It’s coming home! Horology, that is; Arnold & Son ring in their 260th anniversary by returning to London where it all started.
The watch world as we know it is typically defined by three powerhouses: Switzerland, Germany and Japan. Historically, however, watchmaking has drawn influence from across the European continent. One of its most significant contributors is the United Kingdom, which has been the birthplace of countless brands and remarkable individuals.
Chief among these brands is Arnold & Son, founded by John Arnold in 1764 and later becoming Arnold & Son in 1766 with the introduction of John Roger Arnold. Known for producing marine chronometers, and as one half of the duo credited with the invention of the tourbillon, Arnold & Son has since built a reputation on its rich heritage and keen eye for craftsmanship. While its more ostentatious pieces have earned plenty of praise, particularly here at Watch Advice, the brand also focuses on more restrained designs that align closely with its founder’s philosophies.
Debuting in 2013, the HM collection may stand for Hours and Minutes, but it also draws inspiration from the British naval prefix “His/Her Majesty’s”. As such, the HM line is indelibly connected to Arnold & Son’s relationship with Great Britain and the history of marine chronometry.
It therefore makes perfect sense that, for the brand’s 260th anniversary, Arnold & Son has chosen to pay homage to where it all began. In collaboration with The Limited Edition, the independent watch boutique, the brand has unveiled a new version of the HM that immortalises the iconic skyline of its founding city, London.
British Steel (& Gold)
Sized at 39.5mm in diameter and just 7.82mm thick, the new Arnold & Son HM London Skyline is perhaps the most elegantly proportioned watch in the brand’s current roster. Devoid of complexity, but not technicality, the watch features a sleek case profile and is available in two distinct materials.
The first, crafted in 18k red gold, is a hallmark of the Arnold & Son catalogue. The higher copper content of red gold gives it a deeper, warmer lustre without compromising the overall wearing experience. Alternatively, buyers can opt for a stainless steel case, which makes the watch noticeably lighter on the wrist.
Regardless of the material chosen, both versions are paired with a blue alligator leather strap and pin buckle, a combination that helps maximise comfort while reinforcing the watch’s refined aesthetic. Water-resistant to 30 metres, you will not find any sporting pretensions here, but that is entirely beside the point. The HM London Skyline is an elegant dress watch through and through.
London Calling
The case silhouette is fairly minimalist, as most dress watches tend to be, but the new dial is anything but. While Arnold & Son celebrates 260 years since the partnership with John Roger Arnold, the Limited Edition is simultaneously marking its tenth year as a watch retailer.
This, combined with both parties’ deep-rooted connection to London, has resulted in a watch that pays as fitting a tribute to the city as possible. The dial is set against a blue mother-of-pearl backdrop which, in my experience, evokes the look of overcast clouds — rather appropriate for London, I suppose.
Atop the mother-of-pearl surface, the watch depicts several of the heritage structures that define the city’s skyline. The most obvious landmark is Tower Bridge, positioned prominently in the foreground. Behind it, several other iconic buildings can be seen.
From left to right are the Palace of Westminster, the unmistakable silhouette of Big Ben and the imposing St Paul’s Cathedral. It is fascinating to think that, at the time Arnold & Son was founded, St Paul’s Cathedral would have been the dominant feature of London’s skyline. Well, that and the original Palace of Westminster, before much of it was destroyed by fire in 1834.
However, London’s architectural heritage does not end with these historic landmarks, as nightfall reveals. While there is very little lume on the watch itself, aside from the tips of the hands, low-light conditions reveal three additional structures synonymous with modern London. From left to right are The Gherkin at 30 St Mary Axe, the towering Shard, and the ever-popular London Eye. The only Non-modern building that also gets lit up is the clock face of Big Ben himself.
It is a thoughtful tribute to one of Europe’s oldest and most influential cities, while also highlighting the enduring legacies of both Arnold & Son and The Limited Edition.
Manual Wind Wonder
For all the attention the dial commands, turning the watch over reveals just how far Arnold & Son has gone to make the HM London Skyline as beautiful as possible. Beneath the sapphire caseback beats the Calibre A&S1001. A manual-wind movement, it operates at a comfortable 3Hz (21,600VpH) and delivers an impressive 90-hour power reserve.
A staple of the HM collection since its inception, the movement is exceptionally well finished, with Côtes de Genève radiating outwards from the escapement wheel. The overall presentation is clean, refined and perfectly suited to the watch’s elegant character.
What I particularly appreciate is Arnold & Son’s commitment to a longer power reserve. With dress watches, especially manual-wind models, it can become tiresome having to constantly wind the watch when the power reserve only stretches to around 40 hours. The Calibre A&S1001 helps alleviate that concern, making the HM London Skyline a far more convenient watch to live with on a day-to-day basis.
Is a 90-hour power reserve strictly necessary? Not really. But it is undeniably a convenience feature, and one that makes the HM London Skyline a more compelling proposition in the luxury watch market. In that respect, extended power reserves are something I would like to see more luxury watch brands embrace.
Initial Thoughts
In all the time I’ve written for Watch Advice, I’ve never personally had the pleasure of covering an Arnold & Son watch. That task usually goes to Sam, who is a massive fan of the brand alongside Breguet. Fitting, given the well-documented friendship between both brands’ founders. But when the opportunity came up to cover this watch for Métiers d’Art week, I simply could not pass it up.
My mind is still filled with memories from a trip I made to London last year. Seeing that iconic skyline in person, from the top of the London Eye, is something I will forever treasure. The new Arnold & Son HM London Skyline doesn’t just evoke those memories, it also underscores just how important the city has been to both the brand and The Limited Edition boutique.
With only 20 pieces available, it will certainly be a mad scramble to secure one. But if London’s calling, you do not hang up.
Reference & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | HM London Skyline |
| Dimensions | 39.5mm case diameter x 7.82mm thickness |
| Case | 18k red gold / stainless steel |
| Dial | Blue mother-of-pearl with London Skyline illustration |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Caseback | Open, sapphire |
| Movement | Manual wind Cal. A&S1001 |
| Power Reserve | 90h |
| Beat Rate | 3Hz / 21,600VpH |
| Water Resistance | 30m / 3bar |
| Strap/Bracelet | Blue alligator leather strap with red gold / steel pin buckle |