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All you need to know about Steven Hale and the world of watches

Steven Hale Watch Restorations Gain Accreditation for Arnold & Son Watches

In February one of our senior watchmakers visited Switzerland for advanced training at Arnold & Son. This brand has a deep and rich heritage as well as the quality of build that we enjoy.

We are now the ONLY UK watch repair workshop accredited for the service and repair of all Arnold & Son timepieces. We thought you might like to learn a little bit more about this eclectic brand.

Swiss Watchmaking with English Roots

John Arnold was an 18th century English watchmaker renowned for his ingenuity and work on marine chronometers. He was one of the most innovative watchmakers of his day, holding patents for a Detent escapement, bimetallic balance and a helical balance spring.

John Arnold won commissions from King George III and from the Board of Longitude for some of the earliest marine chronometers ever made.

He was followed into the industry by his son, John Roger Arnold, who also became an accomplished watchmaker.

Arnold & Son Today

Arnold & Son, as we know it, was created in 1995 to perpetuate their legacy, exploring contemporary ways to interpret traditional watch craftsmanship of the highest levels.

Arnold & Son watches are now appreciated worldwide for their accuracy, reliability and ability to produce fine watchmaking complications. These include true seconds (or dead-beat seconds) – a function recalling the escapements of pendulum clocks marking out the seconds – and dual time zones driven by twin regulating organs, which hark back to the original method of maritime positioning.

Unique Style and Quality

The style of Arnold & Son timepieces is instantly recognisable. Consider the three-dimensional architecture of their movements, the late-18th-century-style cantilever balance-cocks and the George-V-style bridges. The constant quest for multiaxial symmetry and the artfully crafted guilloché dials go hand-in-hand with open worked components, from a single barrel to the full range of grande complication calibres.

Manufactured in La Chaux-de-Fonds, cradle of the Swiss watchmaking industry, Arnold & Son develops its timepieces in-house.

The House established iconic collections such as the Time Pyramid with its unique architecture, the Nebula featuring a fully skeletonized movement, the HM Perpetual Moon displaying one of the biggest moon phases on the market or the Globetrotter, impressive three-dimensional world timer.

Possession is Everything

Arnold & Son’s remarkably balanced collections are all produced in limited series and distributed around the world through carefully selected points of sale. You can find your nearest retailer here

As Swiss watches with English roots, they stand out without being ostentatious. Arnold & Son timepieces are a delight for the eyes and the mind and are aimed at customers who are looking for something unique.

Keeping your timepiece in peak condition

Of course, owning a fine timepiece comes with responsibilities. You need the very finest watchmakers to service and repair any knocks or scrapes your watch might unfortunately succumb to.

But luckily you no longer need to send your watch back to Switzerland. Steven Hale is now the ONLY UK workshop accredited for the repair and servicing of Arnold & Son watches.

Contact us now on 0208 088 6439 or email us at enquiries@shwr.co.uk

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What our customers had to say

"One of a kind"
"Excellent service on vintage watches that no one else can repair. Trained professionals, honest and knowledgeable. Thanks so much.
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Vintage Cartier – Dana G

What our customers had to say

"Outstanding"
"
I cannot rate Steven Hale highly enough. From my initial emails, right through to collecting my watch, they were extremely helpful and answered all of my many questions."

"I had my watch serviced and a significant part replaced. I had previously been told by others that the replacement part was no longer available which for a vintage and very sentimental watch was more than a little disappointing. Steven Hale very quickly informed me that this was not correct and they located the part. My watch looks absolutely incredible. It has been serviced before but never come back looking and feeling as good as it does this time. I will always use them from now on and have referred others to them as well."

Rolex datejust - katie r

What our customers had to say

"What a simple, satisfying and reassuring experience!"
"
A clear outline of the process to begin with, helpful communication along the way and an excellent outcome.The professional approach by the business was enhanced by the individual arrangements made for the transfer of my watch.In all, a really professional experience."

Rolex Oysterdate - Howard W

What our customers had to say

"Incredible restoration of my vintage watch - highly recommend!"
"
I picked up my 64 year old watch today from Steven Hale after Rolex themselves referred me. I've waited 6 months to be reunited with it (due to it being a vintage), and I am beyond chuffed! I have previously taken the watch to a specialist but was turned away due to its age. But for the first time in years, the experts at Steven Hale have made it work like new. I applaud the excellent team of knowledgeable staff both in the workshop, but also in the showroom, who explained all my options in meticulous detail. This watch has been passed down three generations and I'm so pleased to have it back in full working order. I couldn't recommend Steven Hale enough for anyone with a special vintage watch, unsure of the best place to get it restored."

Vintage Rolex - Oscar S

What our customers had to say

"For years I had been told by a succession of watch repairers that my watch was obsolete, irreparable or both. Finally I was recommended to Steven Hale. Five months later my watch is back on my wrist, as good as it ever was. I can't recommend Steven Hale highly enough."

Vintage Rolex Oyster - Nigel F

What our customers had to say

"Very happy with the communication and service received. Would recommend this company with confidence."

Dr Bakaya

What our customers had to say

"Just to confirm my Rolex has been delivered & looks absolutely spot on. I’d like to express my thanks to yourself & to all at SHWR for the excellent all round professional service - it’s been much appreciated. With your workload backlog I doubt that your Company needs any further recommendations or endorsements, but should you ever want one please don’t hesitate to contact me. With my thanks once again & my best regards."

MARTIN

What our customers had to say

"My great grand-father's Breguet was given to me by my father for my 21st birthday. 30 years later, post restoration by SHWR, it is in far better shape than I have ever seen it. SHWR's craftsmanship is immaculate. The firm is polite, professional and honest. Outstanding - I cannot recall another occasion when I have been so favourably impressed."

edward

What our customers had to say

"I have just had my 1934 Rolex Oyster repaired. From start to finish I had full confidence in every one I had contact with at Steven Hale. They have been very efficient in identifying the problems at the initial examination and dealing with them as promised. There were no nasty surprises and unexpected complications along the way. Because of the age of my watch, spares are not available, and new parts have had to be made - all very expertly done. They even polished the gold case and my 86yr old watch now looks as good as new. You can certainly trust these people with your precious timepieces."

venessa

What our customers had to say

"I had bought a 1970s Pepsi GMT at auction and it needed some work. The lume on the hands was breaking up. Rolex UK wanted some hilarious price and threatened to replace the hands with new ones if their work failed - all at my expense of course. Steven Hale and co managed to repair the hands and maintain the original patina of the 40 plus year old watch which was of course crucial! Highly recommended."

Johan

What our customers had to say

"These are watch lovers and it shows. Their meticulous craftsmanship and expertise make them unique in London and I suspect that only in Switzerland may their equivalents be found. The experience of Steven Hale Watch Restoration begins with the talented and charming individuals who are client facing in South Molton Street and who instil a confidence that is consequently fully fulfilled. This firm represents unequalled talent in its field as well as exceptional client service. I have seldom recommended anyone with greater conviction."

FRANK