From the Swiss canton of Bern, a region defined by its architectural heritage, comes a horological creation that draws its soul from the very stone of its homeland. Armin Strom, an independent watchmaker celebrated for its mechanical transparency and meticulous craftsmanship, has introduced the Tribute 1 Sandstein. This timepiece is a direct homage to the brand's home city of Burgdorf, channeling the warm, earthy tones of the native sandstone that has characterized the area for centuries. It's a watch that eschews fleeting trends for a grounded and sophisticated character, presented in a tastefully proportioned 38 mm case.
The philosophy of Armin Strom is one of mechanical integrity and artistic expression. The brand, originally founded by the master skeletonizer Armin Strom in 1967, was revitalized in 2009 with a clear vision: to create watches from the ground up, in-house. This commitment to being a true "manufacture" allows for complete control over every aspect of the watchmaking process, from the initial design of a caliber to the final, painstaking hand-finishing of each component. This approach is evident in their signature design language, which often brings elements of the movement to the dial side, creating a dynamic and technical aesthetic.
Courtesy of Armin Strom
The Tribute 1 collection serves as a modern interpretation of classic dress watch sensibilities, and the Sandstein edition enriches this family with a unique narrative. The inspiration is deeply personal, rooted in the identity of Burgdorf. Sandstone from this region is not merely a building material; it is a symbol of strength and endurance, a warm-hued element that gives the local architecture its distinctive appearance. The Tribute 1 Sandstein translates this inspiration into a cohesive design, using color and texture to evoke the feeling of this foundational stone.
Visually, the watch immediately establishes a warm and inviting presence. The dial is a study in texture and depth, rendered in a sandy, beige tone that is both unusual and compelling. It forgoes a traditional single-surface layout, instead opting for a layered and asymmetrical composition that is a hallmark of the brand. The main plate of the movement serves as the primary dial surface, finished with a fine, frosted texture that diffuses light softly, reminiscent of the matte surface of cut stone.
Upon this textured canvas rests a distinct, off-center subdial for the time display. Located in the upper left quadrant, this subdial is decorated with a fine grain d’orge (barleycorn) guilloché pattern. This intricate engraving creates a mesmerizing play of light, with concentric waves radiating from the center. The pattern adds a layer of classical refinement to the otherwise modern layout. The hours are marked with printed Roman numerals, which provide a traditional counterpoint to the watch's contemporary structure.
Courtesy of Armin Strom
The hands are crafted from rhodium and polished to a mirror finish. Their slender, lance-like shape ensures legibility against the detailed guilloché backdrop. The contrast between the brilliant polish of the hands and the textured surfaces of the dial is a deliberate choice, making the indication of time both clear and visually engaging. Every element on the dial side feels thoughtfully placed, contributing to a balanced, albeit asymmetrical, whole.
One of the most captivating features of the Tribute 1 Sandstein is the exposed motor barrel, prominently displayed in the lower right section of the dial. This is not just a functional component; it is a piece of mechanical sculpture. The barrel, which houses the mainspring, is held in place by an impeccably finished finger-style bridge. This bridge is a highlight of its own, with a flawless mirror polish that requires immense skill to achieve. It arches gracefully over the barrel, secured by visible screws and showcasing a vibrant jewel at its center.
Engraved around this opening are the words "MANUAL WINDING" and "100 HOURS OF POWER RESERVE," directly communicating the watch's impressive capabilities to the owner. This feature is pure Armin Strom, transforming a technical necessity into a core design element. It breaks the plane of the dial, adding a sense of three-dimensionality and inviting the observer to appreciate the engineering that powers the watch.
The case that houses this intricate display is crafted from stainless steel and measures a very wearable 38 mm in diameter, with a height of just 9.38 mm. These classic proportions ensure that the watch sits comfortably on a wide range of wrists, easily sliding under a shirt cuff. The case design features a sophisticated interplay of finishes. The tops of the lugs are vertically brushed, while the case sides and the slim, polished bezel provide a brilliant contrast. This alternation of surfaces enhances the case's architecture and demonstrates a high level of attention to detail.
Courtesy of Armin Strom
Protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective treatment, ensuring clarity from all angles. The case back also features a sapphire crystal, offering an uninterrupted view of the movement within. The watch is rated for a water resistance of 5 ATM, or approximately 50 meters, providing sufficient protection against everyday splashes and brief submersion.
