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Arnold & Son - John Arnold’s 23/78 Chronometer Sets a World Record at Sotheby’s Auction

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Published
07/22/2016 by

A testament to the ingenuity of one of the greatest watchmakers that ever lived: On the 7th of July 2016 in London during the second part of Sotheby’s series of auctions dedicated entirely to English Watchmaking, a new world record was set for a John Arnold chronometer, fetching £557,000 GBP ($722,318 USD), more than multiple times its original estimate.

Completed in 1781, the John Arnold pocketwatch numbered 23/78 is unique for a number of reasons. It features several inventions by John Arnold and other outstanding features including a pivoted detent escapement with a “double S” balance, a cylindrical balance spring, and a clever temperature compensation mechanism.

Furthermore, it is the only known example to have survived in its exact original condition without ever having undergone any restoration, with all parts including the silver case, enamel dial and movement perfectly intact and untouched. This extraordinary result achieved at Sotheby’s auction is an attestation to the pivotal role John Arnold played in advancing precision chronometry.

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