Armin Strom Tribute2

Armin Strom unveils a new iteration of the Tribute – a homage to artisanal hand-finishing and exposed mechanics.

Independent Swiss watch manufacture Armin Strom is expanding its Tribute collection with the new Tribute2, featuring a distinctive open worked design and remarkable three-dimensionality. The visible mechanical elements of the innovative movement and the elaborate hand decorations impart an intriguing visual depth to the watch. The Tribute2 – Copper Edition features a mainplate with a distinctive grattage design in an elegant copper hue. Limited to just 10 pieces, this edition underscores Armin Strom’s commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and exclusivity.

“The Tribute2 builds on the success of the Tribute 1 launched in 2021. It merges traditional watchmaking with contemporary design, highlighting the core values of the brand: transparent mechanics that artfully display the inner mechanisms, three-dimensional design that provides visual depth through various levels and the intricate details of the movement and meticulous hand decoration, which features prominently in this timepiece.” – Claude Greisler, Co-Founder and Master Watchmaker at Armin Strom.

Unique craftsmanship: the artistic grattage mainplate in the Copper Edition

The eye-catching copper-coloured mainplate in the Tribute2 – Copper Edition showcases a distinctive processing technique known as grattage. The process was originally developed by mechanical engineers to create perfectly flat surfaces. Instead of being engraved, hammered or polished, the material is meticulously scraped by hand. This results in a distinctive, stunning pattern – and it is an art form that only a handful of craftsmen still master today. For the mainplate of the Tribute2 – Copper Edition, this technique is used decoratively and gives each piece a look reminiscent of delicate brushstrokes. The mainplate and its unique finish are further accentuated by a copper-coloured PVD coating.

Depth and elegance in the dial

The off-centre fumé grey dial lends the watch additional depth with its subtle colour gradient, which sees the vibrant highlights in the centre gradually transition into a darker tone at the edges. The dial is encircled by a hand-polished steel ring, which is hand-bevelled and further emphasizes the refined character of the design. The hands and indexes, coated in 18K 5N rose gold, add warm accents and impart a sophisticated touch to the watch.

Meticulous hand finishing: each component refined down to the finest detail

The motor barrel, a key visual element of the Tribute models and a prominent feature on the front of the watch, is skeletonized in this edition. Each opening is hand-bevelled to accentuate the elegant spokes of the motor barrel. The bridge that holds the motor barrel is made of steel and black-polished by hand for the first time. The click bridge, which features polished bevels, and the click are also visible, along with the winding wheels, which have been finished with circular graining.

The back of the movement is distinguished by a three-quarter bridge visible through the case back, featuring a 30° hand-polished bevel, adorned with Geneva stripes and finished with circular graining. The small, three-dimensional escapement wheel bridge with hand-polished oil sink is another standout element of the movement.

The other parts of the movement are also exquisitely finished by hand, whether they can be seen on the dial side of the watch or through the sapphire crystal case back.

United by passion: Armin Strom and Horomariobro

The logo on the back, “Horomariobro x Armin Strom”, pays tribute to the inspiring contribution this close friend of the brand has made to the new edition. Fuelled by his enthusiasm for hand-decorated

movements, which he captures in macro photography on his popular Instagram channel, Horomariobro inspired Armin Strom’s Claude Greisler to experiment with new decoration techniques and emphasize various visible highlights of the finishing.

100-hour power reserve: the Tribute2’s innovative movement

The AMW21 hand-wound movement, developed and manufactured in-house by Armin Strom, boasts an impressive 100-hour power reserve. Its exceptional performance is down to the innovative motor barrel design, where the arbor rotates around the mainspring, enhancing efficiency and conserving space. The movement operates at a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour and contains 21 jewels. It also features a balance wheel with variable inertia and a flat overcoil spring supported by a bridge that almost mirrors the motor barrel. These technical features ensure exceptional precision and reliability.

Modern design with timeless elegance

The 38 mm stainless steel case, measuring 9 mm in height, is an expression of timeless elegance. The crown positioned at 2 o’clock enhances wearing comfort and adds an avant-garde flair to the watch. A grey Alcantara calfskin strap rounds out the design of the watch, providing a soft yet secure fit on the wrist.

