Armin Strom Tribute 2 Copper Edition

Armin Strom has carved a niche for itself as a purveyor of exceptional timepieces that celebrate the beauty of mechanics. The independent Swiss watchmaker, known for its skeletonized movements and innovative complications, has once again captivated collectors with the release of the Tribute 2 Copper Edition. This limited-edition masterpiece pays homage to the brand's unwavering commitment to artisanal craftsmanship and the captivating allure of exposed mechanics.



The story of Armin Strom began in 1967 when the eponymous founder opened a small watch shop in Burgdorf, Switzerland. Initially focused on restoring and selling antique pocket watches, Strom's passion for horology soon led him to create his own timepieces. He quickly gained recognition for his exceptional skill in skeletonizing movements, a technique that involves intricately carving away material to reveal the inner workings of a watch. This dedication to transparency and mechanical artistry has become a defining characteristic of Armin Strom watches, setting them apart in a world of often concealed movements.



Over the years, Armin Strom has evolved from a one-man workshop to a renowned manufacture, attracting talented watchmakers and engineers who share the founder's passion for innovation and meticulous craftsmanship. The brand's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of horology has resulted in a series of groundbreaking timepieces, each a testament to the harmonious blend of technical prowess and artistic vision.



The Tribute 2 Copper Edition is the latest chapter in this ongoing saga, a watch that embodies the essence of Armin Strom's philosophy. It's a timepiece that invites you to delve into the intricate world of mechanics, to appreciate the delicate dance of gears and springs that give life to its mesmerizing display. The watch's open-worked design, a hallmark of Armin Strom's creations, allows for an unobstructed view of the meticulously hand-finished movement, showcasing the brand's dedication to traditional watchmaking techniques.



At first glance, the Tribute 2 Copper Edition is a study in contrasts, a harmonious blend of industrial aesthetics and refined elegance. The 38mm stainless steel case, with its clean lines and polished surfaces, provides a contemporary backdrop for the mechanical ballet unfolding within. The off-center fumé gray dial, with its subtle gradient and applied indices, adds a touch of understated sophistication, while the 18K 5N rose gold-coated hands provide a warm counterpoint to the cool tones of the dial and case.



But it's the movement that truly steals the show. The Armin Strom manufacture Caliber AMW21, visible through the sapphire crystal case back, is a testament to the brand's technical expertise and artistic sensibility. The movement's three-quarter bridge, a signature element of Armin Strom watches, is bevelled and polished at a 60° angle, a painstaking process that requires exceptional skill and patience. The bridge's black-polished finish, achieved through a laborious technique that involves repeatedly applying a diamond paste to the surface, creates a striking contrast with the copper-colored mainplate.



This mainplate, the heart of the Tribute 2 Copper Edition, is a work of art in itself. It features a distinctive grattage pattern, a traditional hand-finishing technique that involves meticulously scraping the surface with a specialized tool to create a unique texture. The resulting pattern, reminiscent of delicate brushstrokes, adds a touch of artisanal charm to the watch's industrial aesthetic. The mainplate's copper-colored PVD coating further enhances its visual appeal, creating a warm and inviting glow that contrasts beautifully with the cool tones of the movement's other components.



One of the most captivating aspects of the Tribute 2 Copper Edition lies in its innovative "motor barrel" system. This unique mechanism, prominently displayed on the dial side, reimagines the traditional mainspring barrel by incorporating an arbor that rotates around the mainspring within the barrel itself. This ingenious design not only enhances the efficiency of energy transfer but also contributes to the watch's svelte profile. The motor barrel's skeletonized construction, with each opening meticulously hand-bevelled, further amplifies its visual appeal, offering a glimpse into the heart of the watch's power source.



Complementing the motor barrel is a black-polished bridge, crafted from steel to facilitate the intricate black polishing process. This technique, reserved for the most skilled artisans, involves meticulously applying a diamond paste to the steel surface, resulting in a mirror-like finish that absorbs light rather than reflecting it. The bridge's dramatic black hue provides a striking contrast to the warm copper tones of the mainplate and the rose gold accents of the hands, creating a visually dynamic and captivating tableau.



The Tribute 2 Copper Edition's commitment to artisanal craftsmanship extends beyond its movement. The watch's off-center fumé gray dial, with its subtle gradient and applied indices, is a testament to the brand's attention to detail. The dial's asymmetry, mirrored by the crown's unconventional placement at 2 o'clock, adds a touch of whimsy to the watch's overall design, challenging traditional notions of watchmaking symmetry.



Encasing this mechanical marvel is a 38mm stainless steel case, a perfect balance of robustness and refinement. The case's dimensions, measuring 9.38mm in height and 44.35mm lug-to-lug, ensure a comfortable fit on a variety of wrist sizes. The sapphire crystal and case back, both treated with anti-reflective coating, provide unobstructed views of the watch's intricate movement and hand-finished components. With a water resistance of 50 meters, the Tribute 2 Copper Edition is suitable for everyday wear, capable of withstanding the occasional splash or brief immersion.



Completing the watch's ensemble is a grey Alcantara calf leather strap, its soft texture and subtle sheen complementing the watch's refined aesthetic. The strap is secured by a stainless steel folding clasp, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist.



But the Tribute 2 Copper Edition is more than just a beautiful object; it's a symbol of collaboration and shared passion. The watch's creation was inspired by the brand's close relationship with Horomariobro, a renowned watch photographer and enthusiast known for his captivating macro shots of intricate movements. Horomariobro's passion for hand-decorated movements and his keen eye for detail sparked a creative dialogue with Armin Strom's Claude Greisler, leading to the exploration of new decoration techniques and the emphasis on visible hand-finishing in the Tribute 2 Copper Edition. This collaborative spirit is reflected in the watch's inscription on the back, "Horomariobro x Armin Strom," a tribute to the inspiring contribution of this passionate watch aficionado.



Priced at CHF 25,000, the Tribute 2 Copper Edition is an investment in horological excellence, a timepiece that will undoubtedly become a cherished heirloom, passed down through generations. Its exclusivity, limited to just 10 pieces worldwide, further enhances its desirability, making it a coveted prize for collectors seeking the rarest and most exceptional timepieces.



Case: Stainless steel case measuring 38mm in diameter with a height of 9.38mm and a lug-to-lug width of 44.35mm. Sapphire crystal and case back with anti-reflective treatment. Water resistance of 50 meters.



Movement: In-house manually wound Caliber AMW21 with a 100-hour power reserve. Features an innovative motor barrel with a skeletonized and hand-bevelled design. Three-quarter bridge with hand-polished bevels at a 60° angle.



Dial: Off-center fumé gray dial with 18k 5N rose gold-coated hands.



Strap: Grey Alcantara calf leather strap with a stainless steel folding clasp. Width at lugs 18mm, tapering to 16mm at the buckle.



Price: CHF 25,070



Notes: Limited edition of 10 pieces. Features a copper-colored mainplate with a distinctive grattage pattern achieved through a meticulous hand-scraping technique. Collaboration with watch photographer Horomariobro.