TB88

The Arnold & Son 5003 calibre enables us to relive the great English tradition of marine chronometers at the scale of a wristwatch. This haute horlogerie manufacture movement combines English accuracy, technicality and optics. Its unique architecture places itself above the crowd, primarily by its perfect “four-leafed clover” or “double eight” symmetry, which gives the piece its name “TB88”.The initials “TB” refer to “true beat” or “dead beat” complication. This timekeeper is therefore able to show true seconds, “beating” only on each full second. This display is obtained via a sophisticated independent-pallet mechanical system with a ruby pallet stone, which can be seen on the back of the movement.The movement is “inverted” and has been designed in such a way that the gear train, the regulating organ and the two barrels may be appreciated on the dial side. Each of the pivoting elements has its own bridge, beautifully hand-chamfered and polished, bringing the number of bridges on the plate to sixteen. This type of complex construction and the shape of all the parts have been inspired by the English and are the same as those used by John Arnold and his son in their historical marine chronometers and timekeepers. The two series-mounted barrels ensure a minimum power reserve of 100 hours and are placed opposite the balance with screws and Breguet spring on the right and the “true beat” seconds display on the left.The TB88 is housed in a 18-carat rose gold case measuring 46 millimeters in diameter, which is water-resistant to 30 meters and secured to the wearer's wrist by a hand-stitched black alligator leather strap.