Armin Strom represents a unique fusion of the swiss-german horological tradition with avant-garde ‘transparent mechanics’ and an unwavering commitment to horological innovation. Our watches are designed to both showcase how our movements actually work and to validate the attention to detail that goes into their production. Whether with a loupe or with the naked eye, with an Armin Strom timepiece there will always be something captivating to see.
Pure Resonance Manufacture Edition Rose Gold
(IN STOCK)
825 000 kr
Pure Resonance Manufacture Edition Rose Gold
The Pure Resonance is the second watch in the collection to leverage Claude Greisler’s milestone achievement, which harnessed the “Resonance Phenomenon” in a completely new way.
Resonance watches are so rare precisely because they are so extraordinarily difficult to design and produce, as they essentially require two watch movements to be combined into one unit that utilizes two independent mainsprings, gear trains, escapements, and balances. A resonance watch requires its two balance wheels find a concurrent rhythm so as to continuously regulate one another. The follow-on challenge is to consistently maintain oscillation-rate stability; in order to enlist the resonance phenomenon to the cause of chronometric precision. This challenge has historically eluded even the greatest of watchmakers, as the fragility of the phenomenon makes it extraordinarily difficult to consistently maintain with resiliency to disruption; particularly in the context of a human wrist that is both continously in engaged in unpredictable motion and which often ‘bumps into things’.
SUSTAINING A CONSISTENT RESONANCE STATE: A SOLUTION TO THE 200-YEAR OLD PROBLEM
The pursuit of a consistent state of resonance is what ultimately led Claude Greisler to conclude that Abraham-Louis Breguet’s approach, which achieves resonance via precise balance-wheel proximity, was of little actual utility in the context of his precision-oriented horological ambitions. Greisler’s goal was to harness the resonance phenomenon in a wristwatch with sufficient consistency to enable his wristwatch to operate with marine-chronometer precision, despite the ever-changing positions of the human wrist. Marine Chronometer accuracy targets consistency as its sole goal; meaning that it must gain or lose precisely the same number of seconds every single day without variation. Contrast this with the variable plus/minus approach for a standard wristwatch and the difference becomes exceedingly clear. It would require two balance wheels to dynamically regulate each other on a consistent basis in order for Greisler’s ambition to be achieved.
In the end, Greisler’s solution would require a return to first principles and a deep exploration of the resonance theories of Christiaan Huygens (the father of mathematical physics and the inventor of the pendulum clock; who had died over 50 years before Breguet was even born).
In keeping with his desire to restrict his solution to the same materials that his watchmaker-grandfather could have used, Greisler’s developed his “Huygens Resonance Clutch Spring” in steel. He spent three years perfecting its shape and characteristics: recalculating, optimizing, simulating, testing, retesting and achieving incremental improvements until the ‘Huygens Clutch Spring’ had developed into its current form. This patented clutch spring design maintains an optimal a state of resonance by synchronizing two sets of oscillators (comprising twin balance wheels and balance springs) in what Huygens described as a state of ‘odd sympathy’ (oscillating in perfect consonance but in opposite directions, while synchronized in anti-phase).
The state-of-the-art basic Caliber ARF16 showcases its resonant regulators and Huygens Resonance Clutch Spring. Bridges are decorated with succinct, eye-catching côtes de Genève, applied for the first time in straight lines. It’s absolutely spectacular movement finishing is often overlooked as the hypnotic pulsation of its clutch spring and the synchronized motion of its two balance wheels provide a mesmerizing distraction that invariably captures most of the attention.
ARMIN STROM’s new Pure Resonance offers a more classic stylistic approach and improved accuracy.
Clear Design
In general, Armin Strom carefully maintains a pared-down approach that keeps the brand’s style of watchmaking focused on its essence. How concentrated that style may be, the latest version of Resonance heads further in that direction, squarely placing emphasis on the watch’s most remarkable feature: the visible dual balances oscillating in resonance.
The dial now offers just two subdials for time displays: Roman numerals dominate the off-center subdial displaying hours and minutes in black and blue with blued steel hands, while a classic railroad track marks the exact minutes. The smaller subdial at 7 o’clock displays seconds using only a baton-shaped white hand and a simple track.
Technology in Service to Chronometry
The goal of the Pure Resonance has not changed: to display the interesting resonant balances while improving overall precision. To this end, brand director Claude Greisler has removed the twin seconds flyback mechanism of Caliber ARF15, replacing them with one clear-cut subsidiary seconds subdial.
The reason for this watch’s improved chronometry can be found in the straightforward approach to the movement: the fewer functions a timepiece must perform, the better it can concentrate on accuracy. In other words, with no superfluous functions this watch can focus fully on precisely providing the time. The time displays receive their portioned energy from the lower regulator, while the upper regulator remains in place to create resonance.
