Arnold & Son’s Take On The Integrated Sports Watch, the new Longitude Titanium

Since joining Manufacture La Joux-Perret in 2010, Arnold & Son has been known for crafting impressive timepieces that exude elegance and sophistication. With their meticulously crafted dials, whether openworked, metiers d’art, or adorned with exquisite elements, these watches seemed almost too delicate to be subjected to anything other than adorning the wrist for a stylish – and stress-free – special occasion. Each piece, from the dial to the movement proudly displayed through the sapphire caseback, invited careful examination and appreciation.

However, with the introduction of the Longitude Titanium series, Arnold & Son ventured into the competitive market of luxury sports watches with integrated bracelets. Despite the crowded nature of this genre, the Longitude Titanium series attracts attention. It is a solid yet remarkably elegant everyday option. The initial release comprised three references, distinguished by their dial colours: ocean blue, fern green, and Kingsand gold (salmon). Having had a hands-on experience with the series, we found it to be a noteworthy take on the luxury sports watch concept. 

An original case

The Arnold & Son Longitude Titanium series, true to its name, features a titanium case, ensuring a lightweight and durable construction suitable for daily wear, and it is 100m water-resistant. While the 42.5mm diameter might raise eyebrows for some, the watch’s overall design makes it challenging to envision a smaller version, although one may already be in development (but it would need mechanical updates…) The case boasts a silhouette reminiscent of many watches with integrated bracelets, characterized by a flat middle section and short, curved lugs, ensuring a comfortable fit even on smaller wrists. Flanked by subtle guards, the crenellated screw-down crown, adorned with the brand’s anchor-and-crown log, is easy to grip and operate.

The finishes on the Longitude Titanium case are meticulously executed, with brushed surfaces dominating and polished flanks adding a touch of refinement. The 60-notches bezel incorporates both brushed and polished elements, contributing to the striking contrast created by the vertical brushing of the case surfaces. These surfaces feature shapes with gently curved lines, where each hard line seamlessly transitions into a subtle curve, a design ethos that extends to the domed bracelet links, crafted with soft curves for aesthetic appeal. 

Marine-inspired dials

A clean and legible dial is essential in a sports watch, and the Longitude Titanium series delivers precisely that, showcasing under the domed sapphire crystal finishes and execution of elements worthy of an Arnold & Son timepiece. Upon a glance, one immediately appreciates the vertical brushing on the main dial surface, complemented by the flawless lines of the concentric circles defining the recessed small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. Additionally, adorned with intricate grooves, the slightly inclined minutes ring on the dial’s periphery further enhances the presentation. The prominent satin-finished, polished, and Super-LumiNova-treated applied hour indices echo the shape of the bracelet links and ensure exceptional readability day or night alongside the broad, skeletonized hour and minute hands, also coated with luminous material.

The absence of a date indication on the Longitude Titanium model is a feature that many will surely appreciate. Interestingly, it’s worth noting that there isn’t a single reference within the current Arnold & Son collection that includes a date function – a noteworthy tidbit for enthusiasts.

The power reserve indicator positioned below the 12 o’clock mark is ingeniously designed as a cutout display with apertures of varying widths, smaller on the left and larger on the right, with an underlying plate. The lower portion of this “sandwich” is coloured blue, matching the indicator and extending the hue to the small running seconds hand and markings on the sub-dial and minutes ring for the Kingsand-coloured dial. Meanwhile, the fern green variant features a gold-coloured background for the power reserve display and matching handset and indices, and the blue dial showcases silver tones, with the blue and green versions featuring markings in white. These three distinct dial colours are achieved through PVD treatment. 

The unusually reserved (for Arnold & Son) and seemingly subdued dial of the Longitude Titanium is nicely functional, and selecting the ideal dial option is inherently subjective, as it hinges on individual taste. The salmon variant exudes a captivating trendy allure, while the green, adorned with golden accents, leans towards the luxurious side of the sports watch spectrum. Conversely, the timeless blue iteration embodies classic sophistication that promises enduring appeal and never goes out of style. Ultimately, the choice is personal preference and style sensibilities, as always.

Automatic in-house movement

As expected, the Longitude Titanium has a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback, offering a glimpse of the new self-winding A&S6302 movement, which is COSC-certified and crafted using various finishing techniques, all awaiting your admiration – and count. The palladium-treated mainplate features circular graining, while the palladium-finished bridges are polished, chamfered, and adorned with the Rayons de la Gloire pattern – radiant stripes emanating from the centre. There’s snailing and sunburst brushing, with golden wheels boasting a circular satin finish. The blued and chamfered screws have mirror-polished heads, and every component catches the light in its unique way, creating a truly mesmerizing display of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Adding to the movement’s beauty is the red-gold skeletonized rotor, engraved and shaped like the prow of an old English frigate, with graduated edges reminiscent of those found on a sextant. The A&S6302 movement operates at 28,800 vibrations/hour and has a large barrel, providing 60 hours of autonomy.

A necessary integrated bracelet (and more)

The integrated titanium bracelet of the Longitude Titanium series is created for comfort. It is polished and satin-brushed to continue the mood set by the case’s finishing and its shapes. The sporty appearance is counterbalanced by gentle curves. The practicality lies in the folding clasp and easy interchangeability with additionally supplied textured rubber straps with pin buckle closure. Options are blue and green for the moment.

Availability & Price

The new Arnold & Son Longitude Titanium ocean blue and fern green models will join the permanent collection, priced at CHF 21,500. The Kingsand-gold edition, limited to just 88 pieces, is priced at CHF 22,600 and bears a special distinction on its caseback. This variant features a unique number and an engraving commemorating the brand’s 260th Anniversary – Arnold & Son traces its heritage back to 1764, when “Arnold gains an introduction to King George III by presenting him with a ring containing a half-quarter repeater,” as stated on the brand’s website. 

Concluding Thoughts

Regarding aesthetics and quality, the new Arnold & Son series can be compared to luxury sports watches with integrated bracelets offered by several brands in today’s market, commanding similar price points. However, what sets it apart is the abundance of maritime references in the design, which adds a unique charm. Brand enthusiasts who already own one or more Arnold & Son timepieces will surely appreciate the expanse.

Moreover, considering the seemingly insatiable demand for this category, introducing an item like the Longitude Titanium presents an opportunity to attract new clientele, particularly those with a penchant for sport-chic looks. While this release marks a notable departure for Arnold & Son, the Longitude Titanium seamlessly integrates into the brand’s catalogue. Nevertheless, only time will tell if it resonates with consumers in the long run.

For additional information, visit arnoldandson.com.