ReviewStructural Beauty: Presenting The Arnold & Son Time Pyramid 42.5 Red Gold
With avant-garde design channelling old-world ingenuity, Arnold & Son's Time Pyramid 42.5 Red Gold brings heritage and innovation together in a striking red-gold case
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The Arnold & Son Time Pyramid is a timepiece that traverses through history as much as it does the passage of time. This watch is steeped in the rich heritage of British watchmaking, harkening back to the pioneering work of John Arnold in the 18th and 19th centuries. Arnold’s innovations in chronometric precision, through his marine timekeepers developed with Abraham-Louis Breguet, laid the foundations of modern watchmaking. The ‘Time Pyramid’ concept pays tribute to this lineage, taking inspiration from the pyramid-shaped skeleton clocks that captured imaginations in the 1830s. More than just time-tellers, these clocks were symbols of the remarkable technical and creative abilities of watchmakers in Arnold’s era. In reviving this unique pyramid architecture, Arnold & Son honour their ancestry while pushing the boundaries of contemporary horology.
The avant-garde pyramidal form of the Time Pyramid collection highlights Arnold & Son’s unconventional ingenuity. The stacked vertical alignment of components visible on the skeletonised dial subverts traditional watchmaking layouts. Much like the ancient pyramids, the design symbolises timeless durability. The mechanical spectacle of the gear train rising from twin barrels up to the oscillating balance gives novel perspective on time’s measured passage. The pyramid shape discreetly references Arnold & Son’s anchor logo, acknowledging the brand’s maritime heritage and John Arnold’s chronometric innovations for the Royal Navy.
This harmonious blend of technical artistry and philosophy comes to life in the Arnold & Son Time Pyramid 42.5 Red Gold. The newest iteration maintains the avant-garde spirit while introducing subtle refinements. Here’s a closer look.
The Refined Case Of The Time Pyramid 42.5 Red Gold
The Arnold & Son Time Pyramid 42.5 Red Gold is presented in a 42.5mm case crafted from lustrous 18-karat red gold. The noble metal lends the timepiece a rich, luxurious warmth distinct from steel or platinum variants. Complementing the visual drama of the skeletonised dial, the case maintains a slim 10.72mm profile that contours elegantly to the wrist. Details like the crown positioned uniquely at six o’clock and the translucent caseback showcase the timepiece’s unconventional identity. The curve of the case flanks ensures a seamless fit, allowing the visual brilliance of the dial to take the spotlight.
Enclosing the mechanical sculpture within is an innovative use of aventurine glass for the caseback. The thin, translucent glass disc is speckled with glistening copper inclusions in the style of vintage Venetian glass. When admiring the watch off the wrist, light dazzlingly filters through the glass for an alluring visual effect. On the wrist, the glass backdrop adds nuance without distracting from the dial.
The Unique Dial And Design
The skeletonised dial of the Time Pyramid is where Arnold & Son’s ingenuity takes centre stage. Unimpeded by a traditional face, the A&S1615 movement is on full display. Its vertical architecture aligns components to evoke a pyramid shape anchored by twin barrels at the base. Anthracite bridges and plates generate a neutral backdrop, allowing nuanced decorations to captivate the eye. At the peak, the prominent regulator features a screw balance wheel sitting at 12 o’clock. On both sides, dual power reserve indicators provide visual balance and functionality. A white opal ring for the hours and minutes adds delicate contrast. The multi-layered composition utilises geometric lines and curves to achieve remarkable visual intrigue. From the outer rim down to the innermost jewel, each feature has purpose.
The transparent pyramid structure creates a harmonious, multi-dimensional mechanical sculpture. Stacked barrels at the base fuel the 90-hour power reserve while the open-worked construction directs the gaze upwards along the gear train to the oscillating protagonist. Power reserve indicators frame the scene as supporting actors. Meticulous finishing like hand-chamfered bridges and mesmerising Côtes de Genève stripes enrich the visual impact. Details including gold wheels and blue screws reward close inspection while maintaining aesthetic cohesion.
The Powerhouse: Calibre A&S1615
The A&S1615 calibre powering the Arnold & Son Time Pyramid 42.5 Red Gold is developed fully in-house, allowing optimal synchronisation of the innovative architecture and mechanics. The manual-winding movement beats at 21,600vph or a 3Hz frequency for precise timekeeping.
The twin mainspring barrels stacked vertically at the base provide optimal power delivery, extending an impressive 90-hour power reserve. The gear train efficiently transfers this force to the regulator at the peak. Decorations like Côtes de Genève stripes adorn the bridges while circular graining shimmers along the wheels. Meticulous finishes like hand bevelling and polishing are applied to each component.
Final Thoughts On The Time Pyramid 42.5 Red Gold
The Arnold & Son Time Pyramid 42.5 Red Gold represents the essence of the brand’s vision to honour its origins while advancing into the future. The refined 42.5mm red gold case and aventurine glass caseback update the allure, while the in-house movement upholds the pyramid architecture and technical excellence. Limited to 88 pieces, this contemporary incarnation carries John Arnold’s legacy of innovation and peerless craftsmanship forward.
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Arnold & Son Time Pyramid
1TPER.W01A.C153A
