Independent Swiss watchmaker Armin Strom is celebrating 15 years of its fully-integrated manufacture in style with a bold new creation: the Dual Time GMT Resonance First Edition.
This 25-piece limited-edition marks a significant milestone for the Bienne-based outfit by marrying the brand’s historic resonance complication with a dual time zone display that is powered by the newly developed ARF22 manufacture calibre. The cherry on the cake is that this ensemble is housed within a perfectly proportioned 39mm white gold case.
The Magic of Resonance
A phenomenon first studied by horological legends like Christiaan Huygens, Abraham-Louis Breguet and Antide Janvier, Resonance occurs when two oscillating systems transmit vibrations to each other through their shared environment, gradually synchronising to improve accuracy.
Armin Strom’s unique take on this phenomenon uses a patented, butterfly-shaped resonance clutch spring that allows two balance wheels to communicate and synchronise in just minutes, enhancing timekeeping while providing a stunning visual spectacle.
Spectacle and Symmetry
That mesmerising spectacle is in full force on the dial of the new Dual Time GMT Resonance First Edition, where the synchronised motion of two balances in resonance is matched by the rhythmic pulsing of the clutch spring as it ‘breathes,’ transmitting vibrations between them.
Below that theatre of isochronism lies two independently settable time displays that really look the part with their sky-blue grenage centres and black azurage outrer rings. Each is endowed with its own engraved and mirror-polished day/night indicator, and these displays stand out splendidly against the anthracite background of the PVD-treated mainplate underneath.
The majority of dual time zone movements only allow independent adjustment of the hours, and just a select few offer to-the-minute settings to take into account half-hour time zones. In contrast, the Dual Time GMT Resonance enables users to set both the hours and minutes to any preferred time on each of its two dials via separate crowns.
The ARF22 Calibre
The Dual Time GMT Resonance’s dial is characterised by a remarkable symmetry made possible thanks to the new manually-wound manufacture ARF22 calibre, the 18th movement developed in-house under the direction of Claude Greisler, master watchmaker and one of the modern-day brand’s two co-founders.
And two is indeed the magic number as regards several elements of this movement: In addition to the two mirrored oscillators operating in anti-phase, there are two mainspring barrels providing a power reserve of 42 hours, wound by the crown at 4 o’clock and partially visible dial side; two separate gear trains driving the independent displays; and, of course, the two crowns.
There is also an innovative dial-side ratchet click mechanism that brings the watch to life during winding. Departing from traditional designs, this three-dimensional mechanism connects to a pinion placed between the two barrels, ensuring balanced load distribution.
With its two-part construction – a Breguet-toothed bottom gear and a spring-linked top element – it delivers smoother function, enhances energy transfer, minimises friction and wear, and ultimately boosts the system's durability and performance.
Though the dial side showcases many of the most visually captivating elements, the display back offers an additional glimpse into the movement's striking symmetrical architecture.
Exquisite Decoration
Both front and back of the watch display an abundance of exquisite hand-finishing, featuring meticulously polished bevels, screws and countersinks, alongside circular graining, perlage and Geneva stripes. The interplay of anthracite and silvered tones enhances the visual depth and creates a striking contrast.
Notably, for the first time Armin Strom has made its twin balance bridge from steel, with a flat surface that has been hand-polished to a mirror-like finish, adhering to the highest haute horlogerie decoration standards.
A Legacy Refined
The release of the Dual Time GMT Resonance naturally invites comparisons to Armin Strom’s original Dual Time Resonance that first appeared in 2018. Both models share key characteristics, including two independent regulation systems connected by the brand’s signature resonance clutch spring, along with fully independent time displays for both hours and minutes. Each watch also boasts a symmetrical design language and features two crowns for independent adjustment.
However, there are some significant differences between the two models. The most obvious is size: while the Dual Time Resonance features a broad elliptical case measuring 52.55mm by 39.95mm by 11.67mm, the new Dual Time GMT Resonance is more wearable, with a compact 39mm round case and a slim 9.05mm height.
In terms of power reserve, the earlier model boasts 110 hours, powered by four mainspring barrels, while the Dual Time GMT Resonance offers a 42-hour power reserve from its two mainspring barrels.
The complexity of the movement also varies between the two. The Dual Time Resonance’s movement comprises 419 components, compared to the 231 components in the Dual Time GMT Resonance, making the latter more streamlined.
This reduction in size and complexity is reflected in the price: while the Dual Time Resonance starts at CHF 180,000, the Dual Time GMT Resonance is priced at a more accessible CHF 115,000.
Pleased as Punch
To complement its polished and brushed 18K white gold case, which is water-resistant to 50 meters, the Dual Time GMT Resonance is delivered with two straps: a matte-grey alligator strap with sky-blue stitching and a light-grey alligator strap with pearl-grey stitching, both secured by an 18K white gold pin buckle. To top it all off, the watch comes with an impressive 10-year warranty.
Serge Michel, owner and co-founder of the contemporary brand, couldn’t be more satisfied with the celebratory release of the Dual Time GMT Resonance.
He explains: “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.”
Broad Appeal
While Armin Strom’s first Dual Time Resonance may have appealed to a more niche audience due to its bold size, unconventional shape and higher price tag, the Dual Time GMT Resonance First Edition offers a broader allure. With its refined proportions, lower price point and relatively classic aesthetic, this fresh timepiece is likely to captivate a wider range of collectors who appreciate both innovation and timeless elegance.
For more information, please visit the Armin Strom website.
