To further enhance legibility on this special skeletonized dial, Armin Strom includes a mostly transparent sapphire ring over the movement that has applied hour markers and printed minute makers. What you get is a rare combination of total movement openness along with a full scale to read the time. Of course, there are other watches with similar design features but few seem to blend together as well as on the One Week Skeleton.
Of course, skeletonization and engraving are only as good as the artist who conceived them, and this pretty watch seems to have been imagined by a master. I don’t say that lightly given that I am a strong critic when it comes to sub-par dial decoration. Just because something is engraved doesn’t mean it should automatically garner praise. Armin Strom, of course, has a bit of experience. This beautiful creature wasn’t exactly born yesterday. Before they were making their own movements, the house of Armin Strom was taking third-party movements and getting them very naked with a lovely artistic makeover. The One Week Skeleton just happens to be the first time Armin Strom has delivered the treatment to one of their own movements–and to be honest I am surprised they waited this long.
That surely means in the future more in-house made Armin Strom movements will get this same skeletonized and engraved treatment, the result is just too lovely for them not to. Though I think this is going to be my favorite because you know… one always remembers their first time with great fondness and nostalgia.
Speaking of engravings, it is a good idea to look closely at the work done on the many bridges and surfaces of the ARM09-S movement. Armin Strom cleverly mixes both classic floral decor with more modern patterning and motifs into something that feels appropriate not only on a men’s watch, but also for 2014. Very often engraved watches can look dated or out of place in a modern case. Also, many modern-cased engraved watches don’t actually have hand engravings, but rather work done with a laser. The fact that Armin Storm was able to adorn the One Week Skeleton’s skin with such lovely decor by hand is an asset to its overall value.
The One Week Skeleton may not be the most complicated, most well-known, or most intricate skeletonized watch around, but it is extraordinarily well done. I continue to conjure images of myself stroking it playfully while it beats away on my wrist serenely, as light plays with its many reflective surfaces. There are very few timepieces in the world quite like this, and for me this is a product of what happens when a brand is not afraid to expend the effort necessary to produce a product that combines the range of their talents into one cohesive piece.
What is more impressive is the price. Most lovely timepieces of this ilk would be priced into the stratosphere. While the One Week Skeleton is by no means inexpensive, I think it is an excellent value for what is offered–and that just makes it so much more of a tease. Essentially you are paying an $11,000 premium for the engraving and decoration. Here is how I arrived at that number: The Armin Strom ref. RG10-WF.5N One Week Fire watch has the same 18k rose gold case and ARM09 movement and is priced at $38,700. The ref. RG14-WS.5N One Week Skeleton retails for $49,900. For 10 days of skilled labor cutting, polishing, and engraving that isn’t too bad. We assure you that similar work from larger houses would be marked up a lot more. Again, the Armin Strom One Week Skeleton is limited to 50 pieces, and I may not stop thinking about it until I am able to get one. arminstrom.com
