In order to mark its 250th anniversary in the best possible manner, Arnold & Son has prepared several exceptional new watches and the latest among them is Double Tourbillon Escapement (DTE). It is a timepiece that intends to unify technical and aesthetic appeal. The former is made with the inclusion of a brand new double movement which is used for its two time zone displays. Each of two components of the manually-wound caliber comes with its own tourbillon escapement and time setting mechanisms. The visual prowess of the watch is achieved with overall symmetrical theme with two enameled dials, as well as with two visible tourbillon cages which stand opposite to each other and are set on the backdrop of a skeletonized main-plate with the Geneva striping. Combined with a heavy dose of finishing on the movement and the fact that the 28-piece limited edition comes in 43.5 mm wide red gold housing, these traits altogether make the watch rather expensive with the price tag set at $210,000.
Arnold & Son DTE Watch
Dual Movement for Improved Functionality of the Dual Time Zone Display
The concept of double movements is quite an old idea and Arnold & Son is now reviving it in a proper modern fashion in its new Calibre A&S8513. The movement features dual time zone display and this is the reason why the Anglo-Swiss watchmaker has opted for a caliber that has two separate escapements, time-setting mechanisms and gearings. This is significant since the wearer can set the second time zone independently of the home time zone which enables the watch to show the time even in those time zones which are not different from the GMT zone by increments expressed in hours, but instead in half-hours or quarters. There is also a nice perk of having two tourbillon complications featured in a piece. The overall twin theme is further expanded with the addition of double barrels which allow the hefty power reserve of 90 hours once the movement is fully wound by hand.
Haute Horlogerie Finishes
Otherwise, it should be said that the caliber that Anglo-Swiss watchmaker used in Double Tourbillon Escapement piece has 42 jewels, as well as that its dimensions are the diameter of 37.3 mm and the height of 8.35 mm. Its frequency is 21,600 vph. When it comes to the decorations of the rhodium treated nickel-silver movement, they are quite extensive as it is expected for a high-end piece and they combine modern with traditional methods of decorations. There are hand-chamfered bridges and polished edges (this sort of decorations can also be seen on the circular satin-finished wheels, as well as on tourbillon 18 k red gold bridges and cages), circular graining and the radiating Geneva stripes on the movement side, as well as parallel ones on the dial side. Furthermore, there are blued screws with beveled and mirror polished heads, while the tourbillon also displays alternate mirror-polished and satin-brushed finishes. All in all, there is a plethora of haute Horlogerie decorations as it can be expected from a high-end watch whose price exceeds $200,000 mark.
Three-Dimensional & Symmetrical Face
The mentioned skeletonized and symmetrical face of Arnold & Son DTE includes two domed and white lacquered dials that are set on top and bottom of the dial. The home time zone is with Roman, while the second time zone is in Arabic numerals in order to accentuate the difference and increase the readability. Both ones are coupled with blued steel hands. The duo of dials is supplemented with a pair of tourbillons that appears to be floating, thanks to the red gold bridges that hold them in place.
The same material that was used for the tourbillon bridges is utilized to construct the watch’s case which features water resistance to 30 meters. It is 43.5 mm wide and comes with a fixed bezel and two oppositely set crowns in the same material. The front side is guarded with a cambered sapphire crystal with double glare-proof treatment. Sapphire is once again used for the transparent case back. When it comes to the wristlet, Arnold & Son is offering the piece with the reference number 1DTAR.L01A.C120A with a hand-stitched alligator strap in black or brown color, depending on your preference.
