Arnold & Son, an English watch brand founded in 1764, has incorporated an unearthly component to its latest timepiece in its True Moon Collection: The True Moon Meteorite watch. Plainly visible is a dial comprised of rare meteorite matter retrieved from the Arizona dessert. The meteorite plummeted to earth thousands of years ago. This meteorite material has a high concentration of iron making it extremely hard. The 46mm wide case is available in steel or 18k red gold with matching hands and hour markers as well as a matching earth orb at the 12 'o'clock position. The moon phase appears at the 6 'o'clock position indicating the true phase of the moon, which is a cycle of 29 days, 12 hours and 44 minutes. A tiny date indicator is nestled at the 3 'o'clock position. This automatic calibre A1788 movement keeps perfect time.Arnold & Son brings longstanding tradition into the manufacturing of this timepiece. After all this company has been in business since 1764 when John Arnold set up shop in Strand, London. The company was highly regarded in society and its timepieces were treasures given as gifts to kings and princes. King George III received a minute repeater-ring gift. The company joined the Longitude Act Competition. A fascinating historical competition about which I have written in depth.
Arnold & Sons co-wins the competition. In the 1770's Arnold's Son , John Roger, joins the company. He studies with his father's good friend A.L. Breguet. Responsible for the invention of the detent escapement as well as the manufacturer of the first pocket chronometer - N° 36, Arnold and Son becomes the leading supplier to the Royal Navy.
Arnold and Son chronometers assisted many British explorers, such as Cook, Phipps, Dr Livingston, John Franklin and Sir Ernest Shackleton to name just a few, on their expeditions.
To wear an Arnold and Son True Moon Meteorite timepiece is to wear a timepiece fusing the history of the earth with the history of man.
