arnold & Son is a renowned Swiss watch company that has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The brand was founded by John Arnold, a celebrated English watchmaker, in London in 1764. Throughout its existence, Arnold & Son has been synonymous with excellence, precision, and technical innovation. Let’s delve into the full history of Arnold & Son and explore some of its popular watch models.

John Arnold, the founder of Arnold & Son, was a remarkable watchmaker known for his obsession with precision and technical advancements. He was particularly fascinated by marine chronometers, as they were crucial for accurate navigation at sea. Arnold’s innovative spirit and exceptional craftsmanship led to numerous breakthroughs in watchmaking.

One of Arnold’s notable achievements was the development of a highly accurate pocket chronometer. In 1770, he constructed a timepiece that was capable of keeping time to within one second per day, an incredible feat during that era. This innovation earned Arnold considerable accolades and established a foundation for his future success.

In 1787, John Arnold presented his first marine chronometer, designed specifically for the British Navy. These timepieces were essential for sailors and navigators to determine their precise location at sea. The accuracy and reliability of Arnold’s marine chronometers made him the preferred supplier to the British Navy, solidifying his reputation as an exceptional watchmaker.

Over the years, Arnold & Son continued to innovate and introduce new advancements to the world of watchmaking. They were pioneers in developing double-body chronometers, which incorporated two separate movements in one timepiece. This design allowed for greater accuracy as the watch could average the rates of both movements, reducing errors caused by positional changes.

Fast forward to the 21st century, when the brand was revived by a group of watchmaking enthusiasts. In 1995, Arnold & Son was relaunched in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, under the ownership of the British company ‘The British Masters SA.’ The goal was to reestablish the brand’s legacy while incorporating modern techniques and designs.

Arnold & Son’s recent history has seen the brand develop an impressive range of timepieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Let’s explore some of their popular watch models:

1.⁠ ⁠Arnold & Son HMS1: The HMS1 collection embodies the brand’s commitment to classical watchmaking. These timepieces feature a clean and elegant design, with three hands indicating hours, minutes, and seconds. The HMS1 watches are available in various materials, including stainless steel, red gold, and platinum, catering to different tastes.

2.⁠ ⁠Arnold & Son Time Pyramid: The Time Pyramid is a modern interpretation of a rare historical complication. The watch features a skeletonized movement with two crystal-clear sapphire “pyramids” that display the hours and minutes separately. The Time Pyramid is a true testament to Arnold & Son’s mastery of intricate and innovative timepiece constructions.

3.⁠ ⁠Arnold & Son Tourbillon: The Tourbillon collection showcases the brand’s expertise in creating exquisite tourbillon movements. A tourbillon is a complication that compensates for the effects of gravity on a timepiece by placing the escapement and balance wheel in a rotating cage. Arnold & Son offers various tourbillon models, each meticulously crafted with exceptional attention to detail.

4.⁠ ⁠Arnold & Son Royal Collection: The Royal Collection pays homage to the historic marine chronometers that John Arnold developed. These watches feature elegant and refined designs inspired by the brand’s maritime heritage. The Royal Collection includes timepieces with various complications, such as chronographs and moon phase indicators.

5.⁠ ⁠Arnold & Son Instrument Collection: The Instrument Collection showcases the brand’s dedication to technical precision and durability. These watches are built to withstand challenging environments while maintaining accuracy. The collection includes models designed for specific activities, such as diving or flying, making them reliable companions for adventurers.

6.⁠ ⁠Arnold & Son Nebula: The Nebula collection represents a mesmerizing blend of technical innovation and artistic craftsmanship. These watches feature a visually captivating openworked dial that showcases the intricate inner workings of the movement. The Nebula collection offers a mesmerizing view into the heart of the timepiece, accentuating its mechanical beauty.

 7.⁠ ⁠Arnold & Son DTE (Double Tourbillon Escapement): The DTE collection is a testament to Arnold & Son’s mastery of complexity and precision. These watches boast a unique double tourbillon mechanism with two independent tourbillon cages. This intricate construction compensates for the effects of gravity on the movement, ensuring exceptional accuracy. The DTE watches are a true horological masterpiece.

 8.⁠ ⁠Arnold & Son Globetrotter: The Globetrotter collection is designed for the modern traveler, encapsulating the spirit of exploration and adventure. These watches incorporate world-time functionality, allowing wearers to monitor multiple time zones simultaneously. The Globetrotter watches feature an aesthetically pleasing design with a distinctive world map motif.

 9.⁠ ⁠Arnold & Son TEC1: The TEC1 collection showcases Arnold & Son’s technical prowess in the field of chronographs. These watches combine chronograph functionality with a contemporary and sporty design. The TEC1 collection offers precise timing capabilities coupled with a bold and dynamic aesthetic, catering to those with an active lifestyle.

10.⁠ ⁠Arnold & Son True Moon: The True Moon collection pays homage to Arnold & Son’s heritage of crafting precise moon phase indications. These watches feature a realistic depiction of the lunar cycle, enhancing the elegance and allure of the timepiece. The True Moon collection offers a touch of romanticism, appealing to those with a passion for celestial beauty.

Throughout its history, Arnold & Son has remained true to its founding principles of technical excellence and innovation. The brand continues to create timepieces that marry tradition with cutting-edge technology, garnering praise and admiration from watch enthusiasts worldwide. Each Arnold & Son watch is a testament to the brand’s commitment to horological mastery, offering unparalleled craftsmanship and timeless elegance.

As Arnold & Son looks towards the future, it will undoubtedly continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in watchmaking while honoring its remarkable heritage. Whether it is a classic design inspired by the brand’s illustrious past or a bold, avant-garde creation, an Arnold & Son watch is a symbol of impeccable craftsmanship, precision, and a legacy that spans centuries.