None of this will actually make a watch more accurate. That is part of the overall design of the movement as well as how well regulated the movement is in any particular watch. Resonance does, however, have a few upsides worth mentioning, and they are designed to help keep a watch accurate over time. One of the main effects of resonating balance wheels is that their rates eventually synchronize. This has the tendency to stabilize the rate, and thus reduce errors over time which contribute to poor isochronism (accuracy over time).
Another interesting side effect of resonance is to reduce energy consumption. This isn’t profound, but apparently, the waves that move between the two balance wheels (remember that they are moving in opposite directions) seem to offer a little “push” so as to reduce overall energy usage. Why is this important? Well, remember that two balance wheels require more power than one. So, apparently, Armin Strom is proud of the 48-hour power reserve between the two barrels in the caliber ARF15 movement (yes, “arf”).
Finally, one more positive effect of resonance in a watch movement is to help reduce the errors created by shock. The system will not make a watch immune to shock and vibrations, but the tendency for the two balance wheels to influence each other means that they will be a bit less susceptible to timing errors. Unfortunately, Armin Strom (as is the case with most other brands) fails to report specific timing results for the Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance watch, but I feel confident after seeing the watch hands-on and speaking to them, I’ll get more information about how the watch actually performs in the real world.
The in-house-made and -developed Armin Strom ARF15 movement uses the unconventional operating speed of 3.5Hz (25,200bph). This is actually the same frequency as most Omega Co-Axial Escapement movements. Remember that the dual balance wheels “mirror” one another in that they operate in opposite directions. The watch indicates only one time, but has two distinct displays for the seconds. Presumably to prove to you that they are synchronized (or not, if that is the case).
You may have noticed a pusher on the side of the case at 2 o’clock. This is designed to be an instantaneous zero-reset for the two subsidiary seconds hands. I believe the idea is to start the watch (wind it), wait until the balance wheels have achieved resonance, and then to reset the seconds hands. It’s is a very useful and interesting feature, and I am glad that Armin Strom thought of it. If successful, I am sure Armin Strom will build on the ARF15 movement. I’d like to see additional complications such as a power reserve indicator, as well as maybe a system to indicate whether or not the movement has detected that the balance wheels have synchronized their rate. The movement is made of 226 parts, and is visible both through the rear of the case, and via much of the face through the front of the watch.
Armin Strom more or less uses their standard case design for the Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance watch. It is 43.4mm wide and 13mm thick with 50m of water-resistance. For this initial debut model, the case comes in 18k rose gold. Dial-wise, the Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance is OK, but I think that future versions of the watch will become more refined. Armin Strom seems to be undecided between a classic or contemporary look, and the overall theme of the dial looks a bit strained as a result. Moreover, there is what I think most watch lovers will refer to as “too much text” in the dial – as much of it is unnecessary to read or appreciate this marvelous creation. Finally, the hour and minute hands are noticeably too short… and I am not sold on the “triple” hand design of the subsidiary seconds hands.
I have no doubt these relatively minor design elements will be tweaked and refined in the near future. The important thing is that the movement is quite impressive and really helps add cache to the brand. This is going to be one of the hot exotic complication watches, and is further so distinct in design from the F.P. Journe watch that they aren’t competitors. This initial reference RG15-RF.5N Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance “Fire” watch will be limited to just 50 pieces, and it is priced at a quite reasonable (all things considered) 67,000 Swiss francs. arminstrom.com