Price and availability

The Tribute2 – Copper Edition is available now in a limited edition of just 10 pieces for CHF 25,000 – exclusively from Armin Strom on their website arminstrom.com or the brand’s Instagram channel.

 

Technical specification: Tribute2 – Copper Edition
ST24-TRI.HM.AC.M.A4.FC

Indications: Hours, minutes, seconds

Movement: Armin Strom manufacture Calibre AMW21 Hand-wound movement
Regulating system: Flat hairspring with a variable inertia balance wheel
Power reserve: 100 hours
Dimensions: 33.5 mm × 4.2 mm
Frequency: 3.5 Hz (25,200 vph)
Finishing: Hand-finished to the highest level of quality
Jewels: 21
Number of components: 137

Case: Stainless steel
Sapphire crystal and case back with anti-reflective treatment
Diameter: 38 mm
Height: 9 mm
Between lugs (lug to lug): 18 mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM

Dial: Offset, fumé grey
Hands: 18K 5N rose-gold coating
Strap: Delivered with a grey Alcantara calf leather strap and double folding clasp in stainless steel
Price: CHF 25.000, USD 28.400
Limited edition: 10 pieces

 

Top Luxury Watches for the Indian Wedding Season

The monsoon is making the world clean and green. Soon after it will be time for new beginnings. As the wedding season approaches after the rains, the most awaited preparation is shopping for one’s special day. For women, it is mostly clothes, shoes, bags, make-up and jewelry. But for men, this is the time to indulge in a few goodies of their own choice too. Be it grooming, or looking for experiential events a fair share of materialistic goodies are also sought. Here are some top luxury watches for the Indian wedding season especially for couples.

The watch industry sees a boom during this time around too. An increasing number of men and women are now looking at investing in luxury watches. Having said that the emphasis is on Swiss watches. A watch is no longer just an accessory thrown together in a hurry, mismatched, or hardly talked about.

Watches today are a centerpiece of a conversation, often starting some genuinely interesting dialogues that can forge long-term friendships and inclusion in exclusive clubs. So when one is investing, a term preferred versus buying, because the timepieces we are going to talk about can be looked upon as not only investments but in certain cases also heirlooms you can leave for the generations to come.

These are a few luxury watch brands that come into top consideration.

Whether it is a dress watch, mechanical watch, sports watch, or simply a classic elegant piece, there are a plethora of choices at varying price points. In short, there is something for everyone whether one is a novice entering the world of time or a serious time collector.

If you are a close relative/ friend of the couple and are looking at gifting them couple watches here are a few pairs you must give a dekko.

ROLEX

You can never go wrong with a classy brand like Rolex. It is one of the most sought-after brands and one well worth the wait.

HUBLOT

Hublot is known for its “Art of Fusion”.  The brand has been successfully disrupting the watch industry by innovating the use of different materials to make collectible time art.

OMEGA

Omega is a brand well established in the luxury watch segment and the Constellation Series is one of the fastest selling and elegance personified.

ZENITH

Zenith is a brand that is quietly been raising the bar in the luxury watch industry. It is well-known as the most rooted-in-history brand.

ARMIN STROM

Armin Strom watches are mechanically exceptional and meticulously well-finished.

GIRARD PERREGAUX

Girard Perregaux pushes the boundaries of design and innovation in watchmaking

Apart from looking at couple/pair watches, some watches are designed to reflect individual personalities and choices. We shall explore these soon.

Featured Watches in the Article:-

Wonderful Novelties at Watches and Wonders – Day 1

The excitement was palpable and there was a buzz in the city of Geneva which woke up to the first day of Watches and Wonders. This was the day everyone was looking forward to since 2020. The wonderful novelties that were unveiled at Watches and Wonders on day 1 were long awaited. The watch was on.

All the brands were eager to welcome trade partners and watch enthusiasts and the visitors were equally elated to see the wonderful novelties displayed in all their splendor. The fruit of the hard labor was ripe, and all the innovations were ready to see the lights.

The convention was kickstarted with a beautiful opening ceremony and several brands had keynote addresses. But the moment the novelties were unveiled the magic began.

The first day saw a mix of brands and here’s a rundown on day one at the most happening event.

