Armin Strom is unveiling the Pure Resonance Ultimate Sapphire, a special edition that is the result of the collaboration with US watch collector “Hor
Armin Strom is unveiling today a special limited edition of its Pure Resonance model integrating two independent regulation systems (mainsprings, gear trains, escapements, and balances) that stabilize each other by taking advantage of the resonance physical phenomenon.
The Pure Resonance Ultimate Sapphire is the result of the collaboration between the Biel/Bienne-based watchmaker and the US watch collector “Horomariobro”, renowned on Instagram for the quality of his macro photography.
Characterised by a sapphire dial, a unique symmetrical design and an extreme level of hand-made haute horlogerie decorations, this model will be produced in a limited series of just 10 pieces available exclusively through Armin Strom’s retail partner Oster Jewelers in Denver, USA, who was also involved in this special collaboration.
The minimalist design of the 42 mm x 13 mm stainless steel case of the Pure Resonance Ultimate Sapphire has been further streamlined by removing Armin Strom’s historical lip on the case at 6 o’clock.
For this edition, even the small-seconds sub-dial has been omitted. The hour and minute sub-dial is made of sapphire crystal offering even more glimpses of the movement mechanisms. Even the logo is missing; albeit a subtle AS symbol has been engraved on a movement component.
This “less-is-more” approach enhances the kinetic marvel of the resonance clutch spring connecting the two balance wheels oscillating in resonance towards and away from each other.
The approach chosen by Armin Strom to take advantage of this physical phenomenon to improve accuracy, precision and rate stability is not only the best-performing and most shock-resistant resonance solution in the world but it is also particularly intriguing because it offers the possibility to admire how the two resonant regulators synchronously interact while wearing the watch on the wrist.
In terms of finishes, the gear train bridges coated in black PVD showcase a distinctive grain d'orge guilloché pattern meticulously crafted by Kari Voutilainen, while all other embellishments are crafted in-house by Armin Strom.
Every possible edge is meticulously hand-bevelled, the balance bridges are elegantly skeletonised and circular grained, and other bridges feature manually executed frosting, mirror polishing, or perlage.
Picture courtesy of "horomariobro"
The grainy texture on the winding bridge on the right is an exquisite example of tremblage achieved by one of Armin Strom’s master engravers. Countless hours were dedicated to etch a frosted pattern using a customized engraving tool.
Picture courtesy of "horomariobro"
The open-worked back has undergone a significant technical development, showing off the crown wheel’s improved ratchet mechanism (which gives the click-click sound when you wind the watch). The backside also carries “the pin”, Armin Strom’s seal of origin. This has been engraved with the name “Horomariobro”, the Armin Strom symbol and a unique serial number in the limited edition, before being matt finished, hand-bevelled and circular-grained.
Beating at the frequency of 3.5 Hz (25,200 vibrations per hour) and comprised of 206 components, the hand-wound Caliber ARF16 beats guarantees a power reserve of 48 hours delivered by the two barrels that can be observed while they simultaneously wind.
Picture courtesy of "horomariobro"
Complemented with a black fabric strap with light grey stitching and stainless-steel double folding clasp and water-resistant up to a pressure of 5 ATM, the new Armin Strom Pure Resonance Ultimate Sapphire ref. ST17-RP.SA has a price of US$ 59,000. arminstrom.com
Suggested reading:
Nice version. I like the dial without small seconds as with the balance wheels on the dial side I already know that the watch is running.
ReplyDelete