Armin Strom Orbit Purple

Armin Strom, an independent watch company situated in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, seamlessly marries Swiss-German horological tradition with inventive, open-worked design. Celebrated for its handcrafted, limited-production approach. The brand meticulously hand-finishes each component to the highest horological standards, and places a unique emphasis on showcasing movement mechanics on the dial side. Established in 1967 by Armin Strom, the company experienced a resurgence in 2009 under the guidance of Master Watchmaker Claude Greisler and entrepreneur Serge Michel. Currently, Armin Strom conceptualizes, develops, and assembles every timepiece internally, achieving an ideal equilibrium of uncompromising quality, innovation, and transparency. They articulate this philosophy as the "Science of Movement."

The Armin Strom Orbit Purple, reference ST25-OR.01, is a vivid expression of the brand's dedication to both tradition and forward-thinking mechanics. This limited edition timepiece, with only 20 pieces available, introduces a striking aesthetic to the Orbit collection, merging a captivating color scheme with groundbreaking functionality. The "on-demand" date function is a central feature of the Orbit line. Unlike traditional watches where the date is perpetually displayed, the Orbit allows the wearer to engage the date function only when desired. This is achieved through a unique column-wheel mechanism, activated by a pusher on the left side of the case. When not in use, the date hand cleverly aligns itself with the 12 o'clock marker, maintaining a clean and uncluttered dial.



The dial of the Orbit Purple is a masterclass in color and depth. It features a fumé finish, transitioning from a vibrant, almost electric purple at the center to darker, more subdued tones towards the edges. This gradient effect draws the eye inward, highlighting the exposed mechanics and adding a layer of visual intrigue. The hour markers, applied and filled with Super-LumiNova, ensure legibility in all lighting conditions. The central hour and minute hands, rhodium-plated, faceted, and polished, also feature Super-LumiNova, complementing the markers and enhancing the overall readability. The purple date pointer and matching date numerals on the fixed ceramic bezel integrate with the dial's color, enhancing the design.

The 43.4mm case of the Orbit Purple is constructed from stainless steel and treated with a black Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating. This coating not only provides a stealthy, modern aesthetic but also offers exceptional scratch resistance and durability. DLC coatings surpass traditional PVD coatings in hardness and wear resistance, ensuring the watch maintains its pristine appearance over time. The black DLC finish contrasts sharply with the vibrant purple of the dial, creating a bold and contemporary look. The fixed ceramic bezel, also in black, features purple numerals that align with the date function, adding another layer of color coordination.



The case back, fitted with a sapphire crystal, offers a view of the meticulously hand-finished Armin Strom Manufacture Caliber ASS20. This automatic movement, with its micro-rotor, showcases the brand's commitment to horological excellence. Every component is decorated to haute horology standards, with polished bevels, Geneva stripes, and perlage evident throughout. The patented equal force barrel that is shown off is a feature that underscores Armin Strom's innovative approach.

The technical specifications of the Caliber ASS20 are impressive. It operates at a frequency of 3.5 Hz (25,200 vibrations per hour) and boasts a substantial 72-hour power reserve. The movement comprises 273 components, including 30 jewels, and features a balance wheel with four regulating screws. The dimensions of the movement are 35.52 mm in diameter and 8.42 mm in height, filling the case nicely and providing a substantial presence on the wrist.



The "on-demand" date function is not merely a novelty; it's a practical and engaging feature. Activated by the pusher, the date hand jumps to the correct date on the bezel, providing a clear and instantaneous reading. When deactivated, the hand returns to its resting position at 12 o'clock, seamlessly integrating with the overall design. This is a unique feature, not found elsewhere.

Accompanying the watch is a black textile strap, chosen for its ruggedness and comfort. The strap is secured with a black DLC-coated stainless steel pin buckle, mirroring the case finish and ensuring a cohesive aesthetic. The choice of textile adds a casual element to the watch, making it versatile enough for both formal and informal occasions. The lug-to-lug measurement of 44.35mm ensures the watch sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes.

The overall design language of the Orbit Purple is one of deliberate contrast and carefully considered details. The combination of the black DLC case, the vibrant purple dial, and the exposed mechanical elements creates a visually arresting timepiece. It's a watch that demands attention, not through excessive ornamentation, but through the skillful use of color, texture, and mechanical ingenuity.



Further exploring the DLC coating, it's important to understand the advantages it offers over other surface treatments. Unlike PVD coatings, which can be prone to scratching and wear, DLC provides a much harder and more durable surface. This is due to the unique atomic structure of the coating, which creates a layer that is highly resistant to abrasion. Additionally, DLC is biocompatible and hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin.

The choice of a ceramic bezel is another indicator of Armin Strom's commitment to using high-quality materials. Ceramic is known for its exceptional hardness and scratch resistance, making it an ideal material for a watch bezel, which is often subjected to impacts and abrasions. The black ceramic of the Orbit Purple's bezel perfectly complements the DLC-coated case, creating a unified and robust exterior.

The water resistance of the Orbit Purple is rated at 5 ATM (approximately 50 meters). While not designed for deep-sea diving, this level of water resistance provides ample protection for everyday wear, including accidental splashes and brief immersion in water.



The Orbit Purple is a blend of traditional watchmaking techniques and modern innovation. The hand-finishing of the movement components is a testament to the brand's dedication to craftsmanship, while the "on-demand" date function and the use of advanced materials like DLC and ceramic demonstrate a commitment to pushing the boundaries of horological design.

The Armin Strom Orbit Purple is a statement piece. It's a watch for those who appreciate the finer details of watchmaking, who value innovation, and who are not afraid to stand out from the crowd. The pricing for the Armin Strom Orbit Purple, reference ST25-OR.01, is set at CHF 33,302. With a limited production run of only 20 pieces, availability is highly exclusive.

Case: DLC black-coated stainless steel. Fixed ceramic bezel. Sapphire crystal and case back with anti-reflective treatment. Water resistance: 5 ATM. Diameter: 43.4 mm. Height: 12.6 mm. Lug-to-Lug: 44.35 mm.

Movement: Armin Strom Manufacture Caliber ASS20. Automatic winding with micro rotor. Column-wheel date on demand, patented equal force barrel. Balance wheel with 4 regulating screws. Power reserve: 72 hours. Dimensions: 35.52 mm x 8.42 mm. Frequency: 3.5 Hz (25,200 vibrations per hour). 30 Jewels. 273 Components. Indications: Hours, minutes, seconds, date.

Dial: Purple-to-black colour gradient. Indexes with Super-LumiNova® filling. Hands: Rhodium, facetted and polished with Super-LumiNova® filling.

Strap: Black textile strap. DLC black coated stainless steel pin buckle.

Price: CHF 33,302

Reference Number: ST25-OR.01

Notes: Limited Edition of 20 pieces. Features the world’s first on-demand pointer-date on a bezel.