Watchatlas

Arnold & Son

La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland · Est. 1764

Founded by John Arnold, John Roger Arnold

Arnold & Son traces its heritage to the 18th-century English watchmaker John Arnold, who made significant contributions to marine chronometry alongside Thomas Earnshaw. The brand was revived in Bradfield, England, and produces complex, hand-finished timepieces celebrating the art of high watchmaking.

Founded
1764
Headquarters
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
Group
Citizen Watch Group
Price Segment
Mid
Status
Revived

Key Collections

  • UTTE (Ultra Thin Tourbillon) (2013) — Arnold & Son’s UTTE, now presented as Ultrathin Tourbillon, is the brand’s ultra-thin flying tourbillon family, first launched in 2013 and defined by an off-centred display, marine-chronometer-inspired layout, and one of the slimmest hand-wound tourbillon calibres of its era. Key references: 1UTBX.F01A.C208A, 1UTBR.U01A.C209A, 1UTBX.Z01A.C245X.
  • HM Perpetual Moon — Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon is the brand's astronomy-focused moon-phase collection, spanning 41.5 mm and 38 mm precious-metal references with large moon displays. Key references: Perpetual Moon 41.5 Red Gold, Perpetual Moon 41.5 Platinum, Perpetual Moon 38 White Gold.
  • Constant Force Tourbillon — Arnold & Son’s Constant Force Tourbillon line is a chronometry-led high-complication family combining a patented constant-force mechanism, dead-beat seconds and a tourbillon regulator, explicitly tying modern wristwatch construction to John Arnold’s marine-chronometer legacy and his historical link with Abraham-Louis Breguet. Key references: Constant Force Tourbillon 11 Yellow Gold, Constant Force Tourbillon 11 Platinum, A&S5219 Constant Force Tourbillon.
  • TB88 (2012) — The TB88 is Arnold & Son’s 2012 deadbeat-seconds chronometer, named for its symmetrical “double eight” architecture and built as a modern wristwatch tribute to English marine chronometer construction associated with John Arnold. Key references: 1TBAP.B01A.C113A, TB88 rose gold, TB88 steel.
  • Longitude (2024) — Longitude is Arnold & Son’s chronometry-led sports watch family, explicitly inspired by John Arnold’s marine chronometers and the historical quest to calculate longitude at sea, with COSC-certified manufacture movement A&S6302, a 42.5 mm titanium case, and power-reserve plus large small-seconds display. Key references: Longitude Titanium, Longitude Titanium 5°W, Longitude Titanium Kingsand Gold.

Timeline

  • 1764 — John Arnold presents an exceptionally small repeating watch to King George III, establishing his reputation in London.
  • 1782 — John Arnold pioneers mass production of marine chronometers; coins the term 'chronometer'.
  • 1788 — Arnold & Son partnership formed when John Roger Arnold joins his father's workshop.
  • 1799 — John Arnold dies; his son John Roger continues the business.
  • 1843 — John Roger Arnold dies, ending the original family watchmaking dynasty.
  • 2009 — Arnold & Son is revived as an independent brand in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
  • 2014 — The UTTE (Ultra Thin Tourbillon Escapement) is launched — one of the world's thinnest tourbillon movements at 2.97mm.

Frequently Asked Questions about Arnold & Son

What is John Arnold's historical significance?
John Arnold (1736-1799) invented the overcoil balance spring, pioneered mass production of marine chronometers, and coined the word 'chronometer'. He worked alongside Abraham-Louis Breguet and is considered co-inventor of the modern mechanical watch.
Where is the modern Arnold & Son made?
Arnold & Son is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. All movements are developed and finished in-house.
How does Arnold & Son differ from other independents?
Arnold & Son focuses on astronomical and scientific complications — moon phases, world time, equation of time — rooted in the original Arnold's work on marine navigation and precision timekeeping.
Is Arnold & Son part of a larger group?
Arnold & Son is an independent brand, not part of a major conglomerate, allowing focus on technically ambitious, limited-production pieces.

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