26 Feb Mirrored Force Resonance Manufacture Edition Blue
Armin Strom is launching today the latest interpretation of their acclaimed model that takes advantage of the resonance physical phenomenon to deliver superlative precision and rate stability: the new Mirrored Force Resonance Manufacture Edition Blue, an exclusive 50-piece limited edition that follows the First Edition introduced in 2022
Mechanical resonance is a physical phenomenon which can affect most objects. Due to resonance, even a relatively weak vibration in one object could drive another object to oscillate. In watchmaking only few watchmakers attempted to take advantage of this phenomenon to improve accuracy, precision and rate stability of a timepiece.
Taking inspiration from the works of master watchmakers of the past like Christiaan Huygens (1629-1695), Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823) and Antide Janvier (1751-1835), Armin Strom invested a lot of efforts and research in the application of resonance principles to oscillating systems (to find more on the history of resonance watches you can read this feature article) finding that the most effective way to create resonance was to link the two oscillators via a shared suspension, their patented Resonance Clutch Spring that was originally integrated in the first generation of the Mirrored Force Resonance model in 2016.
Crafted from a single piece of steel, the Resonance Clutch Spring transfers energy between both hairsprings and quickly brings the balance wheels into resonance.
Thanks to this unique flexible suspension, the Mirrored Force Resonance is not only more precise but also more resistant to shocks or vibrations than standard mechanical movements.
Strongly characterised by its two balance wheels on the dial side, the Mirrored Force Resonance Manufacture Edition comes in a slender stainless steel case measuring 43 mm x 11.55 mm with a slim bezel to frame a raised sapphire crystal “box” glass under which it is possible to admire the off-centre dial in dark blue.
Enhanced by a beautiful grenage texture, this element is surrounded by a circular satin-brushed chapter ring and applied polished baton indices that add even more depth to the three-dimensional display.
The twin resonance second counters are also finished in the same blue tone, painted with white numerals for maximum legibility.
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.
The case back reveals the engraved main plate, which details the specific characteristics of the Mirrored Force Resonance in bas-relief text. The remarkable symmetry of the movement is accentuated with its mirrored arrangement of open bridges and gears.
Each component is meticulously hand-decorated by one of the manufacture’s dedicated watchmakers according to the highest Haute Horlogerie standards using techniques such as perlage, satin-brushing, chamfering and polishing.
Beating at a frequency of 3.5 Hz (25,200 vibrations per hour), the Armin Strom manufacture Calibre ARF21 offers a power reserve of 48 hours thanks to the two skeletonised mainspring barrels that can be observed while they simultaneously wind.
Water resistant up to a pressure of 3 ATM (approx 30 metres / 100 feet), the watch is delivered on a dark blue Alcantara strap that beautifully matches the hue of the dial. It is secured to the wrist by a double folding clasp in stainless steel.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – ARMIN STROM MIRRORED FORCE RESONANCE MANUFACTURE EDITION BLUE
Case: 43mm diameter x 11.55mm height – stainless steel case, polished and brushed – sapphire crystals front and back, anti-reflective treatment – 30m water-resistant
Dial: openworked – off-centred hour and minutes dial decorated with dark blue grenage and snailed chapter ring with applied baton indices – dual running seconds indicators with blue snailed rings – dual balance wheels connected by patented resonance clutch spring
Movement: calibre ARF21 – in-house – hand-wound – 276 components, 39 jewels – 37.20mm x 6.70mm – two independent regulation systems connected by a resonance clutch spring – 3.5Hz frequency (25,200vph) – 48-hour power reserve – hours, minutes, small seconds for each of the regulators, pusher to reset and synchronise the two running seconds
Strap: dark blue Alcantara strap with white stitching – stainless steel double-folding clasp
The new Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance Manufacture Edition Blue ref. ST22-RF.05 has a price of CHF 63,000 / Euro 70,000 / US$ 63,000.
curated by ozzie small
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