Cover The caseback of the Arnold & Son Constant Force Tourbillon 11 is engraved with a message in memory of the friendship between John Arnold and Abraham-Louis Breguet
The caseback of the Arnold & Son Constant Force Tourbillon 11 is engraved with a message in memory of the friendship between John Arnold and Abraham-Louis Breguet
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Dmitri Aubert, the international sales director of Arnold & Son, was in Kuala Lumpur to present a key Watches and Wonders 2025 novelty, the Constant Force Tourbillon 11
At Watches and Wonders 2025, Arnold & Son celebrated the tail end of its 260th anniversary with the astounding Constant Force Tourbillon 11 in yellow gold, a timepiece replete with historical references. The main highlight is the calibre, its architecture based on the first regulator tourbillon by Abraham-Louis Breguet, who in turn referenced John Arnold’s chronometer movement. The “11” in the name is taken from Arnold’s marine chronometer no. 11.
As you probably guess by now, Arnold and Breguet were close friends. Breguet’s first tourbillon regulator in 1808 was a tribute to Arnold, who passed away in 1799. This timepiece is now in the possession of the British Museum.
Read more: Breguet debuts its first flying tourbillon
Above The first tourbillon regulator by Abraham-Louis Breguet, which in turn was based on John Arnold’s marine chronometer no.11
The first tourbillon regulator by Abraham-Louis Breguet, which in turn was based on John Arnold’s marine chronometer no.11
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The Arnold & Son Constant Force Tourbillon 11 is also crafted in yellow gold—as is the constant-force mechanism—a favourite metal of Arnold’s. The pristine white Grand Feu enamel dial recalls the dials of marine chronometers Arnold offered to English naval officers at his London boutique.
While the calibre remains faithful in design, it has been updated with a patented constant-force mechanism between the going train and the tourbillon, replacing the fusee-and-chain configuration of Arnold’s chronometers. Featuring a dead-beat second, the seconds hand comes in the from of an anchor, a nod to Arnold & Son’s marine heritage.
See also: Why we're excited about Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement
Above Arnold & Son Constant Force Tourbillon 11
Arnold & Son Constant Force Tourbillon 11
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“For this milestone, we wanted to impart this important information that now sits in the British Museum,” says Dmitri Aubert, the international sales director of Arnold & Son. With only 11 pieces ever to be produced, the Constant Force Tourbillon 11 serves as a rare bridge between its storied past and the present innovative spirit.
“It’s rare for a brand to survive 260 years. For this milestone, what better way than to highlight this timepiece that has lived in the British Museum since 1808. It’s also a celebration of friendship [between two key figures in watchmaking], which makes for an interesting story, and helps more people to get to know the brand. The piece attracted a significant amount of interest from big collectors,” Aubert adds.
Above Dmitri Aubert, international sales director of Arnold & Son
Dmitri Aubert, international sales director of Arnold & Son
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The dead-beat second was also deliberately chosen to reiterate John Arnold’s legacy. “We use it in a modern way by showing the whole mechanism on the dial side. It’s visually nice and technically appealing for us to build. It is compelling for both its watchmaking excellence and heritage,” Aubert notes.
With the Constant Force Tourbillon 11, Arnold & Son not only showcases innovative watchmaking, it also spotlights an interesting slice of history that enriches the brand’s legacy.
Above The sub-dial in white opal
The sub-dial in white opal
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Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
