Arnold & Son HMS1 Guilloche
The Arnold & Son HMS1 Guilloche, presented in 18-carat rose gold, features an interesting dial which provides welcome cheer during cold and wet winter months.
Arnold & Son HMS1 Guilloche – a watch perpetually in bloom
It has been a very wet winter in my native England. Looking out of my office window, the trees are absent of foliage and there is a ubiquitous sense of grey. I yearn for spring to arrive and to experience the sight of bright flowers bursting with colour.
Nevertheless, I recently discovered a watch which resembles a blooming flower, evoking happiness courtesy of its silvery-white guilloché dial. This version of the Arnold & Son HMS1, presented in 18-carat rose gold, features a flinqué decoration similar to opening petals, bursting with life. I have previously reviewed the HMS 1 with a cream dial in 2013, but this guilloché dial version is relatively new, released only a few months ago.
Arnold & Son HMS1 Guilloche dial
The hour and minute hands, in common with other Arnold & Son HMS1 models, are narrower near the central axis and feature pronounced pointing tips that tastefully employ curving lines. The character of the hands is very traditional and they prove simple to read.
A small seconds display resides at 6 o’clock, framed with a golden border and incorporating a smooth centre. A series of wave-like patterns emanate from the centre, dissecting the dial into 24 sections. Each arcing line meets its neighbouring counterpart, replicating the same pattern splendidly. Contrasting areas of light and shade grant an exquisite display provided by this classical motif.
Encircling the dial is a minute track featuring satiné circulaire. The hour markers, with their tapering shape, are faceted and applied, once again, manipulating light to a wondrous effect. Arnold & Son has also released an 18-carat white gold version adorned with an alternative guilloché pattern that also demonstrates the Maison’s exceptional skills. However, my serendipitous encounter with the rose gold version makes this my favourite model.
Arnold & Son HMS1 Guilloche case
The slender case of the Arnold & Son HMS1 Guilloche displays a quiet demeanour, providing an unassuming foil for the dial to work its magic. The case diameter of 40mm is relatively discreet and the lugs arc downwards near their extremities, encouraging the strap to envelop the wrist.
The case band is angled inwards as it approaches the case back, affording a sense of neatness. The knurled grip of the crown is stepped away from the case band, aiding adjustment.
Arnold & Son HMS1 Guilloche Calibre A&S1001
The movement, the Calibre A&S1001, is freely disclosed via an exhibition case back. On this version of the HMS1, Côtes de Genève rayonnantes adorn the bridges, unlike the aforementioned cream dial version of the HMS1 where straight Geneva Stripes feature. The decoration of the movement on the HMS1 Guilloché seems perfectly attuned to the dial design, repeating the arching forms widely used.
High-end finishing of the movement, typical of haute horlogerie, includes hand-chamfered bridges with gleaming bevels, blued screws and circular graining.
Arnold & Son HMS1 Guilloche – closing thoughts
Over the years, I have been dazzled by the technical prowess of Arnold & Son and mesmerised by its complicated watches, many of which feature unusual dial layouts. However, in this instance, it is the Arnold & Son HMS1 Guilloche with its limited inventory of functions that has captured my imagination.
The combination of the guilloché, together with other dial details, captures light and delivers a luxurious mien. The design language appears to replicate nature with petal-like forms and provides temporary respite from the inclement wintry weather. Indeed, with its finely executed hand-wound movement, this really is a marvellous watch.
Technical Specification
- Model: Arnold & Son HMS1 Guilloche
- Reference: 1LCAP.S10A.C110A
- Case: 18-carat rose gold; diameter 40.00 mm; case height 7.68 mm; water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres); sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; subsidiary seconds.
- Movement: Calibre A&S1001, manual-winding; frequency 21,600 vph (3 Hz); 21 jewels; power reserve 90 hours.
- Strap: Brown alligator leather strap on 18-carat gold pin buckle