Armin Strom has consistently positioned itself at the intersection of mechanical artistry and scientific horological principles. The independent manufacture based in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, has carved a distinct niche with its focus on dial-side mechanics and in-house production. Among its most celebrated creations, the Mirrored Force Resonance stands as a testament to the brand's dedication to solving one of watchmaking's most complex challenges. Now, this iconic timepiece enters a new phase of its evolution with the introduction of the Mirrored Force Resonance in 18K Rose Gold, a model that pairs the brand's technical ingenuity with the classic warmth of precious metal.
The history of
Armin Strom is one of transformation. Founded in 1967 by its namesake, a master of hand-skeletonization, the brand was known for its intricate, open-worked creations. The modern iteration of the company began in 2009 when the enterprise was acquired by master watchmaker Claude Greisler and entrepreneur Serge Michel. They reimagined the brand as a fully integrated manufacture, committed to designing, developing, and producing its movements entirely in-house. This strategic shift preserved the founder's appreciation for revealing the inner workings of a watch while propelling the company into the realm of advanced technical innovation.
Courtesy of Armin Strom
At the heart of this particular timepiece is the physical phenomenon of resonance. In physics, resonance occurs when a vibrating system drives another system to oscillate with greater amplitude at a specific frequency. In watchmaking, this translates to placing two independent balance wheels in close proximity, allowing the vibrations of one to influence the other through the mainplate. Over time, they synchronize their beats, leading to a more stable and, therefore, more accurate rate. While the concept has been explored by horological legends for centuries, achieving consistent and efficient resonance in a wristwatch has remained a formidable challenge.
Armin Strom's approach to this challenge is what truly sets its Resonance collection apart. Rather than relying solely on the transmission of vibrations through the movement's bridges, the manufacture developed and patented the Resonance Clutch Spring. This specially shaped steel spring directly connects the two hairsprings of the twin balance wheels. This physical connection forces the two oscillators into synchronization far more quickly and maintains that state more robustly than traditional methods. It is a modern, engineered solution to an age-old horological pursuit, providing a clear visual and chronometric advantage.
The visual execution of this principle is the watch's most compelling feature. The dial is a kinetic theater, dominated by the hypnotic, oscillating dance of two mirrored balance wheels, positioned on the left side of the face. They beat in contrary motion, a mesmerizing mechanical ballet that serves as a constant reminder of the complex physics at play. Above them, two separate seconds hands sweep in opposite directions, one clockwise and the other counter-clockwise. This dual display is not merely for show; it is a functional demonstration of the resonance at work.
A pusher located at the 2 o'clock position adds an interactive element to the experience. When activated, this flyback mechanism instantly resets both seconds hands to the twelve o'clock position, where they pause momentarily before resuming their mirrored sweep in perfect unison. This feature allows the owner to visually confirm the synchronization of the two independent regulating systems, offering tangible proof of the watch's chronometric stability and the effectiveness of the Resonance Clutch Spring. It is a direct and engaging display of high-precision mechanics.
Courtesy of Armin Strom
For this new edition, the technical spectacle is framed by a newly introduced off-center dial in a deep black hue. This dial, positioned on the right side of the watch face, provides a stark and beautiful contrast to the exposed, rhodium-plated bridges and gears. The surface is not simply colored but intricately decorated with a handcrafted sunray guilloché pattern. This traditional craft, executed on a rose engine lathe, creates fine, radiating lines that catch and play with light, adding immense depth and texture to the watch's appearance.
Surrounding the guilloché center is a chapter ring with a fine circular-grained finish, or azurage, which further delineates the time-telling portion of the dial. Applied baton indexes, faceted and polished, mark the hours. These indexes, along with the matching hour and minute hands, are rendered in a rose gold color to harmonize with the case, ensuring legibility against the dark background. The combination of the complex mechanics, the rich black dial, and the warm metal accents creates a balanced and visually sophisticated composition.
The case of the reference RG25-RF.90 marks a first for the collection, crafted from a solid block of 18K rose gold. Measuring 43 mm in diameter and 11.55 mm in height, the case possesses a substantial yet wearable presence on the wrist. The lug-to-lug distance of 49.60 mm ensures that it sits comfortably. The brand's characteristic "lip" at the 6 o'clock position, a design signature, is present, offering a subtle point of brand recognition.
The finishing of the rose gold case is meticulous, featuring a dynamic interplay of surfaces. The primary surfaces are finely brushed, giving the watch a modern, satin-like appearance that mitigates reflections and fingerprints. This is contrasted by highly polished chamfers and accents along the lugs and bezel, which capture light and add a touch of brilliance. This mixed-finish approach highlights the case’s complex geometry and underscores the high level of craftsmanship applied to every component.
