Armin Strom One Week Skeleton Water Only Watch Edition
The water element, Armin Strom One Week Skeleton Water Only Watch 2013
Since its creation, Armin Strom is affiliated to “skeletonization” techniques of watch movements. The brand introduces a unique piece in the cogs of the Monaco charity auction.
By Myriam Scherly
The prerequisite for the design of a watch is an idea», has always claimed Armin Strom. Signature of the ultimate skeleton work, which has become its brand, the company does not forget its founder’s motto. At Only Watch 2013, it introduces a unique piece stemming from its One Week collection, which is known for their connection with the four elements namely, earth, fire, air and water.
As the Monaco sale occurs under the aegis of the Monaco Yacht Show from the beginning, this watch is predictably connected to the element of water.
The hidden time of the mechanisms
With the exceptional One Week Skeleton Water Only Watch 2013, Armin Strom has the firm intention of doing well. Loyal to its tradition of a transparency pulled chip by chip from the material, the manufacture is also aware of its limits. There will certainly always be references to its signature skeleton work. However, just like a femme fatale who will not denude herself entirely, some models know just how to create the desire of wanting to see a little more every day. Just like these crown gears, which are visible on the side of the knurling-roller when the timekeeper is winding up.
The anti-reflection sapphire glass generously reveals the complex level of the 146 components’ (including 34 rubies) finish, like this hand-engraved plate in honour of its aquatic character. This crafts concentrate, able to master industrial semi production procedures, pays tribute to a sum of skills developed inside the manufacture in the midst of a firm of human size, always growing in independency.
A firm kneaded in the inherited values of the founder where today a secular horology practice is reinterpreted at each step of the design and manufacture.
“A watch is judged according to its heart”, succinctly puts Serge Michel, the current owner of the brand. This is how the heritage of Armin Strom is protected. Anecdotally, Armin Strom is famous for his apparition in the World Guinness Book of Record thanks to his hand-created smallest ever skeleton watch. Its diameter measured only 12, 5 mm!
The ARM09 calibre
The unique piece which will be proposed by auction on the coming 28 September in Monaco, is housed, like its fellow series, by this hand-wound in-house calibre, of 18’000 vibrations per hour, recognisable by its off-centred time indications. Hours, minutes, seconds as well as a power reserve of 7 days. White gold case, courtesy of the cause’s sobriety, of 43.40 mm diameter and 13 mm height. Water resistant to 50 metres. Served on an alligator wristlet with visible scales matching with a second rubber wristlet.
The epitome of independence: Armin Strom’s one-of-a-kind Manufacture
By Joel Grandjean
, Editor-in-Chief
It all began with friendship and skeletonizing in which fascination – fuelled by a reasonable and determined ambition – played a big...