In a bold exhibition of haute horlogerie, independent Swiss watchmaker Armin Strom has revealed three striking limited edition timepieces that showcase the brand's technical prowess and distinctive design language. All three timepieces exemplify Armin Strom's philosophy of "the Science of Movement," blending traditional Swiss-German watchmaking with innovative open-worked design.
The Orbit Purple: Redefining the Date Complication
Armin Strom has reimagined the humble date function with the introduction of the Orbit Purple, the world's first on-demand pointer-date on a bezel. Unlike conventional date displays that continuously show the calendar day, the Orbit Purple only reveals the date when summoned by the wearer, creating a more intentional relationship with time.
The timepiece features a captivating purple fumé off-centre dial that transitions from a vibrant center to darker edges, drawing the eye inward. This dramatic colour gradient is complemented by a matching purple date pointer and corresponding date markers on the ceramic bezel. These vivid elements stand in striking contrast against the black DLC-coated stainless steel case and rugged textile strap.
Powered by the in-house Calibre ASS20, this automatic movement boasts a column-wheel date-on-demand mechanism, a patented equal force barrel, and an impressive 72-hour power reserve. The movement operates at 3.5Hz (25,200 vph) and comprises 273 components, all hand-finished to haute horlogerie standards.
Measuring 43.4mm in diameter with a height of 12.6mm, the Orbit Purple makes a substantial presence on the wrist. Limited to just 20 pieces worldwide, this extraordinary timepiece is priced at CHF 36,000.
The Dual Time GMT Resonance - Manufacture Edition: Mechanical Symphony
For the discerning traveler with an appreciation for mechanical artistry, Armin Strom presents the Dual Time GMT Resonance - Manufacture Edition Black. This sophisticated timepiece marks a significant technical achievement with its ARF22 caliber, the brand's 18th in-house movement.
The watch's defining feature is its patented resonance clutch mechanism, where two independent balance wheels synchronize their oscillations through a sophisticated system. This horological phenomenon allows the two oscillators to regulate each other for enhanced chronometric stability, even against everyday shocks and impacts.
The ARF22 caliber comprises 231 meticulously crafted components and operates at 3.5 Hz (25,200 vibrations per hour), delivering a 42-hour power reserve. The movement features two independent regulating systems connected by a resonance clutch spring, representing the pinnacle of the brand's technical innovation.
The Manufacture Edition's elegant monochrome aesthetic serves as a deliberate backdrop to showcase hundreds of hand-decorated components. The black grenage dial with black azurage chapter rings and applied polished indexes creates a sophisticated canvas, while the rhodium-plated, faceted, and polished hands provide perfect legibility against the dark background. The polished and blackened steel day/night discs add another layer of functional sophistication.
From a functional perspective, the GMT configuration features two independent time displays, each with its own day/night indicator. A distinctive advantage of this system is the ability to set time zones that deviate from standard GMT by fractional hours—a practical consideration for travelers to regions with unconventional time differences.
Housed in a stainless steel case measuring 39mm in diameter and 9.05mm in height, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 44.50mm, the watch exhibits more restrained proportions than its purple counterpart. The glossy taupe alligator strap adds a subtle touch of warmth to the otherwise monochromatic palette, secured by a stainless steel pin buckle. The watch features a sapphire crystal and case back with anti-reflective treatment and offers water resistance to 5 ATM.
Limited to 50 pieces worldwide, the Dual Time GMT Resonance Manufacture Edition Black is priced at CHF 95,000, positioning it as the most exclusive piece in this trio of new releases.
The One Week Titanium Skeleton: Mechanical Transparency
Completing the trio of new releases is the One Week Titanium Skeleton, a masterclass in the art of skeletonization that pays homage to the brand's founder, Armin Strom, who was known for his expertise in this traditional technique. This latest iteration takes the openworking philosophy further than the 2023 predecessor, removing additional material to showcase the intricate mechanics within.
Housed in a lightweight yet robust Grade 5 titanium case measuring 41mm in diameter and 10.6mm in height, the timepiece achieves a remarkable balance of visual presence and wearability. The fully integrated titanium bracelet with a double-folding clasp enhances the contemporary aesthetic while offering exceptional comfort on the wrist.
The skeletonisation extends throughout the watch, with even the small seconds dial opened up to reveal both the power reserve level and the animated escapement wheel beneath. Similarly, the mainplate and barrels have been artfully skeletonized, highlighting the conical power reserve mechanism reminiscent of historical pocket watches.
Also Read: Armin Strom: One Week Manufacture Edition
At the heart of this mechanical marvel beats the in-house ARM21-S caliber, a manual-winding movement that delivers an impressive 7-day power reserve. Operating at 3.5 Hz (25,200 vph), the movement consists of 194 components and 35 jewels, each meticulously hand-finished to haute horlogerie standards.
With water resistance rated to 10 ATM, the One Week Titanium Skeleton offers practical functionality alongside its artistic execution. The rhodium-plated, faceted hands and indexes are filled with Super-LumiNova for optimal legibility in all lighting conditions.
Limited to 100 pieces worldwide, the One Week Titanium Skeleton is priced at CHF 39,000, positioning it between its two siblings in Armin Strom's latest collection.
Images courtesy: Armin Strom
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