MIRRORED FORCE RESONANCE GUILLOCHÉ DIAL
ARMIN STROM MIRRORED FORCE RESONANCE GUILLOCHÉ DIAL
Long renowned for his expertise in the art of skeletonisation and engraving of a watch’s most intricate components, as well as working on his own projects, Swiss watchmaker Armin Strom developed an enviable client list of watch manufacturers who would commission his talents for the delicate finishing of their movements, which would go on to amaze collectors around the world, thanks to the absolutely fastidious attention to detail of his marvellous creations.
Essentially operating on his own since opening for business in 1967, along with only a few able watchmakers assisting in his small atelier for much of his professional career, in 2006 his eponymous company welcomed on board talented young blood, who could see a changing landscape for independent watchmaking. And so, from a brand new modern atelier in Biel, what was once little more than a one-man operation, most of whose work was behind the scenes of larger internationally recognised brands, Armin Strom began its evolution from the person to a company which would soon stand firmly upon its own reputation.
Combining the Strom mastery of skeletonising with one of watchmaking’s most challenging and fascinating complications, the Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance Guilloché Dial is a spectacular piece of complexity, intricacy and constant animation, complemented by a stunning guilloché blue dial, all of which accentuates the journey this small brand has taken, to become a manufacturer of true Haute Horlogerie watches in its own right.
Presented in a round 43.4mm case of polished stainless steel, it features a screw-in crown, a pusher for resetting the seconds, as well as the brand’s distinctive tab at the six o’clock position.
Beneath the gently domed crystal, the open display reveals the elaborate mechanical heart, and the off centred hours and minutes dial next to the unusual inclusion of the mirror effect of two second dials which run counter to each other, thanks to the equally unusual paired balances and the continuously pulsing spring clutch between them, which keeps the two oscillating in perfect synchronicity. In fact it’s the black magic of resonance and the precise proximity of the balances to each other, which means that, even after having been knocked out of sync by an impact, curiously return to the same harmonious frequency, without erring inaccuracy.
As the regulating balances rotate counter to each other, so do the seconds pointers on their respective open rings, and while not being essential to timekeeping, they do offer an intriguing aspect to this astonishing wristwatch.
The hours and minutes are displayed on a white dial, with blue arabic numerals and steel hands with luminous coating, so even although offset to allow unrestricted view of the superb synchronised regulating mechanism, still guarantees ready legibility at a glance.
Turned over, and a sapphire caseback reveals the twin barrels which store and release the energy for the hand winding movement as it beats at 25,200 vph over 48 hours. Finished with circular côtes de Genève striping, the calibre ARF 15 is largely developed in house and is testament to the craftsmanship and invention which today define this independent watch company.
The Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance Water is presented on a dark blue hornback alligator leather strap with stainless steel folding clasp.
The Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance Guilloché Dial. A luxury Swiss Haute Horlogerie wristwatch for men in polished stainless steel, featuring offset blue guilloché dial and skeletonised hand winding movement with constant force regulation, on a blue rubber strap (Width lugs/buckle: 22/20
mm).
SKU: ST16-RF.05
Case material: Stainless steel
Case back: Open-work
Case Dimension: 43mm
Dial Colour: Openworked, blue hand guilloché with founded appliques
Strap description: Blue Rubber strap
Power reserve: 48 hours
Vendor Ref: Armin Strom
Water resistant: 50m
Watch style: Haute Horlogerie
Dimension: 43mm
Size: 43mm
Warranty: 5 years
