Our Take

The Mirrored Force Resonance takes on a strikingly elegant form with a newly designed case, movement and dial, incorporating Armin Strom’s unique and chronometrically superlative Resonance technology in new proportions and revealing more of its innovative movement

Armin S trom took the watch industry by storm in 2016 when it unveiled the Mirrored Force Resonance, a watch that exploits the physical phenomenon of resonance in an ingenious and unprecedented way. It set a new standard of chronometric precision and regula rity by achieving what watchmakers once believed to be impossible.

Revisiting the independent manufacture’s milestone creation in 2016 from a new vantage point, the entirely redesigned Mirrored Force Resonance takes the winning formula of superior chronometric stability and reimagines it using a new, refined design language. From the outside, the case has been redesigned from scratch in more slender proportions (43mm x 11.55mm), with slimmer, more elegant lugs, as well as a very subtle signature Armin Strom “lip” at 6 o’clock.

The raised sapphire glass box reveals the innovative and truly one-of-a-kind movement from multiple angles and has been redesigned for a more open, three-dimensional look. Most notably, the two balance bridges have been openworked for more visual harmony between the two synchronized balanced wheels and the off-centre dial. The pusher at 2 o’clock allows the two running seconds indicators – which rotate in mirrored clockwise and counter-clockwise motions – to be reset to zero and visually track the state of resonance.

Turning the watch over reveals the extent of the movement’s complete redesign. Inspired by the golden age of precision marine chronometry, the engraved main plate outlines the specific characteristics of the Mirrored Force Resonance in raised text. Highlighting the fact that the ingenuity of the Resonance is having two movements beating in sync with independent energy sources and gear trains, the symmetry of the movement is accentuated with its mirrored arrangement of open bridges and gears. This open execution also allows the Armin Strom manufacture to showcase its expertise in hand finishing while also shining a light on the brand’s history as a preeminent maker of skeleton watches. The wider hand-polished chamfers on the bridges and countersinks and the mix of satin-brushed and mirror-polished surfaces also exude a superlative and distinctly haute horlogerie quality that can only be achieved by the hands of skilled artisans.

Other mechanical features have been updated in addition to the architecture and re-engineered movement, such as the ratchet wheels and pawls that now take their inspiration from those found in pocket watches and provide a smoother tactile experience when winding.

Claude Greisler, Co-Founder and Master Watchmaker at Armin Strom, comments, “The openworked Resonance movement further highlights the ingenuity of our unique and patented system. Even more incredibly, we’ve made the new Mirrored Force Resonance slimmer, paying particular attention to the ergonomics and overall proportions of this exceptional timepiece.”

The Details

Brand: Armin Strom

Model: Mirrored Force Resonance – First Edition

Indications: Hours, minutes, seconds

Movement: Armin Strom manufacture Calibre ARF21 Manual-winding, patented resonance clutch spring, 2 mainspring barrels.

Regulating system: two independent regulation systems connected by a resonance clutch spring

Power reserve: 48 Hours

Dimensions: 37.20 mm x 6.70 mm

Frequency: 3.5 Hz (25,200 vph)

Finishing: Hand-finishing to the highest quality level

Jewels: 30

Number of components: 273

Case: Stainless steel & a Sapphire crystal and caseback with anti-reflective treatment

Diameter: 43.00 mm

Height: 11.5 mm

Water resistance: 5 ATM

Dial: Black Gold coloured with number part azurés and centre mat

Hands: Steel, manufactured by Armin Strom, decorated by hand

Strap: Dark Blue alligator strap with white stitching, pin buckle in stainless steel

First edition limited to 25 pieces