Armin Strom Tribute 1 First Edition

Armin Strom today announced the introduction of an entirely new timepiece; one that reinterprets the classic dress watch in a contemporary context.

“We believe that exceptional hand-finishing, presented inthe context of a modern aesthetic design sensibility, is the key to a modern dress watch revival” said Claude Greisler, Master Watchmaker and co-founder of the revitalized Armin Strom.

“We’re the heirs to a long tradition of manually-wound dresswatch design at Armin Strom; but like much of the rest of the market, we had moved away from that” said Greisler. “Over time, this became a source of deep regret for me - and I was ultimately inspired to do something about it. I’ve been obsessed with every detail of this timepiece, particularly when it comes to finishing. Hand polishing the dial-side of each barrel bridge takes over 12 hours to complete. To make the inaugural iteration even more special, we chose to produce that bridge in solid white gold. The gear train bridge on the backside is beveled and polished in 60° - a process that’s far more complex to execute and as a result takes twice as long. The polishing of the hands that I designed for this watch was also extremely time-consuming. The barrel is hand polished and provides 100 hours of autonomous operation. The Caliber AMW21 is adorned with Côtes de Genève, the jewel sinks are polished to a gleaming conclusion and the mainplate is circulargrained. The balance cock and the stepped escape wheelcock deliver a three-dimensional allure, while their edges are hand beveled to convey an overall sense of luxury.”

The “Tribute 1” is also more classic in its dimensions thanany of my more recent designs,” said Greisler, “with a diameter of 38mm and a height of just 9mm. The crown islocated at 2 o’clock; a nod to modern design that also enhances wearer comfort.”

“The “Tribute 1” is contemporary, technically-innovative andbeautifully finished. I love it - and I believe that our col-lectors will too.” said Serge Michel, co-founder. “At a timewhen so many of us have spent so much time without anyformal social interaction, the looming end of the globalpandemic represents a symbolic return to normality - andhopefully a return to the luxury of social gatherings thatwe may have previously taken for granted. In that context,the acquisition of a dress watch can be seen as an expres-sion of hope - and a meaningful connection to both thepast and the future” said Michel.

“Years ago, we were told by almost everyone that there was no economic model that could possibly justify alow-volume independent bringing all of its fabrication in-house,” said co-founder Serge Michel. “The equipment is expensive and it requires a lot of physical space. We followed our passion and did it anyway. And that decision paid off. We’ve since come to the conclusion that following our horological passions will probably eventually make financial sense, even when we can’t articulate exactly how that will play out. Fortunately, we have the luxury of taking risks and following our passion. The “Tribute 1” isn’t just amanifestation of that passion, it’s a ‘tribute’ to it. It’s simultaneously our tribute to the classic haute horology dresswatch, adapted with a modern aesthetic sensibility.”

Technical distinction

The Caliber AMW21

The highly efficient motor barrel in the “Tribute 1” is unusual in that the arbor turns around the mainspring within the barrel itself, which makes it more efficient while conserving space.

The first edition of the “Tribute 1” is available now and is limited to just 25 pieces. It is priced at an intentionally-accessible price point of CHF 13,900. This first iteration is further distinguished by its white gold barrel bridge and a 10-year warranty, exactly double the standard warranty typically offered by Armin Strom.

Technical specifications: 

Armin Strom Tribute 1 First Edition

Limited edition of 25 pieces

Case

• Material: Stainless steel
• Diameter: 38 mm
• Thickness: 9.38 mm
• Sapphire crystal and case back with anti-reflective treatment
• Water-resistant to 50 meters

Dial and hands

• Offset black dial with hand-finishing to the highest quality level
• Stainless steel hands with hand finishing

Movement

• Calibre AMW21
• Manual-winding, stable transmission system - Motor barrel
• Regulating system: Flat hairspring with a variable inertia balance wheel
• Dimensions: 33.50 mm x 4.20 mm
• Frequency: 25,200 vph (3,5 Hz)
• Number of jewels: 21
• Number of parts: 135 components
• Power reserve of 100 hours

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes, seconds

Strap and buckle

• Grey Alcantara calf leather strap
• Stainless steel double-fold deployant clasp

MSRP: CHF 13'900

For more information, please visit arminstrom.com