This conceptual forthrightness is reflected in the design of the movement: state-of-the-art basic Caliber ARF16 showcases the resonant regulators and playful resonance clutch spring. New bridges are decorated with succinct, eye-catching côtes de Genève, applied for the first time at ARMIN STROM in straight lines. “The purpose of redesigning the movement’s architecture was clarity, thereby putting focus on the resonance assembly and accuracy,” says Greisler.
Classic Size
The outward design of this new Pure Resonance perfectly reflects the purity of Caliber ARF16. It is housed in a slimmer 42 mm stainless steel or 18-karat rose gold case (1.4 mm smaller than the original version) with reduced lugs and crown and practically no bezel, though the characteristic lip at 6 o’clock remains – an homage to the ability of ARMIN STROM to customize any of its watches as well as to founder Armin Strom, who offered this space to clients for personal engraving (and it can still be used for that).
The latest version Pure Resonance looks and acts just like a “normal” three-handed watch. And this remains in line with the philosophy of ARMIN STROM as a brand: just good, proprietary mechanics presented in an impeccably finished and interesting way. The “Pure Resonance heralds a new era at ARMIN STROM,” owner Serge Michel promises.
About Armin Strom
Armin Strom is an independent watch company based in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. Armin Strom timepieces offer a unique fusion of the Swiss-German horological tradition, avant-garde “transparent mechanics” and an unwavering commitment to horological innovation. The hallmark of the brand’s low-volume, artisanal approach to watchmaking is its commitment to exposed dial-side movement mechanics, with every part hand-finished to the highest haute-horology standards.
Armin Strom was established in 1967 by Mr Armin Strom, a legend in the art of hand-skeletonization. In 2006, the stewardship of Mr Strom’s legacy became the responsibility of Master Watchmaker Claude Greisler and businessman Serge Michel, who together revitalized the brand with the opening of Armin’s Strom’s first fully-integrated Manufacture in 2009. Today the brand designs, develops, mills, embosses, galvanizes, hand-finishes and assembles all of its own watches in-house, enabling Armin Strom to bring even the most complicated ideas to life without any of the compromises that typically stem from reliance on a supply chain.
Technical specifications:
Reference:
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RG17-RP.90
Indications:
- hours, minutes, small seconds
Movement:
- Armin Strom manufacture Calibre ARF16, Manual-winding, patented resonance clutch spring, 2 mainspring barrels
- Regulating system: two independent regulation systems connected by a resonance clutch spring
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Power reserve: 48 hours
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Dimensions: 34.40 mm x 7.05mm
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Frequency: 3.5 Hz (25,200 vph)
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Finishing: Base plate and bridges are decorated to the highest quality level
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Jewels: 38
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Number of components: 206
Case:
- 18-carat Rose Gold
- Sapphire crystal and caseback with anti-reflective treatment
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Diameter: 42.00 mm
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Height: 12 mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 48.57mm
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Water resistance: 5 ATM
Dial:
- Black dial with roman numerals
Hands:
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Rose gold, manufactured by Armin Strom, decorated by hand
Strap:
- Delivered with a genuine black alligator leather strap and an additional black rubber strap.
Width lugs/buckle: 20/18 mm
Pin buckle in 18ct rose gold, a folding clasp in 18ct rose gold is available on option
Edition:
- Unlimited
About Armin Strom
Armin Strom is an independent watch company based in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. Armin Strom timepieces offer a unique fusion of the Swiss-German horological tradition, avant-garde “transparent mechanics” and an unwavering commitment to horological innovation. The hallmark of the brand’s low-volume, artisanal approach to watchmaking is its commitment to exposed dial-side movement mechanics, with every part hand-finished to the highest haute-horology standards.
Armin Strom was established in 1967 by Mr Armin Strom, a legend in the art of hand-skeletonization. In 2006, the stewardship of Mr Strom’s legacy became the responsibility of Master Watchmaker Claude Greisler and businessman Serge Michel, who together revitalized the brand with the opening of Armin’s Strom’s first fully-integrated Manufacture in 2009. Today the brand designs, develops, mills, embosses, galvanizes, hand-finishes and assembles all of its own watches in-house, enabling Armin Strom to bring even the most complicated ideas to life without any of the compromises that typically stem from reliance on a supply chain.
When ‘Mr. Armin Strom’ retired from watchmaking, he transferred ownership of his brand to two boys (by then adults) who had had frequented his workshop so often together in childhood: businessperson Serge Michel and Master Watchmaker Claude Greisler.
In 2009, the revitalized Armin Strom built upon Mr. Strom’s historical legacy with the opening of its first fully-integrated Manufacture; located in Biel, Switzerland.
Today the Manufacture produces all of our timepieces in-house and with great reverence for the Swiss-German watchmaking tradition. Our extraordinary team of dedicated engineers and artisans, led by Master Watchmaker Claude Greisler, uphold that tradition with uncompromising passion and commitment.
Serge Michel is the scion of one of the most prominent families in Switzerland. His unwavering passion and commitment to the business of the Armin Strom Manufacture have made him both the sponsor and the driving business force behind the brand.
