Credits: Article and images by Martin Green @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/04/04/arnold-son-longitude-joins-the-integrated-bracelet-trend-and-jumps-straight-to-the-top-of-my-wishlist/
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New movement
Arnold & Son fitted the Longitude with a new caliber, A&S6302. It comes with automatic winding, a 60-hour power reserve, and COSC Chronometer certification, which Arnold & Son does not mention on the watch. As it can be admired through the sapphire insert on the caseback, you notice that the decorations are up to par, with blued screws, chamfered bridges, perlage on the main plate, and of course, the brands signature ‘Rayons de la Gloire,’ a stripped finish coming from the center of the movement.
Underscoring that the Longitude is a high-end and precious sports watch, Arnold & Son fit it with an oscillating weight made from 22K gold on which the edge is reminiscent of the bezel.
In the time of John Arnold, quite a few sailors could not swim, but Arnold & Son did not use that as a historical link to forgo making their Longitude water resistant. With a rating of up to 10 ATM/100 meters, it is also an ample performer in that area.
Not-so-integrated bracelet
As it turns out, the bracelet of the Longitude is not so integrated that it can be swapped in seconds for a strap. The way that it can change its looks is close to that of the recently launched Citizen Automatic Tsuyosa Small Seconds. While I personally prefer the look and feel of the titanium bracelet, the strap adds a certain versatility that will be appreciated.
A strap in a color complimenting the dial is added with the purchase of the Longitude.
While some will say that for sports watches with an integrated bracelet, it is best to stick to the originals, and others might prefer to obtain this look in a lower priced package, the Longitude has struck a cord with me. It is pleasantly quirky enough to remain interesting, yet smooth enough to be worn every day.
Arnold & Son has thought the watch through and through and even went through the trouble of creating a new movement for it, although they will probably also use it in other models in the future.
The titanium case is a big plus for me, as is the design of the dial, which is perfectly balanced. While Arnold & Son is following the herd with this one, they still do so on their own terms, making the Longitude a pleasant addition to this category of watches.
For more information, please visit https://arnoldandson.com/collections/Longitude
Quick Facts Arnold & Son Longitude
Case: 42.5 x 12.25 mm, titanium, 10ATM/100 meters water resistant
Movement: automatic Caliber A&S6302, 60-hour power reserve, 4Hz/28,800 VpH, 22K oscillating weight, COSC Chronometer certified
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds; power reserve
Limitation: Ocean Blue and Fern Green are not limited, Kingsand Gold is limited to 88 pieces
Price: CHF 21,500 (Ocean Blue and Fern Green) CHF 22,600 Kingsand Gold
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Credits: Article and images by Martin Green @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/04/04/arnold-son-longitude-joins-the-integrated-bracelet-trend-and-jumps-straight-to-the-top-of-my-wishlist/