Description
The Double Tourbillon Jade stands as a masterwork of horological art, seamlessly blending Arnold & Son’s technical prowess with the raw beauty of rare minerals. This unique 1-of-1 creation pays tribute to the brand's namesake, 18th-century watchmaker John Arnold, whose marine chronometers guided explorers like James Cook. Unlike standard GMT watches that rely on a single movement and an extra hand, this timepiece utilizes two entirely independent tourbillons to regulate two separate time zones. The dial is crafted from "Apple Green" nephrite jade sourced from Wyoming, featuring delicate black veining that provides a visceral depth. This choice of stone carries profound cultural weight, honoring the sacred and protective symbolism jade has held across Asian and Central American civilizations for millennia.
Beyond its symbolic value, the watch is a marvel of architectural engineering and manual craftsmanship. The 43.5mm white gold dial plate is expertly cut into a "clover" silhouette with deep recesses, a complex feat that allows the twin tourbillons and milky white opal sub-dials to emerge at their full height. This design facilitates an incredibly rare level of precision for world travelers; because the movements are independent, the blued openworked hands can be set to accommodate non-standard time zones with 15, 30, or 45-minute offsets. To manage this dual complexity, the 18k white gold case features two distinct crowns at 2 and 7 o’clock, each dedicated to winding and setting its respective time zone.
Beneath the domed sapphire crystal, the manual-winding Caliber A&S8513 offers a glimpse into the "golden age" of chronometry. The movement is a symphony of high-end finishing, boasting radiant Côtes de Genève, mirror-polished screw heads, and gold chatons, all powered by twin barrels that ensure a robust 90-hour power reserve. The twin one-minute tourbillons are suspended by skeletonized, cantilevered bridges that seem to float over the vibrant jade surface. Completed with a black alligator strap and a matching white gold folding clasp, this "Piece Unique" represents the pinnacle of Arnold & Son’s ability to fuse ancient geology with cutting-edge mechanical precision.
Specifications
- Reference Number
- 1DTAW.Z01A.C121W
- Model Family
- Tourbillon
- Case Material
- White Gold
- Bracelet Material
- Alligator Strap
- Case Dimension
- 43.5mm
- Year
- 2022
- Box & Papers
- Watch Only