The release of the
Armin Strom Dual Time GMT Resonance First Edition transcends mere novelty. It marks a significant milestone in the brand's history and a testament to their relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of horological innovation.
The Dual Time GMT Resonance First Edition is not simply a watch; it is a symphony of precision engineering, artistic craftsmanship, and a profound understanding of the physics of timekeeping. It embodies Armin Strom’s longstanding commitment to innovation and their mastery of the resonance phenomenon, a concept that has captivated watchmakers for centuries.
Courtesy of Armin Strom
Before delving into the intricacies of this exceptional timepiece, it's worth taking a moment to appreciate the legacy of Armin Strom, the brand behind this horological marvel. Established in 1967 by Mr. Armin Strom, a luminary in the art of hand-skeletonization, the brand has always been synonymous with a unique blend of Swiss-German watchmaking tradition and avant-garde design.
Under the stewardship of Master Watchmaker Claude Greisler and businessman Serge Michel since 2006, Armin Strom has undergone a renaissance. The opening of their first fully integrated Manufacture in 2009 marked a turning point, allowing the brand to control every aspect of the watchmaking process, from design and development to hand-finishing and assembly. This vertical integration empowers Armin Strom to bring even the most ambitious concepts to life, unburdened by the constraints of relying on external suppliers.
At the heart of the Dual Time GMT Resonance First Edition lies the resonance phenomenon, a concept that has fascinated watchmakers since the 17th century. The idea is simple yet ingenious: by housing two movements in a single case and allowing their balance wheels to interact, a state of resonance can be achieved. The balance wheels, oscillating in perfect synchrony, effectively regulate each other, leading to improved timekeeping precision and stability.
However, harnessing the power of resonance has proven to be a formidable challenge. The delicate balance is easily disrupted by external factors such as gravity, temperature changes, and the wearer's movements. For centuries, watchmakers grappled with this elusive phenomenon, striving to create a timepiece that could maintain resonance in real-world conditions. It wasn’t until 2016 that Armin Strom achieved this breakthrough with the release of their first resonance timepiece.
Courtesy of Armin Strom
The Dual Time GMT Resonance First Edition represents the culmination of years of research and development, building upon the brand's pioneering work in the field of resonance. It showcases a patented, purpose-built suspension system called a "clutch spring," which acts as a vibrational intermediary between the two balance wheels. This innovative mechanism ensures that the resonance phenomenon is maintained even in the face of external disturbances, resulting in unparalleled chronometric consistency and precision.
While the technical prowess of the Dual Time GMT Resonance is undoubtedly impressive, the watch is equally captivating from an aesthetic standpoint. The twin dials, finished in a mesmerizing sky-blue grenage, are framed by black azurage chapter rings and complemented by applied polished baton indices. The rhodium-plated hands, faceted and polished to perfection, glide effortlessly across the dials, marking the passage of time with elegance and precision.
The engraved and mirror-polished day/night indicators, depicting the sun and moon, are mounted on 24-hour wheels directly on the movement, adding a touch of celestial charm to the timepiece. The twin balance bridge, crafted in steel with a hand-polished mirror finish, is a testament to the brand's dedication to artisanal craftsmanship.
The sapphire crystal caseback offers a glimpse into the intricate world of the movement, where hand-polished bevels, screws, and countersinks gleam alongside meticulously executed circular graining, perlage, and Geneva stripes. The Dual Time GMT Resonance is not just a timepiece; it is a work of art, a testament to the skill and passion of the watchmakers who brought it to life.
Courtesy of Armin Strom
Powering the Dual Time GMT Resonance is the in-house Calibre ARF21, a marvel of micro-engineering that exemplifies Armin Strom’s commitment to technical excellence. This manually wound movement comprises two independent regulation systems, each responsible for driving one of the time displays. These two systems are connected by the patented resonance clutch spring, ensuring they remain in perfect synchrony, beating as one harmonious entity.
The Calibre ARF21 boasts an impressive power reserve of 72 hours, a testament to its efficient design and meticulous construction. It operates at a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour, ensuring smooth and precise timekeeping. The movement is meticulously finished by hand, showcasing a range of decorative techniques that elevate it to a work of art. From the hand-polished bevels and screws to the intricate Geneva stripes and perlage, every detail reflects the brand's dedication to artisanal craftsmanship.
As the name suggests, the Dual Time GMT Resonance offers the functionality of displaying two independent time zones, a feature that is invaluable for frequent travelers or those with connections across different continents. Each time zone has its own hour and minute display, along with a day/night indicator to provide context for the time displayed.
What sets this watch apart from other dual time watches is its ability to support time zones that deviate from GMT by fractions of an hour. This feature is particularly useful for travelers to regions with non-standard time zones, such as India or Nepal. The watch allows for precise adjustment of the second time zone, ensuring accurate timekeeping no matter where your travels take you.
Courtesy of Armin Strom
The heart of the Dual Time GMT Resonance lies in its patented resonance clutch spring. This innovative mechanism, inspired by Antide Janvier’s Resonance Clock, acts as a vibrational bridge between the two balance wheels. It ensures that the balance wheels remain synchronized even in the face of external disturbances, such as shocks or changes in temperature.
This resilient resonance translates to improved timekeeping accuracy and stability. The two balance wheels, working in tandem, effectively cancel out each other's errors, resulting in a more consistent and precise timekeeping performance.
The Calibre ARF21 is housed in a 39mm white gold case, a size that strikes the perfect balance between elegance and wearability. The case is meticulously crafted, with polished and brushed surfaces that create a captivating interplay of light and shadow. The sapphire crystal caseback offers a tantalizing glimpse into the intricate world of the movement, inviting the wearer to appreciate the mechanical ballet within.
The Dual Time GMT Resonance First Edition is presented on a choice of two straps: a matte-gray alligator strap with sky-blue stitching or a light-gray alligator strap with pearl-gray stitching. Both straps are crafted from the finest materials and are fitted with an 18-karat white gold pin buckle, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist.
The Dual Time GMT Resonance First Edition is a testament to the exceptional capabilities of the Armin Strom Manufacture. Every aspect of the watch, from the design and development of the movement to the hand-finishing and assembly, is carried out in-house by a team of highly skilled watchmakers. This vertical integration allows Armin Strom to maintain complete control over the quality and execution of their timepieces, ensuring that each watch meets the brand's exacting standards.
Courtesy of Armin Strom
With a production limited to just 25 pieces, the Dual Time GMT Resonance First Edition is a rare and exclusive timepiece that is sure to become a coveted collector's item. It represents the pinnacle of Armin Strom's horological achievements, showcasing their mastery of the resonance phenomenon and their unwavering commitment to artisanal craftsmanship.
Priced at CHF 115,000, the Dual Time GMT Resonance First Edition is an investment in horological excellence. It is a watch that will be cherished for generations, a testament to the enduring legacy of Armin Strom and the timeless appeal of mechanical timekeeping.