Swiss watchmaker Armin Strom has long been celebrated for its horological daring, particularly through its development of resonance technology.
This December, however, the independent family-owned brand takes its bold approach one step further with a unique edition of its Mirrored Force Resonance, created exclusively for the TimeForArt auction.
This one-of-a-kind piece is not only a tribute to Swiss artist Franz Gertsch, but also a testament to the fusion of art and watchmaking excellence.
Blue at its Soul
An impressive technical feat on its own, the Mirrored Force Resonance becomes something more in this iteration: a canvas for Gertsch’s “Blue Phase”.
Known for its intense ultramarine hues sourced from lapis lazuli, Gertsch’s work has influenced contemporary art with a vibrancy that Armin Strom now captures through its use of this same rare pigment.
Claude Greisler, Armin Strom’s co-founder and master watchmaker, elaborates: “The rare ultramarine blue pigment that we have used for the dial of this watch embodies the essence of Franz Gertsch's artistic vision. It symbolises the symbiosis of art and perfection that makes our Mirrored Force Resonance a unique masterpiece of watchmaking.”
Every detail of the lapis lazuli dial – executed by dial specialists ArteCad – reflects Gertsch’s dedication to his craft. From the grinding of the pigment to the meticulous application on the dial, the process is painstaking and precise, ensuring that the colour remains as vibrant as Gertsch’s original works. The result is a deep, captivating blue that commands attention, framed superbly by the watch’s 43mm stainless steel case.
Artist Behind the Blue
This tribute to Franz Gertsch is more than just an aesthetic choice. Gertsch, who passed away in 2022, was not only a giant in the art world but also a personal inspiration for Serge Michel, co-founder of Armin Strom.
Michel says: “This unique piece for TimeForArt is more than a tribute to Franz Gertsch – it is a celebration of the deep connection between his art and our family. It fills us with pride to perpetuate his creative vision in a timepiece that does justice to both his art and our watchmaking craftsmanship at the highest level.”
The Michel family’s connection to Gertsch is reflected in the Willy Michel Foundation, which owns the collection showcased at the Museum Franz Gertsch in Burgdorf, Switzerland. Established by Serge Michel’s father, the foundation celebrates this bond by presenting Gertsch’s most significant works, many characterised by his signature ultramarine blue.
Horological Art in Motion
While the blue dial offers a visual spectacle, the mechanical marvel to its side is no less impressive. Indeed, Armin Strom’s take on resonance sees the Mirrored Force Resonance equipped with the brand’s distinctive butterfly-shaped steel clutch spring.
This spring is linked to the outer terminal curves of the balance springs of two independent regulators, allowing vibrations to pass between the balance wheels. Within a matter of minutes, the 3.5Hz balances, oscillating in opposite directions, come into synchronisation, helping to generate a more stable rate and better timekeeping precision.
In addition to delivering impressive performance, the steel clutch spring holds a strong visual appeal, with the twin regulators creating a mesmerising, symmetrical animation.
TimeForArt 2024
Hosted by the Swiss Institute and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo in New York, TimeForArt is a biennial charity auction where watchmaking meets contemporary art.
Now in its second edition after a successful debut in 2022, the event channels all proceeds towards supporting emerging contemporary artists, highlighting the synergy between these two crafts and how they can elevate each other.
Scheduled for December 7, 2024, the auction will feature contributions from some of the industry’s most revered watch brands. Indeed, the Armin Strom x Franz Gertsch Mirrored Force Resonance is among 25 unique timepieces that will go under the hammer.
In combining the phenomenon of resonance with the vivid tones of Gertsch’s blue, Armin Strom is putting forward a watch that transcends both art and timekeeping. In the words of Claude Greisler: “It’s not just about telling time; it’s about creating an experience that lasts.”
And with this unique piece, Armin Strom ensures that the legacy of Franz Gertsch will continue to inspire, in every rhythmic pulsing of its clutch spring and in every hue of its resplendent dial.
For more information, please visit the Armin Strom website.
