World Time Globetrotter 42 Stainless Steel 1WTBS.K01A.C0263S

A bridge across the world

In memory of those heroic times when explorers set out to discover the world clutching maps and chronometers, Arnold & Son presents a new version of its famous Globetrotter, a contemporary timekeeping instrument dedicated to the modern traveler. Revisited in size and functionality, the resulting Globetrotter 42 Steel has been finely reworked to offer dimensions that are more in line with modern wearing practices. Its 42 mm diameter steel case appears all the more balanced with its new thickness of just 15 mm, while the exceptional construction of its dial has been retained.

This ultra-graphic dial has also undergone subtle changes that have made it visually more striking and technically even more effective for international travel. The structure retains its famous, delicately curved arched bridge – crafted from steel and worked by hand –which can be considered the signature feature of the collection. The bridge demarcates the hours of the day and night on the 24-hour bezel ring and, with the ruby set in its centre, holds in place the dome representing the northern hemisphere as seen from the North Pole. On the dome, the metallic continents, which have been sunray-brushed to accentuate their relief, stand out clearly and strikingly against the oceans depicted in blue or green depending on the model.

Another notable change made by the watch developers at Arnold & Son to this mobile dome – which rotates once every 24 hours and enables world time to be displayed – is the addition of a ring around its perimeter bearing the names of twelve reference cities. Each of these cities, from both the northern and southern hemispheres, is symbolised by its code placed opposite its location on the map. These indicators are intended to give texture to the planisphere and allow the user to instinctively visualise the time in the location of their choice, as it is read opposite the 24-hour transferred numerals on the fixed ring of the local time dial, which itself is read using the two arrows that peak out from under the world map.

Like all movements bearing the Arnold & Son signature, it was entirely developed, produced, decorated, assembled, adjusted and cased up at the Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Visible through the transparent sapphire crystal case back, the A&S6122 calibre features an engraved and finely openworked oscillating weight and is decorated with the traditional motifs of fine watchmaking. Its main plate is circular-grained, its bridges display radiating Côtes de Genève stripes, the wheels are satin-finished and the screws are chamfered and polished. It should be noted that its palladium coating offers a particularly interesting light-grey finish that perfectly complements the cases of the models it powers. These watches, with their sophisticated graphics and practical features for travellers, are worn on alligator leather straps in ‘ink’ blue or ‘Cornwall’ green depending on the model, and are fastened on the wrist with a classic stainless-steel pin buckle bearing the brand’s emblem.