Courtesy of Armin Strom
Powering this intricate machine is the Armin Strom Manufacture Caliber ARF21. This manually wound movement is the result of years of in-house research and development. Comprising 276 individual components and 39 jewels, its architecture is as complex as it is beautiful. The movement operates at a frequency of 3.5 Hz, or 25,200 vibrations per hour, a rate that contributes to its stability. When fully wound, it provides a power reserve of 48 hours.
The view through the sapphire crystal case back is just as impressive as the dial side. Here, the expert finishing that is a hallmark of Armin Strom is on full display. The bridges are hand-beveled with polished edges, a painstaking process that creates sharp, gleaming lines defining each component. Surfaces feature a combination of perlage and circular graining, while the screws are mirror-polished, appearing black from most angles until they catch the light just right.
A critical aspect of the brand's philosophy is its "twice-assembled" process. Each movement is fully assembled and regulated to ensure it meets strict performance standards. It is then completely disassembled, and each component is cleaned and meticulously hand-finished. Finally, the movement is reassembled by a single watchmaker, a process that guarantees both the mechanical integrity and the aesthetic perfection of the final product. This dual assembly is a commitment to quality that is characteristic of true haute horology.
Claude Greisler, the co-founder and master watchmaker behind the brand, notes that the move to an 18-karat rose gold case is a significant milestone for the Mirrored Force Resonance. He explains that this material choice enhances the watch's aesthetic appeal while broadening the range of options available to the brand's clientele. The warm character of rose gold, in his view, creates a harmonious fusion of the watch's refined mechanics with a more traditional expression of luxury.
Courtesy of Armin Strom
This new model is presented on a high-quality dark grey Alcantara strap. This modern, technical material is known for its durability and soft, suede-like texture, offering a comfortable and stylish alternative to traditional leather. The strap features subtle grey stitching that complements the strap's color and is fitted with a pin buckle crafted from 18K rose gold, matching the case material and ensuring a cohesive design from end to end.
The Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance Rose Gold is a watch that commands attention through its mechanical ingenuity and refined material choices. It is a piece that makes its complex inner workings the central focus of its design, inviting the wearer to observe and appreciate the science of its movement. The contrast between the rhodium-plated mechanics and the black guilloché dial, all housed within the warm glow of rose gold, makes for a powerful visual statement.
This edition is not a standard production model but a highly exclusive offering. The Mirrored Force Resonance Rose Gold, reference RG25-RF.90, is being produced as a limited edition of only 15 pieces worldwide. This scarcity further enhances its desirability among collectors who appreciate both advanced horology and fine craftsmanship.
The watch represents a confident step forward for the Mirrored Force Resonance line, demonstrating that cutting-edge mechanical concepts can be successfully integrated with the most traditional of precious metals. It is a synthesis of the brand’s technical soul and its evolving aesthetic sensibilities.
Courtesy of Armin Strom
For those interested in acquiring this piece of mechanical art, the price is set at CHF 88,000. This positions the watch in the upper echelon of independent watchmaking, a reflection of its patented technology, in-house caliber, extensive hand-finishing, precious metal case, and extreme exclusivity.
Ultimately, the Mirrored Force Resonance Rose Gold is a clear declaration of Armin Strom's capabilities. It successfully merges a complex horological theory with a strong, contemporary design language, now enriched by the classic appeal of rose gold. It is a timepiece for those who are not just content to know the time, but who are fascinated by the intricate and beautiful methods by which it is kept.
Case: 18K Rose gold; 43 mm diameter, 11.55 mm height, 49.60 mm lug-to-lug; Sapphire crystal and case back with anti-reflective treatment; Water resistance of 3 ATM.
Movement: Armin Strom Manufacture Caliber ARF21, manual winding; 48-hour power reserve; 3.5 Hz (25,200 vph) frequency; 276 components, 39 jewels; Indications for hours, minutes, and twin-seconds.
Dial: Black off-center dial with handcrafted sunray guilloché and azurage finishing; Applied polished baton indexes; Rose gold colored, facetted and polished hands.
Strap: Dark grey Alcantara strap with grey stitching; 18K Rose gold pin buckle.
Price: CHF 88,000
Reference Number: RG25-RF.90
Notes: Limited edition of 15 pieces. Features two independent regulating systems connected by a patented Resonance Clutch Spring. A flyback function for the twin seconds hands is activated by a pusher at 2 o'clock.