Introducing The New Arnold & Son Longitude Titanium

In the 18th century, maritime trade thrived, driven by new ocean routes promising great opportunities. Yet, navigation faced challenges due to incomplete maps and inaccurate longitudes. In 1714, the British Parliament enacted the Longitude Act, offering a substantial prize for a reliable method to determine a ship's longitude. Briton John Harrison invented the marine chronometer, revolutionizing navigation by measuring the time difference between a ship's local time and a precision clock set at the port of departure. John Arnold further developed and simplified Harrison's method, introducing robust, accurate, and affordable marine chronometers from 1771 onward.

John Arnold's marine chronometers were designed with classic and functional aesthetics, tailored to withstand the rigorous conditions of the open sea. Arnold & Son's Longitude Titanium collection pays tribute to the esteemed English watchmaker's legacy by seamlessly blending naval tradition with elegant design and durable materials. The inclusion of 'chronometer' certification for the movement is a significant nod to Arnold's relentless pursuit of precision in his timepieces.

As a natural extension of its maritime essence, the Longitude unveils a 42.5 mm titanium case, its contours and shape directly inspired by the sleek lines of contemporary sailing vessels. The case's midsection resembles the taught line of a ship's waterline, while the case back mirrors the basin-like form of a keel. Furthermore, the bezel, marked with 60 notches, pays homage to the grooved ring found on John Arnold's marine chronometers. These finishes, with polished flanks and satin-finished flat surfaces, further evoke the influence of the high seas. The crown, shielded by a shoulder, is screw-locked to ensure water resistance up to 100 meters. 

The Longitude Titanium timepiece offers a dial available in three captivating colors: Kingsand gold, ocean blue, or fern green with a PVD treatment, each designed to evoke a graphic and historical essence. The dial features satin-finished elements along with polished and luminescent applied indices. Aligned with the vertical axis of the dial, notable features include a mirror-polished power-reserve indicator displayed through cut-outs positioned at 12 o'clock, and an imposing small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock.

Inspired by Cornwall, the birthplace of John Arnold, the colors of the Longitude dials pay homage to this picturesque region. The inaugural edition showcases a sandy golden hue known as 'Kingsand,' reminiscent of the stunning beach bearing the same name, a hidden gem within the county. The second variation boasts an enchanting ocean blue dial, while the third and final iteration in the series presents a captivating fern green dial.

At the core of the Longitude Titanium timepiece resides the newly developed A&S6302 caliber, accredited by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC), representing an automatic movement. This caliber is energized by an oscillating weight crafted from gold, its design echoing influences from the prow of an 18th-century English frigate slicing through the waves, meticulously carved from a single block of 22-carat gold. Operating at 28,000 vibrations per hour,  The caliber is lavished with the same high standard of finishes commonly seen at Arnold & Son, the A&S6302 was entirely developed, produced, decorated, assembled, adjusted and cased up at the Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds. This caliber features a large barrel providing a 60-hour power reserve.

The inaugural edition, limited to 88 timepieces, features a sandy golden hue priced at CHF 22,600, which is equivalent to 92,000 AED. The other two editions, available in ocean blue and fern green, form part of the permanent collection, both priced at CHF 21,500, which is equivalent to 87,600 AED.

 Each of the series is fitted with an integrated titanium bracelet. complemented by an interchangeable system and comes with an additional rubber strap.

For more information please visit Arnold & Son’s official website.