Fascinated by watchmaking and watch collecting from a young age, he and his childhood friend Claude Greisler shared a dream of co-founding a watch company; one that would someday produce watches of the very highest quality in the Swiss-German tradition. Today that dream has become a longstanding reality.
Beyond his life in the Manufacture, Serge is a husband and proud father of two girls. His other passions include global travel and wine collecting. Nothing brings a bigger smile to Serge’s face than introducing the latest Armin Strom creation to good friends over a dinner paired with several bottles of fine wine.
Claude Greisler is “a watchmaker’s watchmaker.” His greatest passions are watches (past and present) and complicated watchmaking. In actual fact, watchmaking has been a Greisler family profession for generations. Claude’s training began in his grandfather’s workshop, which led to his formal training, beginning with his completion of a four year program at the “School for Watchmakers and Rhabilleurs” in Solothurn, Switzerland; followed by a two-year program in movement restoration at Centre Interrégionalde Formation des Montagnes [CIFOM] in Le Locle; and then a further two-year program at CIFOM focused on the development and construction of complicated timepieces. Upon the completion of his 8 years of watchmaking education, Claude honed his craft as a watchmaker at Christophe Claret (a brand known for its ultra-complicated timepieces) as the next step in his longstanding ambition: to dedicate himself to the design and production of horologically significant timepieces. Beyond his watchmaking obsession, Claude is also a passionate skier and outdoorsman. Together with his wife, Gaby, Claude explores the Swiss backcountry as often as his responsibilities at the manufacture will allow.
Manufacture
At Armin Strom, we’re obsessed with every detail of every watch that we make. We develop, mill, emboss, galvanize and hand-finish all of our watches in-house. We adhere to the very highest haute-horology standards because we know that Armin Strom collectors appreciate looking at more than just the time.
At Armin Strom, our highly qualified and dedicated team invests an incredible amount of enthusiasm, passion and effort to create watches that are mechanically exceptional and meticulously well-finished. “The only difference between the possible and the impossible is that the impossible takes a little longer.” [Mrs. William Tilton, “The Washington Herald”, 1921].
Our passion for ‘transparent mechanics’ is at the core of our watchmaking design philosophy, but perfection in our execution and in the long-term reliability of our watches is always paramount. These priorities are the hallmarks of the Swiss-German watchmaking tradition. We honor that tradition with every watch that we produce at the Armin Strom Manufacture.
Decoration
Hand engraving
Every piece is unique.
Steel burins in various sizes and wax-coated holders are the tools of the engraver.
In the engraver’s hands, each workpiece becomes a unique work of art. The engraver draws their own motif design on the workpiece with a needle according to their original drawings; working under the microscope.
Polishing
Embellishing every part of a movement makes every Armin Strom watch akin to a hand-crafted piece of jewelry.
Working bare brass or steel by hand is time-consuming work: edges of plates, bridges and levers must be perfectly chamfered or, as watchmakers call it, beveled. Every part is then polished to perfection, even when the embellishment won’t be visible in the finished watch.
Beveling and polishing requires a trained eye and fingertip sensitivity together with both patience and perseverance. For example, even a relatively small part like a pallets bridge will require at least half an hour to complete – and often more than that.
Traditional Grinding
Here a classic fine watch-making finishing technique known as “Geneva Stripes” (Côtes de Genève), is displayed. They’re created via the use an abrasive disc that’s applied in perfectly straight lines to create the Côtes de Genève on the workpiece.
Circular graining (Perlage) is a decorative motif reminiscent of clouds, typically used on main plates. To achieve this pattern, the watchmaker uses an abrasive pencil and gently makes contact with the workpiece, gradually working across the whole surface. This creates the characteristic overlapping circular grained motif.
All rotating parts of an Armin Strom movement are embellished with a circular grinding pattern.
Assembling
Up to this point, they were all just individual parts – turned, milled, polished and decorated. Now the watch will begin to take shape.
The watchmaker uses a pressing tool to insert the jewel bearings for the spindles of the toothed wheels into the plate and bridges. This is a crucial operation. The way the jewels are pressed in influences the correct vertical play of the gear-train. Do the gear-wheels and pinions mesh together correctly? Does the height need adjusting by a few hundredths of a millimeter? Once the gear-train is adjusted, the bridges and plates are screwed down, and the mainsprings are assembled in the going barrels, then the movement is ready to receive the escapement. With the installation of the escapement, consisting of the escape-wheel, the pallets and balance-wheel, the watch comes to life.
After the first assembly, the movement is completely disassembled and each individual part is then cleaned, dried, reassembled and lubricated. After the second assembly, the movement is meticulously regulated before the watchmaker sets the hands and re-inserts the movement back into the case. The back of the case is then fixed in place. The completed watch is subjected to a multi-day rate test on a watch winder. Water resistance is also tested. Once the watch has passed these quality tests, it is finally certified as complete.
