First look…

Combining its deep horological know-how with a bold, contemporary aesthetic, Biel-based ARMIN STROM joins the prestigious group brands to offer a manufacture tourbillon caliber.  To mark the occasion, the manufacture presents an exclusive “coffret touribllon” of four unique timepieces which showcase the tourbillon caliber in a variety of embellishments.  The pieces are all beautifully done and serve as a precursor to more regular production tourbillon models which will roll out next year.  In total, just 16 pieces will be made (4 sets of 4).  Perpetuelle brings you a close look at each of these four superb timepieces, below.

As depicted above, this special tourbillon collection is built across Strom’s “Elemental” them:  Water, Air, Earth and Fire.  In each of its calibers, Armin Strom offers pieces in each of these aesthetics.  What is unique here is the special decoration given to each of the bridges (on the front of the movement) and the mainplate (on the back of the caliber) — of course fully visible thanks to the open dial and sapphire display back.

As you can see in the images below, the tourbillon is situated at 9 o’clock in the new ATC11 calibre.  Armin Strom points out that it is distinguished by a lever worked in 18kt white gold, as well as an assembly that places the balance wheel and seconds pinion on the same axis, though I do not know the mechanical advantage or uniqueness of this.  The manual calibre has a 10-day power reserve and is driven by two barrels, with a winding mechanism also visible from the dial side.

Note also the asymmetrical case shape, an Armin Strom signature and something I am very much a fan of.

“Water” (White Gold Case) and “Air” (Titanium Case)

43.4mm case (13mm thick), manual wind ARMIN STROM calibre ATC11 (Tourbillon, double spring barrels / 10-days power reserve, small seconds and decentred time indications), on horn-back alligator strap with matching metal double-fold clasp

“Water”

Plate and bridges set with 44 diamonds (0.1893 ct total, IF_VVS, colour G) as well as 76 light blue and 159 dark blue sapphires  (0.8312 ct total)

“Air”

Plate and bridges entirely skeletonized by hand (notice the graceful curves and chamfering).  Since 2009, the brand has promoted modern forms of skeletonizing, with designs integrated from the early stages of the calibre before being entirely crafted in the Manufacture.  This piece certainly has a contemporary “air” to it.

“Fire” (Rose Gold Case) and “Earth” (Black PVD Steel Case)

43.4mm case (13mm thick), manual wind ARMIN STROM calibre ATC11 (Tourbillon, double spring barrels / 10-days power reserve, small seconds and decentred time indications), on horn-back alligator strap with matching metal double-fold clasp

“Fire”

Plate and bridges entirely engraved by hand with flames

“Earth”

Plate and bridges with ceramic inlays

Recently Armin Strom went on world tour with these exclusive tourbillons.  The showcase of the Earth element took place at the foothills of the Bernese Alps, in Interlaken, in the setting of a renowned distillery.  The next stages of the tour are already scheduled: Fire is due to take place under the desert sun in Dubai,  Air among the soaring skyscrapers of Singapore and Water, on the shores of the pacific ocean, in Los Angeles.  Which one is your favoite?  I really like the Fire and Air models.

Having reviewed pieces from both the brands Armin Racing collection (see my Armin “Marussia” Racing Chronograph Watch Review here) and the prestigious, hand-skeletonized ARMIN STROM collection (see my Armin Strom Blue Chip Skeleton review here), Perpetuelle regulars know that I am a big fan of Armin Strom.

For those of you not familiar with the brand, here is a very short bit of background.  Though the brand is relatively new — founded in 2006 — its namesake founder is a long established figure in the watchmaking industry having firmly defined himself as one of the preeminent skeleton masters.   Armin Strom was founded in part to carry on the legacy of the great man who himself retired late last year.  Armin Strom SA has made great strides in just a few short years, thanks to access to capital and talent.  Its aspirations high, Armin Strom introduced its first manufacture caliber in November 2009 (the beautiful ARM09) and has since increased the calibre family to five, including the ATC11 tourbillon caliber featured here.

As you can see, Armin Strom has great ambitions in the world of high watchmaking and is in very capable hands.  It continues to be a joy to watch this brand grow.  Please feel free to browse through my prior Armin Strom posts for more information.

Also see more at http://arminstrom.com