Since joining the La Joux-Perret manufacture in 2010, Arnold & Son has been known as a producer of impressive watches exuding elegance and sophistication.
These watches, with their meticulously designed dials, skeletonized styles, metiers d’art elements, or exquisite embellishments, seem too delicate to be worn solely as wrist adornments for special stylish occasions. Every detail, from the dial to the mechanism proudly displayed through the sapphire case back, demanded thorough study and evaluation.
However, with the introduction of the Longitude Titanium series, Arnold & Son has entered the competitive market of luxury sports watches with integrated bracelets. Despite the crowded genre, the Longitude Titanium series garners attention. It is a robust yet surprisingly elegant everyday option.
The initial release included three references, differing in dial color: ocean blue, fern green, and Kingsand gold (salmon). Upon reviewing this series, we concluded that it represents a noteworthy embodiment of the luxury sports watch concept.
Original Case
True to its name, the Arnold & Son Longitude Titanium series features a titanium case, ensuring lightweight and durable construction suitable for daily wear, with a water resistance of 100 meters. While the 42.5mm diameter may puzzle some, the overall watch design doesn’t allow imagining a more compact version, although one might be in development (requiring mechanical updates...)
The case has a silhouette reminiscent of many watches with integrated bracelets, characterized by a flat midsection and short curved lugs, offering a comfortable fit even on small wrists. The screw-down crown, adorned with the brand's signature anchor and crown, is easily grasped and operated with thin protective elements.
The finish of the Longitude Titanium case is done with particular care: matte surfaces dominate, while polished sides add sophistication. The 60-notch bezel includes both matte and polished elements, creating a striking contrast through the vertical matte finish of the case surfaces.
These surfaces have gently curved lines where every hard line seamlessly transitions into a fine curve. This design principle extends to the bracelet's domed links, crafted with soft curves for aesthetic appeal.
Marine-Inspired Dials
A clean and legible dial is crucial for sports watches, and the Longitude Titanium series provides just that, showcasing under the sapphire dome the finish and execution of elements worthy of Arnold & Son watches.
At first glance, the main dial immediately catches the eye with vertical matte patterns, complemented by immaculate concentric circle lines defining the recessed small seconds dial at the “6 o’clock” position. Additionally, the slightly inclined minute ring on the dial's periphery, adorned with intricate grooves, further enhances the impression.
Prominent matte, polished, and Super-LumiNova-treated applied hour markers mirror the shape of the bracelet links and provide exceptional readability day and night, alongside broad skeletonized hour and minute hands also covered with luminous material.
The absence of a date indicator in the Longitude Titanium model is a feature many will surely appreciate. Interestingly, there is no reference with a date function in Arnold & Son’s current collection - a noteworthy fact for enthusiasts.
The power reserve indicator, located below the “12 o’clock” mark, is uniquely executed with a cut-out display featuring apertures of varying widths, smaller on the left and larger on the right, with a plate beneath them. The lower part of this “sandwich” is painted blue, matching the indicator and extending to the small running seconds hand and markers on the sub-dial and minute ring of the Kingsand-colored dial.
Meanwhile, in the fern green variant, the power reserve indicator, hands, and indices are executed in gold, and the blue dial is rendered in silver tones, with the markings in the blue and green versions done in white. These three different dial colors are achieved through PVD coating.
Unusually restrained (for Arnold & Son) and seemingly subdued, the Longitude Titanium dial stands out for its good functionality, and choosing the perfect dial option is inherently subjective, as it depends on individual taste.
The salmon variant exudes captivating fashionable appeal, while the green one, adorned with golden accents, leans towards the luxurious side of the sports watch spectrum. Conversely, the timeless blue version embodies classic sophistication, promising to remain enduring and never go out of style. Ultimately, the choice, as always, remains a matter of personal preference and sense of style.
In-House Automatic Movement
As expected, the Longitude Titanium features an exhibition case back of sapphire glass, allowing a view of the new A&S6302 automatic movement, COSC-certified and executed with various finishing techniques awaiting your admiration - and account.
The main plate with palladium treatment has circular graining, while the palladium-finished bridges are polished, beveled, and adorned with the Rayons de la Gloire pattern - radiant stripes emanating from the center. Snail and sunburst brushing, as well as gold wheels with circular satin finishing.
Blued screws with beveled heads have mirror polishing, and each element reflects light in its own way, creating a truly mesmerizing spectacle of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The movement’s beauty is enhanced by a skeletonized rose gold rotor, engraved in the shape of the bow of an old English frigate, with graduated edges reminiscent of sextant edges. The A&S6302 movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and is equipped with a large barrel providing a 60-hour power reserve.
Essential Integrated Bracelet (and More)
The integrated titanium bracelet of the Longitude Titanium series is designed for comfort. It is polished and satin-finished to continue the mood set by the case’s finish and shapes. The sporty look is balanced by soft curves. Practicality lies in the folding clasp and easy interchangeability with textured rubber straps with a pin buckle, available as an additional option. Currently, blue and green colors are available.
Availability and Price
The new Arnold & Son Longitude Titanium models in ocean blue and fern green will enter the permanent collection at a price of 21,500 Swiss francs. The Kingsand gold edition, limited to only 88 pieces, costs 22,600 Swiss francs and features a special distinction on the case back.
This variant has a unique number and an engraving dedicated to the 260th anniversary of the brand - Arnold & Son traces its history back to 1764, when “Arnold managed to gain an audience with King George III by gifting him a ring featuring a quarter repeater,” as stated on the brand’s website.
Final Thoughts
In terms of aesthetics and quality, the new Arnold & Son series can be compared to luxury sports watches with integrated bracelets offered by several brands on the contemporary market at a similar price. However, they are distinguished by an abundance of nautical references in the design, which gives them a unique charm.
Fans of the brand who already own one or more Arnold & Son watches will undoubtedly appreciate this wealth.
Moreover, considering the seemingly insatiable demand for this category, the emergence of a model like Longitude Titanium offers an opportunity to attract new customers, especially those inclined towards sporty chic.
Although this release marks a notable departure from Arnold & Son's traditions, the Longitude Titanium fits seamlessly into the brand’s catalog. Nonetheless, only time will tell if it finds resonance with consumers in the long term.
Additional information can be found at arnoldandson.com.