In celebration of the 15th anniversary of its fully-integrated manufacture, Armin Strom introduces the Dual Time GMT Resonance First Edition. This groundbreaking timepiece, limited to just 25 pieces, represents a significant evolution in the brand’s storied history of resonance complications, now presented in an elegant 39-mm 18-karat white gold case.
A New Standard in Dual Timekeeping: The Caliber ARF22
The Dual Time GMT Resonance is powered by the newly developed Caliber ARF22, marking the 18th in-house movement by Armin Strom. This manually-wound resonance movement features two fully independent time displays, each with its own gear train and regulating system. The two oscillators operate in anti-phase, synchronized by a resonance clutch spring, an innovative approach that enhances the timekeeping precision by counteracting external disruptions such as wrist movements and gravitational effects.
As Claude Greisler, co-founder and master watchmaker at Armin Strom, explains: “Huygens had his wood beam transmitting the necessary vibrations between his pendulum clocks and Antide Janvier had the shared suspension of his pendulums. Their accomplishments inspired us to develop a built-for-purpose suspension for the reliable transmission of vibrations between the two balance wheels of a Resonance wristwatch in order to achieve the resilience against disruption that Huygens had so ambitiously imagined in the year 1665.”
This new caliber not only showcases Armin Strom’s mastery in movement innovation but also delivers a 42-hour power reserve. The movement’s design allows for independent adjustment of both hours and minutes on each of the two dials, offering users unparalleled flexibility in managing two time zones.
Aesthetic and Functional Excellence
The Dual Time GMT Resonance is housed in a meticulously crafted 39-mm round case made from 18-karat white gold, embracing a symmetrical design with two identical sky-blue dials. The dials, finished with a grenage texture, are surrounded by black azurage chapter rings set with applied polished baton indexes, complementing the rhodium-plated, faceted hands.
One of the key highlights of this timepiece is the pair of engraved and mirror-polished day/night indicators, depicting the sun and moon, which are mounted directly on the movement. These indicators offer a visual distinction between AM and PM for each time zone, enhancing both the functionality and the visual appeal of the watch.
Technical Mastery: The Resonance Phenomenon
Resonance in horology refers to the synchronization of two movements housed within the same case, where the balance wheels influence and regulate each other via shared vibrations. This phenomenon enables the timepiece to maintain chronometric consistency, counteracting the negative effects of gravitational forces and wrist movements. Armin Strom’s approach to resonance is unique in its use of a specially designed clutch spring, which provides greater resilience and precision compared to traditional methods.
As Serge Michel, founder of Armin Strom, notes: “Having two completely independent watch movements in a single timepiece creates the logical demand for an iteration that displays two time zones. The success of our first Dual Time inspired us to build a smaller and more elegant Dual Time Resonance watch. To do this, we further developed our concept and arranged the two movements vertically. And we couldn’t be happier with the result.”
Handcrafted Precision and Elegance
The craftsmanship of the Dual Time GMT Resonance is evident in its lavish hand-finishing and decoration. The movement features hand-polished bevels, screws, and countersinks, along with circular graining, perlage, and Geneva stripes. The interplay of anthracite and silvery tones on the movement components creates a visual depth and contrast that is both dramatic and sophisticated.
The timepiece is delivered with two straps: a matte gray alligator strap with sky-blue stitching and a light gray alligator strap with pearl-gray stitching, both secured by an 18-karat white gold pin buckle. This combination of meticulous craftsmanship, innovative technology, and refined aesthetics makes the Dual Time GMT Resonance a true masterpiece of modern watchmaking.
Conclusion
Armin Strom’s Dual Time GMT Resonance First Edition is a remarkable fusion of tradition and innovation, showcasing the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of horology. With its limited availability and cutting-edge resonance technology, this timepiece is set to become a coveted addition to any serious watch collection.
