Review: Arnold & Son Time Pyramid
I’ll be totally honest—I’m a sucker for all things futuristic. Strap the likes of the MB&F HM6 Space Pirate to my wrist, and I’ll be happy as an Ewok on Endor admiring its brilliantly science fiction approach to telling the time. But such contemporary creations are only possible because of the long and winding history of horology, that established a tradition upon which modern watchmaking is based, and is integral to its future. Sometimes it’s nice to be reminded of where we started, and that’s exactly what Arnold & Son has done with the Time Pyramid.
The brand drew inspiration for the watch from the skeletonised clocks that were massively popular during the 19th century. Once the state-of-the-art technology of the time, this style now represents the beginnings of modern mechanical watchmaking, and Arnold & Son has done a seamless job in recapturing the elegance of the era and recreating it for the modern wrist.
The calibre A&S1615, with its pyramid shape and strategically placed components, has a 3D appearance that echoes the style of vintage clocks. The gear train and time indicators are constructed on three levels in a conscious effort to demonstrate how a mechanical movement works; Arnold & Son is purposefully putting the technical majesty of traditional watchmaking on full display for all to appreciate.
And there’s plenty to admire: two large barrels, visible at the base of the dial, transfer energy back and forth to balance torque over time, keeping it even and increasing the accuracy of the watch. As the power in one barrel decreases, it kicks the other into action, providing an additional source of energy; power reserve hands for both are visible either side of the dial, and as one goes up, the other goes down.
The multi-dimensionality also creates a sense of depth that you might not expect from such a relatively thin watch (it’s a mere 4.4mm thick). The skeletonisation of the piece allows you to see right through the watch to your wrist, evoking the glass domes that encased the table clocks of previous generations. The result is a distinct contrast between the skin of the wearer’s arm and the mechanical intricacies of the calibre, making the movement stand out all the more.
There’s nothing so iconic as the broad, round face of antique regulator clocks, of which the wide 44.6mm case of the Time Pyramid is reminiscent of. This effect is only enhanced by the crown’s location at 6 o’clock, which creates a gloriously uninterrupted circular silhouette. The use of stainless steel for the case gives the watch a subtly modern twist, creating a beautiful blend of the vintage and the contemporary.
The Time Pyramid is a nostalgic reminder of both how far horology has come, and how much of watchmaking tradition has endured to this day. If this is where we’ve come from, where we’re going has got to be good.
Watch Spec | Arnold & Son Time Pyramid
Case: Steel Dimensions: 44.5mm Crystal: Synthetic sapphire Water Resistance: 30m Movement: A&S1615, manual Frequency: 21,600vph Power Reserve: 90 hours Strap: Leather Functions: Time, double power reserve indicator RRP: £13,950 | Shop Now
