Beating out a new rhythm
The true-beat seconds function is characteristic of the instruments that John Arnold supplied to the Royal Navy. Their escapement used to beat at one oscillation per second, naturally indicated by a sweep-seconds hand. This explicit function inspired Arnold & Son to create one of its most iconic complications: ‘True Beat’, also known as deadbeat seconds. The distinctive feature of the DSTB collection is that it displays this mechanism in full on the dial, hence the ‘Dial-Side True Beat’ name, delivering watchmaking, design and spectacle all in one.
Technical Specifications
Functions
Movement
- Calibre:
- A&S6203 (view calibre)
- Jewels:
- 32
- Diameter:
- 33.00 mm
- Thickness:
- 5.54 mm
- Power reserve:
- 55 hours
- Frequency:
- 4 Hz / 28,800 vph
Dial
Subdial
Case
- Material:
- platinum (Pt950)
- Diameter:
- 42 mm
- Thickness:
- 12.95 mm
- Crystal:
- domed sapphire with an anti-reflective coating on both sides
- Back:
- sapphire crystal, with an anti-reflecting coating
- Water resistance:
- 3 bar (30 metres/100 feet)
Strap
- Material:
- ink blue alligator leather, hand-stitched
- Buckle:
- pin buckle, platinum (Pt 950)
Special features
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Gallery
A precise jump
All true-beat seconds require a dedicated mechanism. No wristwatch escapement naturally beats at the rate of one oscillation per second, a frequency designed for certain large-format clocks. The A&S6203 calibre functions at 4 Hz or eight oscillations per second. Creating a seconds hand that jumps from one index to the next requires a dedicated mechanism, similar to an escapement. Developed in-house by Arnold & Son watchmakers and reserved for this collection, the mechanism is fully displayed on the dial side in tribute to the groundbreaking advances that John Arnold brought to marine chronometry.
True to history
This true-beat seconds mechanism is showcased in a manner befitting its historical importance for Arnold & Son. Choosing to position it on the dial side means the movement must be crossed, adding an additional level to the A&S6203 calibre and requiring the creation of three specific bridges. They are designed in harmony with the Arnold & Son style. Openwork and three-dimensional, they are crafted in solid gold.
On these bridges, the seconds hand follows the track stretching between 9 and 12 o’clock, providing balance opposite an off-centred hours and minutes dial in white opal at 5 o’clock. This layout reflects an intentional aesthetic choice, rather than merely a contrived offsetting of the movement, as indicated by the crown, which remains at 3 o’clock
A meticulous hand
The operation of the true-beat seconds mechanism – even, steady, aesthetically pleasing – can be clearly seen. The counterweight of this quasi-escapement takes the form of an anchor, the foundational symbol of Arnold & Son. It moves in time with the calibre, precisely orchestrating the motion of the long, fine seconds hand.
The DSTB 42 is one of Arnold & Son’s most iconic lines and is based on the A&S6203 calibre, fully developed, machined, assembled and regulated at the Manufacture. This self-winding movement is powered by a 22-carat gold oscillating weight and offers a 55-hour power reserve. It beats at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour and, naturally, drives its true-beat seconds in 60 precise jumps per minute.
