The New Arnold & Son Time Pyramid Watch
Friday - 24 November 2023
Layered components of the manual-winding movement inside the Time Pyramid watch are arranged in a stacked vertical architecture, earning it the “Pyramid” moniker. Each meticulous layer, sandwiched between another, showcases some of the finest horological talents of the Arnold & Son brand in this new reimagined design.
I love the Time Pyramid watch from Arnold & Son. I’m British, so the roots of the design, which point right back to John Arnold (1736 – 1799) and his fashionable 1830s clock really resonate with me. The company’s history also tells of the marine chronometers it supplied to the Royal Navy to assist the military personnel in navigating longitude.
The Time Pyramid was added to Arnold & Son’s Instrument collection back in 2013. Its unique design conjured feelings of mystery and allure. It was an amalgamation of past maritime excellence - a that historical Arnold & Son regulator watches have become so renowned for within the industry. Its sapphire dial, attached to a 44mm rose gold case, afforded a breath-taking view of a skeletonised three-layer movement, earning it the moniker “Pyramid”.
To view the small seconds feature on the bottom level, you had to look past the Roman numeral hour markers within the middle level. The minutes, however, were finished on the top level ring. Enhancing the pyramid shape of the movement were several gear trains connected to two main barrels. The escapement and balance wheel were positioned at 12 o’clock, flanked by a power reserve indicator on both sides of the dial. If all that sounds like a watch you wished you’d have gotten your hands on many years ago, prepare to be amazed by the revamped version of the Time Pyramid, as Arnold & Son continues the story with a whole new chapter.
Layers of superior workmanship
The handsome vertical architecture of the new Arnold & Son Time Pyramid demonstrates layers of superior workmanship that not many manufacturers can match. Its inner workings are on full display, shining the spotlight on the mastery and expertise behind the instrumental synergy of all its working parts. The new addition measures a 42mm diameter and boasts a white opal dial set against an aventurine background. For a classic take on the design, you can opt for a 950 platinum version, or go for a more indulgent version in the 18ct rose gold finish. Either way, its slender profile (10.72mm) is perfect for slipping under the cuff of a shirt.
The new Arnold & Son Time Pyramid watch takes on the same pyramidical structure, with a liner gear train arrangement, two barrels at the base and a balance wheel at the top. The hours and minutes are located in an off-centre dial against a stunning white opal surface. Elegant Roman numeral hour markers have been executed in a blued effect and the two different power reserves have arrow-shaped hands for added detail. They show the remaining life of the A&S1615 Calibre – a hand-wound movement that offers a power reserve of 90 hours once fully wound. When the indicators run low, the movement must be brought back to life by winding the crown manually. To avoid the energy levels on the watch running too low, however, it is worth noting that a manual winding watch should be wound by hand at the same time every day. Through the unique layout of the dial, you can observe the dark grey NAC treated main plate and bridges of the movement – a charming decorative finish that adds definition and a subtle shot of colour to the movement. Other decorative finishes include Geneva stripes, hand-chamfering, circular-grained finishes, gold-plated wheels and screws that have been thermally blued.
It goes without saying that the talking point of this new Arnold & Son Time Pyramid design is the aventurine backdrop that sits behind the white opal sub-dial. It is visible through the front and back of the watch via a piece of anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass attached to both sides. When you take the watch off the wrist to view the striking stone through the back of the case, light uniquely plays with its surface, casting shades and tones that interchange depending on the angle you tilt the watch. The addition of the aventurine surface is a welcomed one, since the original Time Pyramid model exposed your wrist through the two sapphire layers, enabling you to see your skin through the base of the timepiece.
There will be just 88 pieces of the rose gold version of the new Arnold & Son Time Pyramid available to collect. The platinum version has been produced in a limited run of just 38 pieces. With either design, you get a stunning dark blue alligator leather band with a soft calfskin lining. Both bands secure to the wrist with a pin buckle set in a matching material to its respective case.
The new Time Pyramid watch is a true work of horological art. Whether you’ve collected complex mechanical timepieces before or this is your first one, its design goes far beyond the chronometric horizons imaginable, providing a glimpse into the brand’s fascinating heritage. If you’d like to learn more about the Time Pyramid, you can check the watch out here, or call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team on 01335 453453.
