John Arnold (1736-1799) was an English watchmaker and inventor known for his pioneering work on precision timekeeping and chronometry. His legacy in the field of mechanical watchmaking has been lasting, producing portable and accurate marine chronometers that have shaped the modern mechanical watch, as well as having invented the overcoil hairspring. In 1764, Arnold presented to His Majesty King George III a quarter repeating cylinder watch mounted in a ring, earning him much renown in the world of horology, and leading to his illustrious career. Today, Arnold & Son is a Swiss watchmaking brand rooted in the history of John Arnold. As a tribute to the master horologist, their collections are centered on three pillars: world-time, chronometry, and astronomy, and seek to perpetuate Arnold’s legacy, while exploring modern ways to interpret traditional horology.

The present unique wristwatch, being sold to benefit the Horological Society of New York, is a celebration of New York City and the many collectors who live in the tri-state area. Since its founding in 1866, the Horological Society of New York’s mission has been to disseminate watchmaking knowledge throughout the United States, and this 21st century wristwatch is an artistic and technical representation of the Society’s goals and tribute to the city. The mother-of-pearl dial features one of the city’s most iconic views, the Manhattan Bridge, seen from Brooklyn’s Washington Street in DUMBO with the bridge, which opened to traffic in 1909, framed by red brick buildings capturing a dynamic urban snapshot.

The HM Horological Society New York is a wonderful example of Arnold & Sons Métiers d’Art collection, which features timepieces with finely detailed, hand-painted dials with miniature images. The images are rich in detail and demonstrate the brand’s mastery of the decorative arts. Dial fabrication begins with the theme applied with a four layer process similar to tracing paper, then the miniature painter works with a microscope and a single-hair paintbrush to add details and texture. The dial of the HM Horological Society New York is doubly unique with the addition of Super-LuminNova to color pigments applied to Manhattan Bridge and parts of Washington Street. As darkness falls, particular areas of the dial are illuminated, representing the night-time scene. The emblematic depiction is further enhanced with the white mother-of-pearl representing the daylight sky.

Inside ticks the calibre A&S 1001. Developed, decorated and assembled in La Chaux-de-Fond, it is a well-finished, ultra-slim movement with 90-hours of power reserve beating at a traditional 21,600 beats per hour.

Presented in new condition with the Arnold & Son Certificate of Guarantee and presentation box, the HM Horological Society New York is a fascinating representation of New York City, and a tribute and honour to both fine traditional watchmaking, and the Horological Society of New York.

Generously donated by Arnold & Son, this watch is being sold to benefit HSNY’s ongoing education initiatives, in support of international traveling and virtual education programs, scholarships for students of watchmaking, and awards to watchmaking schools.