Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Redesigned Arnold & Son Ultrathin Tourbillon Skeleton
A slightly modified version of one of the thinnest skeletonised manual-winding flying tourbillon movements on the market.
Pulling out all the stops before Watches & Wonders 2024, watchmaker Arnold & Son presents two skeletonised models powered by one of the world’s thinnest flying tourbillon movements, now dubbed Ultrathin Tourbillon Skeleton. While these new models have been treated to some design tweaks and a new tourbillon carriage, these editions of the Ultrathin Flying Tourbillon Skeleton are similar to Arnold & Son’s 2016 UTTE Skeleton. Available in rose gold and platinum, each metal is limited to 28 watches.
In the exclusive world of ultra-thin manual-winding tourbillon models, Arnold & Son was the uncontested champion of ultra-thin in 2013. The brand’s UTTE (Ultrathin Tourbillon Escapement) boasted an incredibly thin movement of 2.97mm (A&S8200) and a case height of 8.34mm. However, one year later, Arnold & Son’s pole position was debunked with the launch of Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo Tourbillon with its 1.95mm movement.
Determined to recover its leadership in the ultra-thin manual-winding department, Arnold & Son unveiled the UTTE Skeleton model in 2016. With a slightly thicker 3.3mm movement due to the skeletonisation (calibre A&S8220), the case maintained a height of 8.34mm, just like the non-skeletonised version. Once again, Bulgari broke that record with the 2018 Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic, yet Arnold’s watch remains highly attractive on its own.
Taking the original 42mm UTTE Skeleton model as a base, the case diameter of the new models has been shrunk ever so slightly to 41.5mm, but the ultra-slim height of 8.34mm prevails (8.40mm with the domed sapphire crystal). Available in rose gold and platinum, the elegant skeletonisation on the dial and reverse side of the case steals the show.
The complex ultra-thin 3.3mm tourbillon movement is suspended on both sides by a series of sweeping arched rose gold-plated bridges and a mainplate decorated with radiating Geneva stripes. Using the same layout as the 2016 UTTE, the hours at noon and the flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock form a figure eight in the centre of the dial. However, there are differences. The hours and minutes ring is made of white opal, for example, and the carriage of the tourbillon is now a slender triangular structure supported by a double arrow counterpoise.
Combining finesse with precision, the flying tourbillon is assembled with a variable inertia balance for enhanced calibration stability. The changes to the tourbillon carriage and regulating organ have also benefitted the power reserve of the A&S8320 manual-winding calibre. Based on the former A&S8220, the improved calibre has a longer power reserve of 100 hours. With its 32mm diameter and ultra-thin height of 3.3mm, the manual-winding movement beats at 21,600 vibrations/hour and is decorated with refined finishings.
Availability & Price
The Arnold & Son Ultrathin Tourbillon Skeleton in red gold comes with a blue alligator strap and is a limited edition of 28 pieces retailing for CHF 74,400 (incl. tax). The platinum version, presented on a brown alligator strap, is also limited to 28 timepieces and retails for CHF 86,200 (incl. tax). For more information, please consult arnoldandson.com.
