Armin Strom is introducing today the new generation of its Mirrored Force Resonance model. Full details and specs of ref. ST22-RF.75. Price: CHF58,000
Armin Strom is unveiling today the new generation of its acclaimed Mirrored Force Resonance model, first launched in 2016 and equipped with an exclusive dual regulator mechanism that increases precision and rate stability by taking advantage of the resonance physical phenomenon (our original hands-on review can be read here).
While maintaining the winning formula of superior chronometric stability, the Swiss brand further improved it by redesigning movement, dial and case.
Presented in stainless steel in this first edition, the case features more slender proportions (43 mm x 11.55 mm vs 43.40 mm x 13 mm of the previous generation), with slimmer and more elegant lugs. The small embossment at 6 o'clock is a nod to the Armin Strom “lip”, a signature element of the brand that was originally designed to offer a surface for personalizing the watch with engraved initials.
The raised sapphire glass box reveals the innovative movement from multiple angles making it possible to fully appreciate its fascinating three-dimensional architecture.
The two balance bridges have been openworked to better harmonise with the two synchronized balanced wheels and the off-centre dial. The pusher at 2 o’clock allows the two running seconds indicators – which rotate in mirrored clockwise and counter-clockwise motions – to be reset to zero and visually track the state of resonance.
Mechanical resonance is a physical phenomenon which can affect most objects. Due to resonance, two oscillating mechanisms can transmit vibrational energy between each other, each affecting the other’s rate. In watchmaking only few watchmakers attempted to take advantage of this phenomenon to improve accuracy, precision and rate stability of a timepiece (to find more on the history of resonance watches you can read our feature article "In pursuit of precision: mechanical resonance and watches").
After important investments in research, Armin Strom learned that the most effective way to create resonance was to link the two oscillators via a shared suspension, their patented Resonance Clutch Spring.
Crafted from a single piece of steel, the Resonance Clutch Spring is designed to transfer energy between both hairsprings and quickly bring the balance wheels into resonance. Armin Strom remarks that this new generation of resonance is the quickest and most reliable on the market, synchronizing faster than any other watch using resonance.
This flexible suspension connecting the two hairsprings with its balance wheels also contributes to make the watch more resistant to shocks or vibrations. In fact, a theoretical precision would be pointless without reliability and consistency.
Created in a warm “Black Gold” colour exclusive to this series, the opaline dial is enhanced by snailed outer chapters and stainless steel hands that are manually crafted by Armin Strom.
Turning the watch, we can admire more elements of the manufacture Calibre ARF21, a 276-part hand-wound movement that beats at the frequency of 3.5 Hz (25,200 vibrations per hour) with a power reserve of 48 hours delivered by the two mainspring barrels that can be observed while they simultaneously wind.
Inspired by the golden age of precision marine chronometry, the engraved main plate outlines the specific characteristics of the Mirrored Force Resonance in raised text.
The symmetry of the movement is accentuated with its mirrored arrangement of open bridges and gears, an open execution that brings to mind the history of the brand as a preeminent maker of skeleton watches.
Showcasing wide hand-polished chamfers on the bridges and countersinks and a mix of satin-brushed and mirror-polished surfaces, the movement is finished according to the highest Haute Horlogerie standards by the expert hands of skilled artisans.
Other mechanical features have been updated in addition to the architecture and re-engineered movement, such as the ratchet wheels and pawls that now take their inspiration from those found in pocket watches and provide a smoother tactile experience when winding.
The First Edition of the new Mirror Force Resonance is limited to 25 pieces and is made even more special by the two finger-style bridges between the ratchet wheel and barrels that are crafted in white gold. Moreover, the watch comes with a 10-year warranty instead of the usual Armin Strom 5-year warranty.
Water resistant to 5 ATM (50 metres / 165 feet) and matched to a dark blue alligator strap with white stitching and steel pin buckle, the new Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance First Edition (ref. ST22-RF.75) has a price of CHF 58,000 / Euro 61,600 / US$ 59,000. arminstrom.com
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