There have been loads of standout releases at Watches and Wonders 2025, however one watch retains arising in my reminiscences. The Arnold & Son Fixed Power Tourbillon 11 was a delight within the steel. Plus, the explanation for the watch facilities on a narrative with precise that means.
Watch corporations certainly discover a purpose to rejoice nearly each little event. Some are substantial, whereas others appear trivial. The Arnold & Son Fixed Power Tourbillon 11 appears like a reputable purpose to get excited because of the historic relationship between John Arnold and Abraham-Louis Breguet. Each males even despatched their sons in an trade to coach with the opposite father. Because the story goes, Arnold was an admirer of Breguet’s easy designs. Breguet, then again, loved Arnold’s skill to provide extremely correct marine chronometers for mass manufacturing. Right now’s watch memorializes the friendship between the 2.
The Arnold & Son Fixed Power Tourbillon 11
The Fixed Power Tourbillon 11 is a 41.5mm watch comprised of 18K yellow gold, a fabric utilized by John Arnold for high-end pocket watches. It has a 13.7mm thickness because of the advanced motion inside — we’ll spend time on this shortly. Arnold & Son outfitted this dressy watch with twin sapphire crystals and achieved a depth score of 30 meters. The midnight-blue alligator strap with matching 18K pin buckle isn’t made for water, however the watch can survive a drizzle.
The dial had me at hiya
Balazs and I met with Arnold & Son at Geneva Watch Days final August, and the model confirmed us renders of the Tourbillon 11. I felt then that it was particular, however seeing it in individual confirmed my beliefs. The model used an 18K 3N gold base for the dial and completed it with white Grand Feu enamel. It appears to be like so clear that it’s like porcelain, and, of us, for no matter purpose, I really like porcelain. The truth is, the white is so buttery easy that the remainder of the dial particulars nearly fall away. Virtually…
The A&S5219 motion
With regards to the A&S5219 manual-winding motion within the Fixed Power Tourbillon 11, there’s loads to unpack. Flipping the watch to the again aspect exposes a view that fights the entrance for greatest in school. Severely, what a one-two punch! An inscription sits on the high of the motion that honors the 2 historic watchmakers, and, sure, Breguet was glad to permit Arnold & Son to provide this piece. The motion is a standard tourbillon, however it comprises two barrels in sequence. This helps the motion obtain 100 hours of energy reserve.
The entrance of the motion exhibits off the constant-force escapement. It lies between the tourbillon and the going practice. An 18K bridge secures the mechanism, which rotates over one minute. As if like clockwork, the constant-force system creates a dead-beat seconds show, which is proven by way of a blued anchor bridge — the image of Arnold & Son. Once more, within the steel, watching the motion is beautiful. The English-style ending with engravings and anglage can also be spectacular.
Different ideas concerning the Fixed Power Tourbillon 11
Truthfully, I’m not usually a fan of historically styled watches with tourbillons. I grew up seeing a lot in retailers when advanced actions had been all the fad. One thing about this Arnold & Son piece hit me, although. It’s so lovely and easy but so mechanical-looking. It’s the antithesis of recent skeletonized watches that lack design fluidity. Sure, I’d like to personal one in every of these. Sadly, the model is making simply 11 examples, and maybe it’s simply as nicely. The pricing is spicy at CHF 129,800, however I suppose that’s the entry charge to proudly owning one thing really particular.
Watch specs
Mannequin
Fixed Power Tourbillon 11
Reference
1FCBJ.E01A.C246J
Dial
White Grand Feu enamel on 18K yellow gold (3N) base
Case Materials
18K yellow gold
Case Dimensions
41.5mm (diameter) × 13.7mm (thickness)
Crystal
Domed sapphire with antireflective coating on either side
Case Again
18K yellow gold with sapphire show, screw-in
Motion
A&S5219: handbook winding, constant-force one-minute tourbillon, 21,600vph frequency, 100-hour energy reserve, 35 jewels
Water Resistance
3 bar (30 meters)
Strap
Midnight-blue alligator leather-based with black alligator lining and 18K yellow gold pin buckle
Capabilities
Time (hours, minutes, dead-beat seconds)
Particular Be aware(s)
Restricted version of 11 items