In late 2016, Armin Strom stunned the horological world when it unveiled its Mirrored Force Resonance watch and we were equally impressed when we saw it hands-on here. With it, Armin Strom joined a small group of watch brands with watches that feature the fascinating resonance principle. Two years on, Armin Strom is introducing a new collection called the Masterpiece, which will be home to the brand’s most complicated and exclusive watches. What better watch to headline this new collection with than the brand new Armin Strom Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance?
For those who are not familiar with the principle of resonance in timekeeping, let me try to explain as succinctly as I can. It refers to the phenomenon where a vibration or external force drives another system to oscillate with greater amplitude. In watchmaking, it refers to the use of two oscillators beating in close proximity to strengthen their beat rate. If resonance indeed works, then the two oscillators will beat in sync with each other and with greater amplitude and stability. This should give us higher precision and enhanced chronometric performance.
The Armin Strom Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance comes in an unusual oval-shaped case made out of grade 5 titanium. It is a hefty beast, measuring 59mm across and has a thickness of just under 16mm (water resistance is 50m). However, the use of titanium should mean it remains relatively light on the wrist. Observant readers will notice that the watch has two crowns at 2 and 10 o’clock. That’s because inside the Armin Strom Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance are two independent movements with independently adjustable time – hence the name “Dual Time.” The two movements are partially visible through the dial side at 12 o’clock, where the movements’ balance wheels are. Improving the effects of resonance is Armin Strom’s patented resonance clutch, which creates a physical connection between the two balance wheels to strengthen the effects of resonance.
The movement within is the Armin Strom caliber ARF17. It is a manually-wound movement that beats at 25,200 bph and has a long power reserve of 110 hours. The movement is visible through a sapphire display case back and it looks to be nicely decorated with the usual high-end decorations found in flagship pieces like Côtes de Genève on the bridges, beveled bridges, and polished screw heads.
On the watch face are two black subdials with hand-engraved guilloche with Roman numeral hour markers. The dials are said to be made by Comblémine, which is owned by Kari Voutilainen. Within each subdial at 6 o’clock you have a power reserve indicator. Finally, in between the two subdials is a handy 24-hour indicator with hands that match the hour markers of the corresponding subdials. With independent movements, the owner can set the two dials to whatever time he or she wishes. This means the Armin Strom Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance can easily accommodate odd timezones with half or even quarter-hour offsets.
Seasoned watch enthusiasts will no doubt see the similarities between the Armin Strom Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance and F.P. Journe’s Chronomètre à Résonance. Certainly, the two are conceptually and functionally similar. Both have dual time capability and rely on the principle of resonance. But the Journe is the more classic and traditional looking of the two. The Armin Strom Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance, on the other hand, is louder and more exuberant. Its large case and exposed balance wheels demand to be seen and it lets people around know that this isn’t an ordinary watch. The Armin Strom Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance is limited to eight pieces and is priced at 180,000 CHF. Learn more at arminstrom.com.