In recognition of its uniquely British watchmaking heritage, Arnold & Son presents a new iteration of its famous wristwatch, the Time Pyramid. The pyramid-shaped calibre of this new version appears to levitate inside the case, which is presented in a limited edition of eight pieces in 5N red gold and the same number in platinum. It unveils its magic with rare elegance, set against a disc of malachite – a fine stone in bewitching shades of green.
For the Time Pyramid, Arnold & Son has opted for the warmth of 18-carat red gold or the understated elegance of platinum for its case, which measures 42.5 mm in diameter. These precious metals elevate the deep and intense green of the malachite, while magnifying the complexity of the movement through contrast. In order to provide as much space as possible for the mechanism, the House has chosen a thin bezel to secure the slightly domed sapphire crystal. It offers a direct view of the extensively openworked main plate of the A&S1615 hand-wound mechanical movement. The latter holds the various components of the calibre, such as the balance wheel positioned at 12 o’clock and the two power-reserve indicators. So as to preserve the linearity and symmetry of the mechanical structure that contribute to making the Time Pyramid unique, the watchmakers have ingeniously placed the winding crown between the lugs, at 6 o’clock.
Transparency is an integral part of the Time Pyramid collection. The same is true of the series of circles of different sizes, which seem to interlock and encourage the eye to plunge into the heart of a hand-wound mechanical movement whose fixed parts form a pyramid shape. This configuration is directly inspired by the external structure of an ornamental precision regulator clock made in the 1830s by John Roger Arnold, son of John Arnold.
To highlight the pyramid-shaped architecture of this hand-wound mechanical movement, the Manufacture has chosen to adorn the back of the watch with a disc of malachite, a fine stone with a deep green hue, attributed with numerous virtues. Since the dawn of time, malachite has been considered a protective stone, guarding against the evil eye. Some also believe it to have the power to bring prosperity and balance. At the heart of the Time Pyramid, it asserts this role with pride, majestically revealing the symmetry of this movement.
The architecture highlights the symmetry of the mechanism, reinforced by the presence of two power reserve indicators on either side of the gear train. Their hands point to the arc of markers applied to the reverse of the upper sapphire crystal. These indicators reveal how one barrel transfers its energy to the other when the tension of its spring decreases: while the first barrel is winding the second, its reserve indicator falls while that of the second rises.
This arrangement provides a precise yet intriguing reading of the power reserve level and the torque delivered. When fully wound using the crown, the two spring-driven barrels provide an impressive 90 hours of autonomy, while ensuring virtually constant force to the gear train – a guarantee of chronometer-quality precision.
