Arnold & Son has just unveiled its first Baselworld preview of the year—the Instrument DSTB Steel Black Dial, which once again highlights the brand’s signature dead beat second complication. This new version comes in stainless steel, making it more accessible compared with the 2014 rose-gold edition.
The dead beat second is a distinctive complication explored by several independent watchmakers in recent years. Common in the pocket-watch era, it allows the seconds hand to advance once per second, rather than the typical 3 or 4 beats found in regular mechanical watches. From a practical standpoint, it offers a more precise reading of elapsed seconds.
To emphasize this complication, the dial features an oversized off-center seconds subdial made of transparent sapphire, allowing an unobstructed view of the exposed gear train and the hour-minute subdial positioned at 5 o’clock.
The 43.5 mm stainless-steel case houses Arnold & Son’s in-house A&S6003 movement, constructed from 229 components, beating at 28,800 vph and offering a 50-hour power reserve.
We particularly appreciate the dial’s clockwise swirling guilloché pattern, evoking a poetic metaphor of flowing time. On the back, both the movement and rotor are finished with a cool NAC grey coating, enhancing the technical aesthetic.
Limited to 250 pieces and priced at 27,900 CHF, it stands out for its excellent design and rare complication—making it a highly compelling dead beat second creation.
The Arnold & Son Instrument DSTB features a stainless-steel case measuring 43.5 mm, sapphire crystal front and back, the A&S6003 movement with 32 jewels, a 28,800 vph beat rate, 50-hour power reserve, alligator-leather strap, and 30-meter water resistance.
