Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance Zeitgeist 1665
There are certain independent watch brands that seem to thrive on making a lot of noise about their accomplishments. Then there are those that quietly go about their business, creating exceptional timepieces that speak for themselves. Armin Strom falls decidedly into the latter category. It is a brand I have long admired for its willingness to think outside the box while remaining firmly rooted in the traditions of fine watchmaking. Now, Armin Strom unveils the Mirrored Force Resonance Zeitgeist 1665 3N, a limited edition of just 25 pieces, that brings a warm golden aesthetic to one of the brand’s most intriguing mechanical creations.
At first glance, the new Mirrored Force Resonance Zeitgeist is striking for its combination of yellow gold tones, black accents and beautifully exposed mechanics. The mainplate and bridges of the movement are treated with a 3N yellow gold-colored PVD coating, lending a more classical character to the otherwise contemporary architecture.
The gold-colored components contrast with an off-center black lacquered dial, while blued steel hands add another traditional touch. The result is a watch that feels both historic and modern at the same time — which is precisely the point.
Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance Zeitgeist 1665 on the wrist.
The Zeitgeist explores an interesting question: What might a resonance wristwatch have looked like centuries ago if watchmakers had possessed today’s technical knowledge?
That question takes us back to 1665, when Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens observed that two pendulum clocks positioned near one another could synchronize their movements. The phenomenon, known as resonance, has fascinated watchmakers for centuries, but translating it into a reliable wristwatch presents considerable challenges. But Armin Strom has mastered those challenges, making resonance one of its defining specialties.
Inside the new Mirrored Force Resonance Zeitgeist is the manually wound in-house Caliber ARF21_ZG, equipped with two independent regulating systems connected by the brand’s patented resonance clutch. This mechanism allows the two balance wheels to synchronize their oscillations, helping improve chronometric stability.
Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance Zeitgeist 1665 sells for CHF 82,000.
What makes the system particularly interesting is that it is designed to maintain synchronization under the changing conditions encountered when a watch is actually worn on the wrist. And, in true Armin Strom fashion, much of the mechanical action is visible right on the dial side.
One of the things I appreciate about Armin Strom is that its technical ingenuity never comes at the expense of traditional hand craftsmanship. In fact this brand embraces that craftsmanship and works to elevate it no matter how complex the timepiece is. That is the essence of Armin Strom.
In the new Mirrored Force Resonance Zeitgeist, the gold-colored mainplate and bridges have a matte finish that provides a subtle backdrop for the hand-beveled and polished edges, black-polished screws, perlage and circular graining. The skeletonized mainplate opens up the movement, allowing the resonance mechanism to appear almost suspended within the watch.
There is a wonderful sense of depth and dimension to the architecture, but the open-worked design also serves a purpose: it allows the wearer to appreciate the mechanics that make the watch special.
The back of the Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance Zeitgeist 1665.
The movement comprises 260 components and 39 jewels, operates at 25,200 vibrations per hour and delivers an impressive 80-hour power reserve from two independent barrels. A twin-seconds flyback mechanism allows both seconds hands to be reset simultaneously, reinforcing the visual symmetry of the two regulating systems.
In typical Armin Strom style, the brand applies its finishing standards even to components that are rarely seen. The brand also assembles each watch twice, first to ensure proper mechanical function and then to verify that everything operates as intended. It is this combination of engineering, patience and old-world craftsmanship that gives the brand its distinctive character.
Limited To Just 25 Pieces
The Mirrored Force Resonance Zeitgeist 1665 3N is housed in a 43mm stainless steel case measuring 11.55mm thick. It is fitted with a dark gray Alcantara strap with matching stitching and a stainless steel pin buckle. Water resistance is 30 meters. Just 25 pieces will be made, each individually engraved on the caseback with the designation “1 out of 25.” The watch is priced at CHF 82,000.
For me, the appeal of Armin Strom goes beyond any single watch or movement. Since its revitalization in 2009 under master watchmaker Claude Greisler and entrepreneur Serge Michel, the Biel/Bienne-based company has built a distinct identity around mechanical transparency, innovative engineering and exceptional hand finishing. Sometimes the most interesting voices in watchmaking are not the loudest ones.
Just 25 pieces of the Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance Zeitgeist 1665 will be made.
