Armin Strom releases the Orbit Purple

0 0 Tuesday, 25 March 2025 Edit this post

Armin Strom is unveiling the Orbit Purple, the latest version of their sporty timepiece that displays the date on the bezel.

The world’s first model featuring an on-demand pointer-date on a bezel, the Orbit was launched in 2022 with a grey dial and red accents. Now the watch is dressed in purple, used for the hours and minutes dial, the tip of the date pointer, and the "DATE" word on the fixed black ceramic bezel.

In particular, the dial is enhanced by a purple fumé finish shifting from a vivid purple center to darker edges.

The black DLC-coating used for the 43.4 mm x 12.6 mm stainless steel and the rugged black textile strap add boldness to this striking version, which offers water resistance to a pressure of 5 ATM (approximately corresponding to a depth of 50 metres / 165 feet).

With the Orbit, Armin Strom reinvented the date display. In fact, it only displays the date when you ask.

The Swiss manufacture uses a column-wheel mechanism, typically found in high-end chronographs, to engage and disengage the date function. Positioned at 11 o'clock on the dial, it improves functionality and performance while delivering a satisfying tactile experience.

The date is shown on the bezel with a large central hand, featuring a purple "A" tip for Armin. The days of the month are engraved in white around the polished black ceramic bezel for easy reading.

A push button at 10 o'clock acts as an "on/off" switch. In "off" mode, the date hand stays fixed at 12 o’clock, leaving the off-centered dial clear.

Pressing the button engages the date hand, which jumps to the correct date and advances daily at midnight. Another press returns the hand to its stationary position, and it automatically jumps back to the correct date when needed.

The date can be quickly adjusted using the corrector button at 8 o'clock, or manually advanced via the crown.

Watch the video at the end of this article for a demonstration of how it works, presented by Claude Greisler, co-founder and master watchmaker at the Armin Strom Manufacture.

Building on the innovative Gravity Equal Force, introduced in 2019 as the world’s first automatic watch with equal force transmission (read our review here), the Orbit’s movement ensures consistent power delivery to the balance, offering a 72-hour power reserve.

Its "stop-work" mechanism in the barrel prevents the mainspring from fully unwinding, utilizing only the portion of the mainspring's unwinding that provides the most stable power.

Visible through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback, the 3.5 Hz (25,200 vibrations per hour) Caliber ASS20 is meticulously hand-finished, featuring chamfered and polished edges, polished chatons, and perlage graining for a refined look.