Every decade or so, the world of horology presents us with something that stops time in its tracks, if only for a moment, to let the beauty of innovation shine. This year, as the watch industry gathers once more for the biennial Only Watch charity auction, it’s clear that the Armin Strom Gravity Equal Force Only Watch 2023 is the entrancing star, sparkling a little brighter, standing a touch taller.
Armin Strom, the stalwart from Biel/Bienne, has unveiled a new incarnation of its groundbreaking Gravity Equal Force – the very first automatic watch boasting a constant force transmission. This exclusive ‘Ultimate Sapphire’ edition doesn’t merely wear the 2023 Only Watch event’s colors but embodies them, almost as if the watch itself was born from the event. The green transparent sapphire dial, the audacious red logo, and the alluring blue strap stitching, each contributes to a story, a mission, a purpose.
For Claude Greisler, master watchmaker and co-founder of Armin Strom, the design isn’t just a testament to the brand’s commitment to unparalleled craftsmanship. “Green is the colour of hope. And hope is crucial when discussing this devastating childhood disease,” he says, referencing the mission of Only Watch which, since its inception in 2005, has dedicated itself to advancing research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, raising an admirable CHF 100 million in the process.
The Gravity Equal Force Only Watch 2023, with its dazzling off-centre sapphire dial and striking tri-bridge design, is more than just a watch. It’s a symphony of Armin Strom’s enduring commitment to enhancing timekeeping, as embodied by the Equal Force Barrel. This piece of genius ensures a flawless transmission of power, guaranteeing unwavering precision throughout the duration of its power reserve.
As watch aficionados worldwide would attest, Armin Strom is synonymous with precision, contemporary designs, and an architectural vision that holds you captive. This timepiece serves as a canvas where Armin Strom’s in-house masters showcase their mastery of traditional haute horlogerie, all while pushing the boundaries of modern design. The precision, the dedication to every detail, is evident. The tri-bridge, with its dark grey ruthenium coat, is anchored with mirror-polished screws onto the black movement plate, meticulously hand-guillochéd by none other than the atelier of Kari Voutilainen.
Armin Strom’s revolutionary movement, the Gravity Equal Force, is an exemplar of innovation. The unique stop declutch mechanism, a brainchild of Mr. Greisler and his team, seamlessly merges the Maltese cross, typically found in hand-wound pocket watches, with an automatic winding system. Explaining its profound intricacies, Mr. Greisler likens the isochronal challenges of mainsprings to toy cars. The Gravity Equal Force, in stark contrast, ensures unwavering accuracy across all 72 hours of its power reserve.
It’s not just the science of movements that Armin Strom is dedicated to, but also its passionate commitment to the global watch community. Serge Michel, founder of Armin Strom, voices his support for Only Watch founder Luc Pettavino, “In 2023, we offer a unique timepiece for the fifth time, uniting the community for a noble cause. With the Armin Strom Gravity Equal Force Only Watch 2023, we champion an essential cause and create an unparalleled masterpiece for collectors.“
Since its inception in 1967 by the legendary Armin Strom, the brand has carved its unique niche in the watch world. The tale of Armin Strom and its continuous pursuit of excellence makes one thing clear – when you wear an Armin Strom, you’re not just wearing a watch. You’re wearing a piece of history, a testament to ingenuity, and a beacon of hope for the future.
Click on this link to read this article in French version
