Armin Strom Tribute² Aurum Edition

From the Orbit to the Mirror Force Resonance, Biel-based Armin Strom has consistently produced some of the most technically intriguing and visually distinctive watches in contemporary independent watchmaking. Yet beyond its high complications, the brand continues to refine its vision of modern, time-only watchmaking. With the all-new Tribute² Aurum Edition, Armin Strom expands the Tribute line into more expressive and artisanal territory.

Building on the foundations of the original Tribute 1, the Tribute² Aurum Edition is more openworked and more sculptural in its execution. The design places a greater emphasis on depth and architecture, revealing more of the movement while elevating decorative craft to the forefront. At the heart of the watch is a gold-coated brass mainplate, finished entirely by hand using tremblage technique. This irregular, light-catching surface creates a sense of richness and visual movement, forming a striking contrast with the grey fumé off-center dial and layered construction.

The off-center time display remains a defining feature of the Tribute collection, but here it is complemented by increased transparency and skeletonization. The exposed mechanics, paired with the warm glow of the tremblage-finished mainplate, give the watch a refined yet industrial character. This is the signature aesthetic of Armin Strom in both spirit and execution. The result feels less like a traditional dress watch and more like a compact architectural object for the wrist.

Powering the Tribute² Aurum is the hand-wound AMW21 calibre, developed and manufactured entirely in-house. Delivering a substantial 100-hour power reserve, the movement employs Armin Strom’s innovative motor barrel construction, in which the arbor transmits energy directly to the gear train. This configuration improves efficiency while optimizing space within the movement. Beating at 25,200 vibrations per hour (3.5 Hz), the calibre features a variable inertia balance wheel with a flat hairspring, secured beneath the brand’s signature System 78 finger bridge.

Hand-finishing is where the Tribute² Aurum truly distinguishes itself. The skeletonized motor barrel is accented by hand-polished, bevelled spokes, while the steel finger bridge on the dial side is meticulously black polished and bevelled. Turning the watch over reveals a three-quarter bridge decorated with Geneva stripes and circular graining, highlighted by an exceptional 60-degree hand-polished bevel. A three-dimensional escapement wheel bridge with a polished sink adds a final sculptural flourish.

Each Tribute² Aurum is assembled twice, underscoring Armin Strom’s commitment to both mechanical precision and aesthetic integrity. Limited to just 10 pieces, the Tribute² Aurum Edition continues the story of the Tribute collection by pushing the boundaries of texture, transparency, and artisanal finishing even further.