The Arnold & Son Time Pyramid was first released in stainless steel in 2014 and now comes back with a skeletonized flying tourbillon. The tourbillon and the two power reserve indicators are superposed by a sapphire crystal dial indicating the hours itself, crowned with a rhodium plated ring for the minutes. This exclusive construction offers a lively-look and three-dimensional face to the timepiece and, to further enhance the balance and symmetry, the crown is positioned at six o’clock. Inspired by the regulators created by John and Roger Arnold over two hundred years ago, and by antique British skeleton clocks, the new Arnold & Son Time Pyramid offers a highly cohesive and seductive blend of watchmaking feats that includes regulator, skeleton, vertical linear movement, pyramid-placement of components and multi-dimensional depth. For this particular watch, the movement A&S8615 seemingly floats between two sapphire crystals.
Things to Know About the Watches
Each Time Pyramid wristwatch measures 44.6 mm in diameter in its classically elegant case in either 18K red gold or stainless steel. Viewed from the side, the housing is stepped and tapers from top to bottom, the widest section accommodating the extra-large glass with the lower part narrowing to fit snugly on the wrist. Each is finished with an exquisite hand-stitched alligator strap. The skeletonized caliber A&S 8615 follows the original regulators from the brand with its component positioning and detailed 3D visual appeal. Movement parts and watch indications are built on three levels, with the subsidiary seconds dial on the bottom, the hour indications on a sapphire crystal dial in the middle level, and a silver top ring for the minutes indication.
Additionally, the movement is fitted with two power reserve indicators –one each on either side of the linear gear train to display the energy level for each barrel separately. The power reserve hands indicate the reserve level via graduated dots —that are printed under the top sapphire crystal— in an arc format, and demonstrate how one barrel transfers energy to the second one when needed. Essentially, as the first barrel winds the second one, the power reserve indicator of the first barrel goes down, while the second one goes up –making for an accurate and intriguing readout.
The Movement
While the movement is extremely thin at just 4.4 mm, the multiple levels bring amazing depth and detail to the watch. To further enhance the balance and symmetry of the Time Pyramid, the crown —with Arnold & Son’s engraved logo— is artfully positioned at six o’clock. The gear train runs vertically in a linear format connecting the two barrels at six o’clock to the balance wheel at twelve o’clock, and endowing the movement with its pyramid structure. The bridges are designed so that all of the wheels, the two main spring barrels, the escapement and balance wheel are all magnificently visible from the dial side. The two mainspring barrels supply the hand-wound caliber with an amazing 90 hours of power reserve, and provide a more constant force to the wheel train. As with every esteemed Arnold & Son watch, the movement of the Time Pyramid is magnificently hand decorated with manually chamfered brides and high-polished edges, Côtes de Genève, circular satin- finished wheels and blued screws, all yielding a striking masterpiece of decorative craftsmanship and brilliant execution.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, the new Arnold & Son Time Pyramid Flying Tourbillon wears true to its size and incredibly well. A great improvement by adding a flying tourbillon to the already spectacular looking watch. The watches are available in a limited edition of 28 pieces each.
Sticker Price $49,995 USD for red gold and $39,995 USD for stainless steel. For more info on Arnold & Son click here.
