One of our favorite releases at Baselworld 2017 a few months ago is the new Arnold & Son DBG Skeleton. This dual time zone watch that takes skeletonization to the max is the successor to the previously released Arnold & Son DBG dual time GMT timepiece. With a name that reveals its nature through a DBG acronym where DB stands for 'Double Balance' and G for 'GMT', the DBG Skeleton just like all other timepieces released by this brand, takes its inspiration from the historical chronometers built by John Arnold and his son.
Things You Need to Know
Available in a limited edition of 30 pieces, the new Arnold & Son DBG Skeleton features a 4N rose gold case measuring 44 mm diameter and 9.89 mm in thickness. Its cambered sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides provides crystal clear visibility of the skeletonized dial. Completing the overall sense of balance, this watch is equipped with two crowns, one in the conventional position at 3 o’clock and the other at 9. Since the watch features two balance wheels and two mainsprings, the latter are wound using the crown at 3 o'clock while the time in each of the two selected time zones can be set independently. The time zone on the left is set using the crown at 9 o’clock and the time zone on the right by the crown at 3 o’clock.
The skeletonized dial makes a bold statement about the caliber of work that is done by Arnold & Son. With utmost attention to aesthetic details the dial features two separate time displays with “smoked” metal-treated sapphire crystals, allowing both transparency as well as legibility and each of them is driven by its own barrel and gear train with its own escapement and balance. While the time zone subdial at 3 features Arabic numerals, the time zone subdial at 9 features Roman numerals.
One great thing about this watch is the ability to set the minute hand independently when keeping track of timezones that are off-set by a half-hour or quarter-hour in relation to UTC time. Additionally, a subdial at 12 o’clock shows the two time zones on a 24-hour basis allowing the wearer to see the time difference between the two time zones but also to keep track of day and night on both time zones.
Both time zones share a common permanent seconds in the shape of the long slender hand emanating from the center of the dial. One thing we absolutely love about this watch is the design of the balance wheel bridges —balance cocks— that somewhat resemble the shape of hammers on a minute repeater. These two balance cocks which face one another, fuse together to create an oval shape. To round out the superb finish of the dial, the bridges are secured by blued screws.
The Movement
Under the hood, one can appreciate the manufacture Arnold & Son manual wound calibre in its full glory via the display case back. This nickel-silver movement with 42 jewels is exquisitely finished with rhodium treated bridges and NAC grey treated main plate with Haute Horlogerie finishing. Arnold & Son is a brand that continues to impress with the consistent superb finishing on their movements.
The movement beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph to provide a power reserve of 40 hours when fully wound thanks to its double barrel system.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, the new Arnold & Son DBG Skeleton wears true to its size and with stunning wrist presence. A very functional timepiece that allows the wearer keep track of two time zones no matter which these are. Elegantly finished and with immaculate design, this new iteration of the DBG is simply worth every penny.
Sticker Price $38,850 USD. For more info on Arnold & Son click here.
