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Fernando's exclusive report from a 2013 Arnold & Son event in Hong Kong offers a rare first look at the brand's Baselworld collection prototypes. His detailed account, featuring insights from Philippe Boven, highlights Arnold & Son's commitment to in-house manufacturing and its unique market position. This article provides a valuable perspective on a brand known for its horological content and limited production, making it highly relevant for collectors interested in independent watchmaking.
Amidst the looming dark clouds and with a typhoon warning signal in force, the illuminating skyline meant things were pretty much 'business as usual' in a city that doesn't sleep.
In a quiet corner function room of a 5 star hotel with a great view of the night sky, a small group of watch enthusiasts gathered.
The affable and soft spoken Philippe Boven of Arnold & Son was on hand to give a small presentation of the 2013 Basel World collection of timepieces with working prototypes.This is the first viewing of such and was highly anticipated by the attendees. They weren't disappointed.
I will not go into the history of Arnold & Son, which makes for an interesting read if you do a search. They are a true manufacturer who produce their own movements in-house with production facilities located in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Their production volume is relatively small with under 1000 pcs. per year with some models set at 50 pieces. They are not a brand on everyone's lips but the cost savings from lack of advertising, brands ambassadors, PR and marketing etc. benefits the consumer directly as evident by the MSRP, in relation to the quality they provide.
Here are some quick pics.
.. thank you, fernando, for sharing with us. Very nice collection... Best, Ken
i knew that A and S made ( and still make? ) Marine chronometer, big watches with a strong look, but I did ignore these ones! The new moonphase is very original. And well thought. After all, if you pay interest for thsi complicaton, why not putting the light on it, with a biiiig display? Some open dials are also interesting. Less fan of the Tourbis, but i have to say that I am starting to get rid of seeing new tourbillons everywhere... For me, the vulgarization of the tourbilon killed the tourbi
The time pyramid is very pleasing aesthetically, albeit in a large case. A&S has been making waves of late, and I must say I like the designs. Btw, where can the watches be viewed in HK? Thanks again.
I think that's an understatement. :) I agree, the moonphase is very attractive with the big decorated moon and stars. Pls see the first watch picture. The blue dial one is just gorgeous in the metal and doesn't the stars remind you of something? The size of the moon and the opening that incorporates the stars already give it that bling factor IMO. I understand your point about tourbillons and it's excessive use, made easy with modern day production methods. However, this one does bring something
Hi, Nico - and I am not trying to become your favorite wordsmith! Straight from the start, I find all these Arnold & Son watches fine and dandy - and with great thanks to Fernando! Their three dimensional cage for a one-axis tourbillon has aestethic appeal when it is done this well.. Such a tourbillon, on the dial side, can grow rapidly boring for the simple reason that it is always revolving in the same direction and tempo - typically once every minute. Bring a normal movement up front, wit
With a particular weakness for the G.O. In fact, I prefer Tourbillons when they are hidden. Or when they are part of the dial, and not only a hole in the dial, which is the worse configuration, for my taste. I may not be a tourbilllon fan, after all. Best, Amerix. Nicolas
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