When Arnold & Son released the Globetrotter watch in 2018, it was initially available only in a stainless steel case. To be fair, stainless steel is an excellent choice for a travel watch. It not only helps to keep costs down but is also more durable than precious metals. Fortunately, for affluent readers who demand nothing less than gold, the Globetrotter watch is now available in a red gold case.
Arnold & Son didn't simply put the watch in a red gold case and call it a day. Oh no, the changes are much more extensive. But first, let's talk a bit about the case. The size hasn't changed, so we have a 45 mm wide case with a heavily recessed sapphire crystal. The case and crown are made of 5N red gold, and water resistance remains the same at 30 meters, so remember to keep the watch away from liquids.
The dials, as you have surely noticed from the photos, are now blue. Gone are the Roman numeral hour markers, replaced by applied indexes made of 18-carat red gold. These indexes are coated with Super-LumiNova for better visibility in the dark. Surrounding the large globe at the center is a 24-hour sapphire disc. Like the stainless steel model, this red gold version also features bright red hour and minute hands. The model comes with a hand-stitched blue alligator leather strap with a matching 18k 5N red gold buckle.
The globe depicting the Northern Hemisphere is crafted as a brass disc. It is then rhodium-plated and undergoes multiple types of finishing and processing to give it its final look. Mountain ranges have a matte finish, the oceans are hand-painted with blue lacquer, and coastlines are highlighted with a lighter shade of blue and Super-LumiNova to make the land outlines visible in the dark.
The movement inside is the same caliber A&S6022. The main plate is treated with NAC, as are the bridges, which are also beveled and feature Côtes de Genève finishing. The wheels are rhodium-plated with a circular satin finish. Screws are polished and have beveled edges. But the highlight should be the large 22-carat red gold rotor, adorned with guilloché and a large Arnold & Son plaque. The A&S6022 beats at 4 Hz and has a power reserve of 45 hours.
This new red gold model exudes warmth that was lacking in the previous model due to the combination of the steel case and white dial. Press photos don't tell the whole story, but the red gold and blue dial seem like a winning, albeit safe, combination. It's undoubtedly an interesting world timer watch, even if few of us are traveling the world right now.
The Arnold & Son Globetrotter Gold watch is released in a limited edition of 28 pieces, priced at 41,900 Swiss Francs. For more information, visit arnoldandson.com.