Arnold & Son presents two new evocative versions of its ultra-thin HM model, featuring dials crafted from Namibian pietersite. Often called the "stone of storms," this decorative mineral belongs to the chalcedony family and was first discovered by Sid Pieters in the early 1960s. Each unique dial displays delicate, swirling patterns that recall the turbulent skies and foaming waves of Cornwall, the English birthplace of founder John Arnold. This design pays tribute to the ingenuity of the legendary watchmaker while celebrating the spirit of those who maintain their course in a challenging world.

The designation "HM" was intentionally chosen to reflect the watch's focus on displaying only hours and minutes, while simultaneously serving as a historical nod to the British Royal Navy. In naval tradition, HM stands for "His or Her Majesty’s," a title that appeared in the 17th century and was later formalized as HMS. By transposing this reference to watchmaking, Arnold & Son connects the precision of modern horology with England's maritime history, specifically the era when John Arnold’s marine chronometers enabled the exploration of new lands.

Encased in a choice of 18-carat red gold or stainless steel, the HM Pietersite is a masterpiece of elegance and restraint. The case measures a refined 39.5 mm in diameter with a remarkably slim profile of just 7.82 mm. To complement the dreamlike, diaphanous patterns of the pietersite dial, the timepiece is paired with a matte ink-blue alligator leather strap and a traditional pin buckle crafted from the same metal as the case. These limited editions are produced in extremely small quantities, with only 8 pieces available in red gold and 18 in steel.

At the heart of this timepiece lies the ultra-thin, in-house A&S1001 manual-winding calibre. Visible through a sapphire crystal case back, the movement is a showcase of luxury finishing, featuring a rhodium-plated main plate with circular graining and bridges adorned with radiating Côtes de Genève. Despite its slender height of only 2.70 mm, the movement offers exceptional performance with a generous 90-hour power reserve. Every detail, from the snail-finished wheels to the blued screws with polished heads, reflects the most exacting standards of Swiss watchmaking.

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The "Midnight Purple" story continues at Armin Strom with a bold new chapter. This distinctive colour, deeply rooted in the history of the independent manufacture and inherited from founder Armin Strom himself, now extends beyond the dial and into the movement itself. Expressed through the newly released Orbit Midnight Purple, the signature midnight purple fumé dial remains at the centre of the composition, paired for the first time with a frosted midnight purple mainplate beneath to strengthen the visual connection between display and mechanics.

Powering the watch is the manufacture Calibre ASS20, developed and produced entirely in-house around the world's first on-demand date display on a ceramic bezel. This innovative mechanism rethinks the relationship between wearer and complication by displaying the date only when requested. Activated by a pusher at 10 o'clock, the date hand moves from its neutral position to indicate the current date on the bezel and advances automatically at midnight. A second press returns it discreetly to 12 o'clock, leaving the dial free from unnecessary information.

Beyond its avant-garde functionality, the timepiece focuses heavily on exceptional visual details. Hand-polished steel hands and applied hour markers are filled with Super-LumiNova®, complemented by signature numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock crafted from solid Super-LumiNova® blocks that create a striking visual presence after dark. Housed in a 43.4 mm stainless steel case framed by a black ceramic bezel, the timepiece is completed by a fully integrated stainless steel bracelet, delivering a cohesive fusion of modern sports-luxury and unique aesthetics.

Visible through the sapphire crystal and caseback, the movement highlights Armin Strom's dedication to transparent mechanics and haute horlogerie finishing. The purple mainplate creates a distinctive visual foundation, contrasting with rhodium-coated components and hand-finished finger bridges, while hand-polished bevels, perlage, and circular graining enrich every surface. To ensure both mechanical precision and finishing excellence, each watch is assembled twice. Limited to just 20 pieces worldwide, the Orbit Midnight Purple is one of the most recognisable and collectible expressions of the System 78 collection to date.
 

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