Arnold & Son doubles production

Executive Vice President, Phillipe Boven, discussed the expansion of the quintessentially British brand and the company’s recent developments, including its latest inventive selection of timepieces, during the 2015 edition of Baselworld. Arnold & Son enjoyed a larger display area at this year’s exciting industry event, where it debuted ground-breaking novelties, among them the widely-lauded Constant Force Tourbillon and the fascinating Golden Wheel

Precision chronometry was taken to the next level by Arnold & Son this year with its Constant Force Tourbillon from the brand’s acclaimed Royal Collection. This incredible timepiece includes a patented constant force device with 60-second tourbillon and true beat seconds. Boasting symmetrical movement architecture, the Constant Force Tourbillon’s mechanical hand-crafted in-house calibre assures consistent output, and subsequently, higher precision. Meanwhile, the Golden Wheel, another highlight from Arnold & Son’s 2015 selection, is from the Instrument Collection and is distinguished for its unique three-dimensional interpretation of the ancient wandering hours complication that has origins in table clocks of the mid-17th century – a clear tribute to the brand’s founder and namesake, clockmaker John Arnold, who is renowned for his game-changing creations that attracted the attention of, and won praise from British royalty and international nobility.

The other novelties introduced at the 2015 Baselworld include a new TBTE Tourbillon, a new TEC1 reference, a new edition of the DSTB (Dial Side True Beat), and a “Metiers D’Art” piece – HM Goats. Interpreting traditional Chinese artistry through time-honoured Haute Horlogerie aesthetics, the special edition HM Goats is an ode to the Chinese Year of the Goat. Mr. Boven briefly spoke about the reaction to Arnold & Son’s 2015 novelties, talked about the brand’s calculated approach to growth and expansion and significantly revealed that Arnold & Son had doubled its production during an exclusive sit-down with ‘Day & Night’ magazine.

Every Arnold & Son timepiece has a unique calibre, why isn’t the same calibre used in more than one watch?
We have the production facilities to accommodate one of our primary visions, which is to ensure that all of our timepieces possess their own special calibres.

In 2013, you were developing around 500 timepieces; has that figure increased?
Yes, we have since doubled our production, and are now producing approximately 1,000 pieces. We have a large and dynamic Manufacture, with around 170 employees, which has made this increase possible.

Arnold & Son only opened its first American boutique in 2012; why did it take so long for the brand to enter that significant market?
The main reason why it took so long, was because we were essentially not ready to enter the market in the United States. Production, strategy, and the fact that the brand halted all of its operations for a point of time over 15 years ago, contributed to the delay of our entry in the American market. Our first locations were the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Asia, and we opened our first American subsidiary when we felt truly prepared to cater to that market. We now have approximately ten points of sale in the American market. The number of points of sale in the American market is also set to increase over the coming years and we have seen a lot of success, and demand for the brand is growing steadily.

Compared to last year, what is different about your stand at Baselworld 2015?
Size-wise, the stand has doubled, so we have more display space and more rooms to accommodate our guests. We are very happy with the location and the large size of the booth this year.

How well are the novelties being received?
The reactions to the collections are very positive. The novelties embody the DNA of the brand perfectly and the timepieces are therefore being very well-received. We just need to ensure that we continue to increase the awareness of the brand, and open many more points of sale for Arnold & Son across the world.

What steps are being taken to increase brand visibility and awareness?
Different strategies are being applied and combined. We are aiming to continue building brand knowledge through advertising, marketing, new points of sale, and hopefully through more retailers. We are also closely working with organisers for various events involving collectors, in addition to other prominent industry events.

Which timepieces do you anticipate will be most successful this year?
I think, considering its performance last year, the Time Pyramid will continue to be a successful Arnold & Son creation. I anticipate that the Golden Wheel will be a talking piece this year; and, because so few are being crafted and it is a completely new concept from the brand, the Constant Force Tourbillon should be quite a popular novelty. This product is very sophisticated and it includes so many appealing complications and I do believe that it will be a very big success.

For more information regarding Arnold & Son’s 2015 novelties, pick up your copy of the 2015 Middle East Watches – a comprehensive guide to the most important luxury timepieces that have been launched this year.