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Arnold & Son’s latest DSTB editions turn precision into art, showcasing the True-Beat seconds complication proudly on the dial. With these limited releases, the collection bridges historic chronometer heritage with modern-day elegance!

Unveiled during Geneva Watch Days 2025 are two new editions of Arnold & Son’s Dial-Side True Beat (DSTB), one of Arnold & Son’s most personal collections. The new editions elevate the collection’s aesthetic presence with the new models featuring a Mint Green dial in a red gold case and a stunning Ascot Blue dial in a platinum case. Each version is limited to just 18 models, combining asymmetrical displays and mechanical sophistication with the exceptional escapement complication.

What makes the DSTB model a mechanical masterpiece? The hallmark of Arnold & Son’s DSTB collection is its “True-Beat”, which means it features a dead-beat seconds mechanism. This is where the second hand ticks once per second, much like a quartz watch, except that this movement is entirely mechanical! What makes the timepiece even more special is that this “True-Beat” mechanism is displayed on the dial itself!

This True-Beat mechanism pays homage to John Arnold’s marine chronometers, which used a one-oscillation-per-second escapement for total accuracy. Arnold & Son has taken this concept and brought it to modern-day watchmaking with a visual spectacle in the DSTB collection. By placing the entire complication dial-side, the brand not only highlights its technical mastery, but also transforms precision into art, turning a historic invention into a captivating focal point.

Case Design

In 2023, Arnold & Son gave the DSTB collection a modern update by reducing the case size from 44mm to a much more wearable 42mm size with a thickness of 12.95mm. As mentioned previously, the two new models featuring contrasting aesthetics, and in each regard is truly beautiful to look at! The first is presented in a red gold 5N case, with the second featuring a 950 platinum case. The case comes with a polished finish that enhances the luxury appeal of these watches, giving this mechanical work of art an enhanced level of elegance.

Dial Design

The two new dial options are like visual poetry. It’s certainly not easy to choose between the two dials, as the beautiful mint green is perfectly complemented by the red gold 5n bridges of the movement, and also the case. On the other hand, the platinum case and movement details provide a more “subdued” aesthetic, which fits nicely with the calm Ascot blue dial. Both dials feature a grained aesthetic that gives them added character and turns them from a simple coloured hue into something far more aesthetically appealing. Aside from the new colour additions, 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.

Movement

The movement sitting inside the DSTB collection is the automatic A&S6203 calibre. One of Arnold & Son’s most iconic movements, the A&S6203 calibre is fully developed, machined, assembled, and regulated at the manufacture. The movement is powered through a 22-carat gold oscillating weight, which delivers a 55-hour power reserve. The accuracy of the movement is also high as it beats at a high frequency of 4Hz (28,800 VpH), and naturally, drives the true-beats mechanism in 60 precise jumps per minute.

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“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.”
Arnold & Son

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With Arnold & Son choosing to position the true-beat seconds mechanism on the dial side, this means that the movement must be “crossed”, which adds an additional level of complexity to the A&S6023 calibre, which ultimately requires the creation of three specific bridges (which is what we can see on the dial). These bridges have been designed in the signature Arnold & Son style: open-worked and three-dimensional while being crafted in solid gold.

Initial Thoughts

Arnold & Son’s DSTB collection continues to embody what makes it so distinct and special in the world of haute horology. Technical ingenuity wrapped in bold aesthetic choices, the DSTB showcases the True-Beat mechanism on the dial side, showcasing that Arnold & Son doesn’t just celebrate mechanical precision, it transforms it into wearable mechanical art.

These new Mint Green and Ascot Blue editions bring a fresh new take that feels like a modern interpretation of John Arnold’s marine chronometer legacy. Limited to just 18 models for each variant, these new timepieces feel like they strike the perfect balance between exclusivity, artistry, and horological storytelling. Whether it’s the vibrant and colourful charm of the Mint Green and red gold combo, or more elegantly refined Ascot Blue with platinum, both variations reaffirm the DSTB as one of Arnold & Son’s most personal and visually distinctive collections. This is not just a watch, it’s a moving tribute to horological history, reimagined for the present day.

Specification: Arnold & Son – DSTB 42 18k 5N Red Gold (Ref. 1ATCR.F01A.C1242A)

International Recommended Retail Price: CHF 42,700

Availability: Limited to 18 models worldwide. Available through Arnold & Son boutiques. Head to ArnoldandSon.com for more information

Specification: Arnold & Son – DSTB 42 Platinum (Ref. 1ATCX.U01A.C0263X)

International Recommended Retail Price: CHF 54,600

Availability: Limited to 18 models worldwide. Available through Arnold & Son boutiques. Head to ArnoldandSon.com for more information