Armin Strom: Orbit

What is unique about this spectacularly beautiful piece?

It is the world’s first watch with an on-demand date indicated on the bezel. The pusher at 10 when pushed shows the date on the bezel for a few seconds. The date hand when in the stationary mode, remains in its fixed position pointing at 12 o’clock.

Their signature bridges, hold the micro-rotor at the one o’clock position, and the equal force barrel at the 6 o’clock position. The watch comes with transparency that is unique in the watch industry highlighting the inner workings of mechanical watchmaking on the dial-side. It comes with an integrated bracelet and a contrasting ceramic bezel. A sport-chic watch that is flaunt-worthy.

Discover the timepiece here: https://arminstrom.com/en/collection/system-78/orbit-first-edition/?v=ee2d312f5477

Chopard: Alpine Eagle Flying Tourbillion

The Alpine Eagle flying tourbillion is a watch made in Lucent Steel making it 50% harder and more luminous. The well-highlighted flying tourbillon placed at 6 o’clock has no upper bridge and you can see right through to the movement.

The brushed dial starts at the tourbillion moving outwards. With an integrated bracelet, the watch is simple and yet a delightful piece.

Discover the timepiece here: https://www.chopard.com/intl/alpine-eagle-flying-tourbillon-298616-3001

Cartier: Tank Chinoise

A comeback after a century, in an art-deco design, rectangular and true to its vertical brancards design the Tank Chionese is as simple and elegant as they come. With two additional brancards across the top and bottom of the square case, it evokes the portico design.

In a beautifully polished gold case, its iconic design and shape with “chemin de fer” and the hidden Cartier signature it is a watch that puts geometry in fashion.

As part of the Cartier Privé collection, there are six models in this collection. Three models, in yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum. Made to a limited 150 pieces per model. There are also additional 3 models with see-through dials and skeletonized movements. The traditional Chinese window designs are eye-catching and made in a limited quantity of 100 pieces each.

IWC Schaffhausen; Pilot’s Chronograph Top Gun Edition Woodland

IWC has new models in its Pilot’s Chronograph Top Gun Edition. We are going to talk about Woodland here.  Featuring in sombre green ceramic with Ceratanium® at the case back and the pushers this watch looks as cool as the forests the pilots fly over. It is a double pusher chronograph, with the 30-minute and hour counter on the dial.

The indices look green but look nicely lit. Following the monochromatic design, the rubber strap continues to run in green with a fabric inlay. Each of the two models will be made in a quantity of 1,000 pieces.

Discover the timepiece here: https://www.iwc.com/en/watch-collections/pilot-watches/iw389106-pilot_s-watch-chronograph-top-gun-edition-woodland.html

Laurent Ferrier

A grade 5 Titanium, case making this an extremely light watch. The dial is in a blue gradient starting with a lighter centre and growing outwards to a darker blue. The assegai watch hands go so well with white gold indices adding to the elegance of the watch.

At the back is a see-through manual winding movement hand-finished and refined.

Discover the timepiece here: https://laurentferrier.ch/products/classic-origin-blue?variant=41961889759394

Tag Heuer: Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph

Tag Heuer forays into its first solar-powered watch with a TH50-00 caliber.

The dial is transparent and allows the sunlight to enter the movement to power it up. Just two minutes in full sunlight can power it up for a day. It also lightens up the Super-Luminova that features on the carbon bezel as well as indices. If the timepiece stops working exposure of 10 seconds to sunlight can restart the watch.

A sporty watch that professional divers can take down to the depth of 200 meters. Comes with a power-saving mode.

Discover the timepiece here: https://www.tagheuer.com/in/en/event/tag-heuer-aquaracer-professional-200-solargraph.html

20 Days to Watches and Wonders 2022

The moment journalists, retailers and clients of the 38 exhibiting Maisons have been waiting for… Watches and Wonders Geneva will finally open its doors on 30 March 2022, for a week filled with exciting discoveries. A vast digital system has been set up to allow invited guests and the general public to follow online either live or via replay all the action of the Salon, which is already shaping up to be THE watch industry event of the year.

