The Arnold & Son DBG, or Double Balance GMT, is quite practical and stylish. It has two dials, with a different timezone on each, which makes it a wonderful watch for anyone who travels. Within the main dial are two distinctly different dials – one with Roman numerals and skeletonized hands, and the other with Arabic numerals and filled in hands - making it easy to remember which is which. They share a centrally located seconds hand; and a smaller, synchronized 24 hour dial with two hands – each reflecting the dial that they indicate – which shows AM & PM for each of the timezones. There is a clear section in the lower part of the main dial, offering a look at the double balance wheels - the uniquely harmonic “heart beat” of the watch.
This offering from Arnold & Son contains the A&S1209 manually wound movement, with 40 hour power reserve, running at 3Hz. The two dials each have their own independent gear train, and a single winding system and mainspring that they share; meaning that the time for each dial is totally independently set, with a crown on each side of the watch. Unlike most dual timezone watches, the minutes of the different timezones do not have to be set at the minute same – each time can be set to whatever time you'd like, which makes the DBG stand out from the rest. Each time dial is very easy to read, with rich detailing and lack of reflective surfaces: thanks to the AR-coated sapphire crystal. The design of the watch is quite practical, with the rest of the space on the watch face is also filled with useful information, unlike many other two dial, dual timezone watches.
The Arnold & Son DBG collection is available in both steel (retails at $28,000) and 18k rose gold (priced at $42,500). It is 44mm wide and only 3.9 mm thick, so it will slide under your shirt sleeve comfortably and easily. It also has a quite comfortable, fitted alligator band. This watch has a beautiful look and style - with its array of textures and finishes and stunning symmetry - which will make you want to look at the watch, even when you're not checking the time. While it has quite a unique design, it still offers a traditional look and feel, making it a good choice for any experienced watch lover.
