Prepare to be captivated! Armin Strom, a brand celebrated for its exquisitely decorated, openworked in-house movements, is back with a stunning addition to its dress watch lineup: the Tribute² Aurum Edition. This watch isn't just a timepiece; it's a statement.
In 2021, Armin Strom surprised the watch world with the Tribute 1 model, a more understated piece that still carried the brand's signature design and technical prowess. The Tribute collection, known for its simpler, more discreet aesthetic, often featured closed dials. But in 2024, in collaboration with Horomariobro, Armin Strom decided to unveil the inner workings, elevating the decoration to unprecedented levels with the Tribute² Copper Edition. Now, the brand introduces the Armin Strom Tribute² Aurum Edition, a true testament to horological artistry.
The new Aurum Edition shares many design and technical elements with its predecessors, including the case shape and dimensions. The Armin Strom Tribute² is a compact 38mm watch with a slender profile under 10mm. The case, a harmonious blend of polished top and brushed flanks, exudes elegance and sharpness. It features sapphire crystals on both sides and offers water resistance up to 50m. The crown, positioned at 2 o'clock, adds a touch of originality and enhances comfort.
This edition elevates the collection's contemporary aesthetic, revealing the technical components and refining their decoration to Armin Strom's high standards. The watch is more openworked and skeletonized than previous models, enhancing the movement's architectural presence and showcasing the hand-finished details. The dial's base, which also serves as the movement's main plate, is made of brass and gold-plated, hence the name 'Aurum,' and finished with the rare tremblage technique, creating a rich texture. It's paired with a smoked grey sub-dial with gold-colored hands and markers.
A defining technical element is the motor barrel, usually closed in the Tribute 1, which is fully opened with hand-polished bevelled spokes and a black-polished, bevelled steel finger bridge. Elements of the kinetic chain, typically hidden, are now visible for a discreet technical look. This openworked approach transforms the watch, making it a true spectacle.
But here's where it gets controversial... The hand-wound Calibre AMW21, developed and manufactured in-house, is visible through the sapphire back. It boasts an impressive 100-hour power reserve despite its compact size. This performance is achieved through the innovative motor barrel construction, where the arbor delivers energy to the gear train, improving efficiency and optimizing space. Operating at a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour (3.5 Hz), the calibre features a variable inertia balance wheel and a flat overcoil spring, supported by the signature system 78 finger bridge. The back is elegantly finished with Geneva stripes, a wide 60° hand-polished bevel, and a three-dimensional escapement wheel bridge with a polished sink. The movement is assembled twice, a hallmark of the brand.
Worn on a taupe Epsom strap with taupe stitching, the Armin Strom Tribute² Aurum Edition is a limited edition of only 10 pieces. The price is set at CHF 27,000.
Technical Specifications at a Glance:
- Case: 38mm diameter, 9.38mm thickness, stainless steel, brushed and polished, sapphire crystal front and back, 50m water-resistant.
- Dial: Gold-plated brass mainplate, hand-finished with tremblage, grey fumé off-center dial, gold-colored hands and markers.
- Movement: Armin Strom Manufacture Calibre AMW21, hand-wound, in-house, 21 jewels, 137 components, 33.5mm x 4.2mm, 25,200 vibrations/hour, motor barrel with 100-hour power reserve, openworked structure.
- Strap: 18mm lug width, Epsom taupe strap with taupe stitching, stainless steel pin buckle.
- Reference: ST25-TRI.2E
- Availability: Limited edition of 10 pieces.
- Price: CHF 27,000
This watch is a true work of art, but is it worth the price tag? What are your thoughts on the design and the openworked movement? Share your opinions in the comments below!