While the press, retailers and guests invited to the Salon can already plan their personalized program on the watchesandwonders.com platform, in Geneva the excitement is reaching a fever pitch. The set-up of the different exhibition areas is already underway to ensure that visitors can be welcomed while respecting health measures. In the surrounding manufactures and ateliers, the watchmakers are putting the final details to the new watches and jewelry collections that will be unveiled by the Maisons on March 30.

For its first physical event under the name Watches and Wonders Geneva – since last year’s event was entirely digital – the Salon will focus on major launches, previews, exceptional pieces and numerous new wonders. Aside from being featured in the Touch & Feel sessions, products will also be at the heart of discussions over many organized events, such as the Morning Show, the panel discussions and the innovative projects unveiled in the LAB.

Broadcast live from the Salon every morning at 8 am CET on the watchesandwonders.com platform and on its YouTube channel, The Morning Show will be presented this year by Olivia Chang, a renowned business journalist. She will host this first morning program with cross conversations between brand leaders and industry experts to follow the news of the Salon and decipher new trends. She will be back again at 7 pm CET on the Late Show, a new rendez-vous that will review the day’s highlights. Also broadcast live and in replay, the program will feature a different guest each day, who will be invited to share his or her favorites from the Salon. The Late Show will also offer a summary of the keynotes from the Maisons held in the Auditorium, along with highlights of the exceptional pieces being unveiled by the 38 exhibiting brands.

A daily 45-minute panel discussion, hosted by watchmaking experts and other influential personalities, will explore the issue of sustainable development in greater depth. This theme, a particularly hot topic at the moment, will be addressed from different angles, such as transparency, responsible sourcing, innovation and the circular economy. Broadcast live from the Salon at 1 pm CET on the watchesandwonders.com platform and on its YouTube channel, the program will also be available in replay.

Located in the center of the Salon, facing the Carré des Horlogers, the LAB has been designed as an ideas laboratory. This space, showcasing nearly 15 projects, will present the technological and digital innovations of the exhibiting Maisons. Highlighting eco- responsible sourcing practices, upcycling, the use of new materials, new energy sources and strategic partnerships with sustainable associations and organizations, the various initiatives will enable visitors to discover all these innovations and gain a better understanding of NFTs (Non-Fungible Token) and the world of metaverse.

Watches and Culture will also curate the ‘Time Design’ exhibition dedicated to the evolution of wristwatch design through the ages. Imagined as a journey through watchmaking creativity and illustrated by more than 100 timepieces presented in showcases designed by students of ECAL (École d’art de Lausanne), the event will also pay tribute to the work of Mr. Gérald Genta. Five pieces produced by students of the HEAD art & design school in Geneva will invite visitors to question the display of time, while an augmented reality experience will immerse the viewer in the history of a few watchmaking icons.

A broadcasting area consisting of two fully equipped studios will be available for the Maisons who wish to stay in touch with those journalists who are unable to travel to Geneva. In addition, booths equipped with a VISIODOME, a system that proved its worth last year as an optimized way of presenting products remotely, will allow the Maisons to share their latest creations with a larger audience.

Everyone is working hard to make this long-awaited edition the greatest watchmaking summit ever held in Geneva! Just 30 days to go before discovering new watches and jewelry releases, previews, major announcements, exceptional pieces and other innovations.

EXHIBITING MAISONS:

| A. LANGE & SÖHNE | BAUME & MERCIER | CARTIER | CHANEL | CHOPARD | GRAND SEIKO | HERMÈS | HUBLOT | IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN | JAEGER-LECOULTRE | MONTBLANC | ORIS | PANERAI | PARMIGIANI FLEURIER | PATEK PHILIPPE | PIAGET | ROGER DUBUIS | ROLEX | TAG HEUER | TUDOR | ULYSSE NARDIN | VACHERON CONSTANTIN | VAN CLEEF & ARPELS | ZENITH

CARRÉ DES HORLOGERS:

| ANGELUS | ARMIN STROM | ARNOLD & SON | CYRUS GENÈVE | CZAPEK & CIE | FERDINAND BERTHOUD | H. MOSER & CIE. | LAURENT FERRIER | LOUIS MOINET | REBELLION TIMEPIECES | RESSENCE | RUDIS SYLVA | SPEAKE-MARIN | TRILOBE