Introducing the Arnold & Son TB88 dead seconds chronometer

Arnold & Son will present an interesting watch at Baselworld 2012, the TB88. “TB” stands for “true beat”, referring to the dead beat seconds at eight o’clock. Additionally the calibre has twin barrels providing 100 hours of power reserve.

This is simple yet interesting. It’s a welcome departure from the Arnold & Son watches of recent vintage which were bizarrely complicated astronomical and longitude watches. I remember one year the brand unveiled a watch that I found nearly impossible to comprehend. The A&S 5003 movement has been inverted and has no dial, so everything of interest – barrels, escapement, gear train – is revealed. This is reminiscent of the ultra high-beat 43,200 bph Audemars Piguet ChronAP. Furthemore the movement design is quite interesting. It has hints of vintage English pocket watches evident in the bridge shapes and regulator index, but that is combined the very modern ruthenium coated bridges and base plate. The watch case is 46 mm in diameter, in rose gold or steel. Retail is CHF49,000 in gold and CHF33,500 in steel, exclusive of tax.

I believe the movement is created by La Joux-Perret, which is the owner of Arnold & Son. Arnold & Son used to be sister companies with Graham in The British Masters, but since last year the two brands parted company. – SJX

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