At the recently held Geneva Watch Days 2023, Swiss watchmaker Arnold & Son revealed two exquisite timepieces for the year. The first is a reimagined version of DSTB 42, and then, the Perpetual Moon 38 Mintnight.
For the DSTB 42 lineup, the Swiss watchmaker invigorated two of its iconic designs. Described as ‘Dial-Side True Beat,’ the DSTB unveils the true-beat seconds on the dial side. The best part of the watch is this true-beat seconds. The sweep-seconds hand on the DSTB 42 jumps from second to second, powered by a mechanism similar to an escapement, developed by Arnold & Son’s watchmakers.
Displaying the true-beat seconds correctly was important for the brand. Hence, Arnold & Son created three dedicated bridges, whose graphic design and finishes give the dial its truly unique appearance. They are open-worked, three-dimensional, and carefully crafted from red or white gold, depending on the DSTB 42 version. This true-beat seconds mechanism fills the space with its presence, balanced out by the off-centred hours dial in white opal. True to its inspiration from the marine chronometers, the collection will feature two variants, DSTB 42 Red Gold and Platinum.
Both versions are powered by self-winding caliber A&S6203, oscillating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and flaunting 55 hours of power reserve. While the DSTB Red Gold boasts copper with a blue PVD-treated dial, the DSTB 42 Platinum mesmerizes with platinum paired with a dial enhanced with rose-gold PVD treatment.
Another piece to behold is the Perpetual Moon 38 Mintnight. Limited to only 18 pieces, the timepiece is powered by A&S1612 caliber and boasts a 90-hour power reserve. Arnold & Son has ensured that this spectacular moon-phase timepiece will remain accurate for 122 years.
Measuring a dainty 38 mm in diameter, the case of the Perpetual Moon 38 Mintnight is fashioned from a block of white gold. Its bezel, four lugs, and crown host a total of 80 brilliant-cut diamonds. When added to the 22 diamonds adorning its buckle, they amount to a total weight of 2.57 carats.
Behind a wave of ruthenium crystals, a maze of blue, mint-green, and turquoise earthen hills, emerge one after the other before receding towards the horizon. The sky, scattered with hand-painted stars, is filled with an immense moon. Its surface, also made from ruthenium crystals, illuminates the sky. Five marquise-cut diamonds indicating the hours bring a glittering finishing touch to this work of art.
