Resetting an Arduino with a timer I want to run an Arduino autonomously - but although I apply a watchdog sometimes the systems hangs and can only be restarted by physically interrupting the power-supply (or hitting reset). So I need an external source to do that either after x hrs or based on a condition. 

Instead of using another Arduino with a MOSFET or relay I am asking myself if this couldn't be done smarter with a pure electronic component like a timer or a capacitor. I could set a pin of the Arduino on high while it is active and let this charge a capacitor or something similar - if the time/energy exceeds a certain amount (because it hangs) this would connect the reset-pin of the Arduino to ground. 

Any idea how this could be achieved and what component should be used?
The following 555 circuit will produce a 170 ms low-going pulse every 24.2 hours.  You can adjust the values of the components using this calculator if you want different timing parameters.



Since the reset line of a microcontroller is configured for open-drain (meaning you can connect several inputs to it, which is a good thing since we are taking advantage of that), we need to drive it with a open-drain output.  That is what the buffer on the bottom of the circuit is for, to convert the push-pull output of the 555 to open-drain.  A typical buffer is one section of a 7407.