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) — World's thinnest tourbillon at 8.34mm total — a defining achievement in haute horlogerie.
- HM Perpetual Moon — Perpetual calendar with true-scale moon phase display of exceptional astronomical accuracy.
- Constant Force Tourbillon — Integrates a constant-force mechanism with a flying tourbillon for superior precision.
- TB88 — Dual tourbillon complication inspired by John Arnold's original No. 36 pocket watch.
- Longitude — Heritage-inspired collection celebrating John Arnold's contribution to marine navigation.
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.