The final limited edition model celebrating Arnold & Son's anniversary is the Constant-Force Tourbillon 11, a model that recreates the friendship between two great watchmakers.
This model pays homage to Breguet's No. 169. The anchor-shaped second hand moves in one-second increments thanks to a constant-force mechanism. The constant-force mechanism lasts for approximately 100 hours. Manual winding (Cal. A&S5219). 52 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve: approximately 100 hours. 18K yellow gold case (diameter 41.5mm, thickness 10.48mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Limited to 11 pieces worldwide. Price to be determined.
[Article published in the July 2025 issue of Kronos Japan]
A testament to the friendship between John Arnold and Abraham-Louis Breguet
In 2024, 260 years after John Arnold presented a minute repeater to King George III of England, Arnold & Son, which has continued his legacy, has released numerous anniversary models. The final model is the Constant-Force Tourbillon 11, released in March 2025. This masterpiece brings to life the testament to the friendship between John Arnold and Abraham-Louis Breguet.
It is well known that these two genius watchmakers, whose names will be remembered for generations to come, had a mutual connection. There is a famous story that illustrates the depth of their friendship: Arnold donated a pocket watch he made, the "No. 11," to Breguet. After Arnold's death, Breguet equipped the No. 11 with its first tourbillon (and the world's first), and gave it to Arnold's son, John Roger Arnold, who had also trained under Breguet. This watch, known as the "No. 169," is one of the world's most famous pocket watches.
The Constant-Force Tourbillon 11 is a model that pays homage to this historic masterpiece. Its greatest feature is its movement design, which is made to look exactly like the No. 169. While slight modifications have been made, such as the large bridges that cover more than half of the baseplate, the triangular carriage bridge, and the nameplate bearing Breguet's comments, it is a beautiful reproduction.
The dial also uses Grand Feu enamel for the base to match the classic movement. While the degree of polishing after firing is largely a matter of personal preference, the quality is undoubtedly high.
Arnold & Son created a new movement for this limited edition of just 11 pieces, resulting in a masterpiece worthy of marking the end of the anniversary.