At the heart of the Tribute 1 Sandstein is the Armin Strom manufacture Caliber AMW21. This manual-winding movement is a testament to the brand's engineering prowess. It is designed and built entirely in-house, a significant achievement for an independent watchmaker. The movement operates at a frequency of 3.5 Hz (25,200 vibrations per hour), a modern rate that contributes to its chronometric stability. It features 21 jewels and is composed of 135 individual parts.
The standout feature of the AMW21 is its remarkable power reserve of 100 hours. This is achieved through a single, large barrel, the very one visible on the dial. A 100-hour power reserve means the watch, when fully wound, will continue to run accurately for over four days. This is a highly practical feature, allowing the owner to set the watch down for a long weekend and pick it back up without needing to wind it again.
The regulating system of the caliber utilizes a flat hairspring paired with a variable inertia balance wheel. This is a sophisticated setup typically found in high-end movements, as it allows for more precise and stable regulation compared to a standard index-regulated system. It underscores the brand's commitment to not just aesthetic appeal, but also to robust and reliable performance.
Courtesy of Armin Strom
Turning the watch over reveals the exquisite decoration of the Caliber AMW21. The view through the sapphire case back is just as compelling as the dial side. The movement architecture is modern, with large bridges that provide a canvas for traditional finishing techniques. These bridges are adorned with broad Geneva stripes (Côtes de Genève) that ripple across the surface. The edges of the bridges are all meticulously beveled and polished by hand, a process known as anglage.
The commitment to craft is further demonstrated by the use of circular graining (perlage) on the main plate and black-polished screws. Black polishing, or speculaire, is a difficult and time-consuming technique that results in a screw head that appears either bright white or jet black depending on the angle of the light. These details, combined with the polished sinks for the jewels and gears, create a visual feast of texture and light.
A key part of Armin Strom's process is the double assembly of every watch. The movement is first assembled and rigorously tested. It is then completely disassembled, each part is cleaned and given its final finishing, and then it is painstakingly reassembled. This two-step process ensures that any microscopic marks from the initial assembly are removed and that every component is in perfect condition before it is cased, a hallmark of true haute horlogerie.
Completing the watch's aesthetic is a sand-colored Alcantara strap. This material, known for its softness and durability, offers a comfortable and modern alternative to traditional leather. Its suede-like texture perfectly complements the frosted finish of the dial, while off-white stitching provides a subtle, handcrafted detail. The strap is fitted with a stainless steel folding clasp, ensuring a secure and convenient fit on the wrist.
Courtesy of Armin Strom
On the wrist, the Tribute 1 Sandstein presents a unique character. The 38 mm size is contemporary yet restrained, making a statement without being ostentatious. The warm, monochromatic color scheme is incredibly versatile, pairing well with both casual and more formal attire. The visual depth of the dial, from the recessed guilloché to the prominent barrel bridge, makes it a watch that continually reveals new details upon closer inspection.
This particular model is offered as a limited edition of only 50 pieces, a testament to the time and skill required to produce each one. The exclusivity ensures that owners will be part of a very small circle of collectors. The price for the Armin Strom Tribute 1 Sandstein is set at CHF 22,000. For this, the buyer acquires not just a time-telling instrument, but a piece of the Armin Strom story and a connection to the very sandstone of Burgdorf.
Case: Stainless steel; 38 mm diameter; 9.38 mm height; 18 mm lug width; 5 ATM water resistance; Sapphire crystal and case back with anti-reflective treatment.
Movement: Armin Strom Manufacture Caliber AMW21; Manual-winding; 100-hour power reserve; 3.5 Hz (25,200 vph); 21 jewels; 135 components.
Dial: Sand-colored; Off-center time display with grain d’orge guilloché and Roman numerals; Frosted subdial; Polished rhodium hands.
Strap: Sand-colored Alcantara strap with off-white stitching; Stainless steel folding clasp.
Price: CHF 22,000
Reference Number: ST25-TRI.41
Notes: Limited edition of 50 pieces. The dial side features a visible motor barrel held by a mirror-polished finger bridge. Each watch is assembled twice by the manufacturer.