Introducing: The Armin Strom Dual Time GMT Resonance – First Edition
We’re in the thick of Geneva Watch Days 2024. For some brands, this means debuting novelties. Today, Armin Strom brings us the Dual Time GMT Resonance – First Edition, an all-new take on the brand’s well-known complication. Folks, this one’s a beauty.
Armin Strom is no stranger to creating highly complicated Haute Horlogerie timepieces. The private brand operates within the same tier as MB&F, Urwerk, and more. Sometimes, I like audacious watches from these companies, but I adore them when they’re more than an open dial and a smattering of movement parts. I can appreciate technical wizardry, but why not combine this with a captivating design? Armin Strom has managed to do that with its new Dual Time GMT Resonance – First Edition.
Resonance
If you’re unfamiliar with Armin Strom’s Resonance movements, I’ll try to explain. Per Armin Strom, resonance is created by, “housing two movements in a single case in such a way that the balance wheels of both movements will naturally influence and regulate each other in real-time via the mutual sharing of almost imperceptible vibrations.” The idea isn’t new, but Armin Strom has used a “patented, built-for-purpose suspension system known as a ‘clutch spring,’ inspired by Antide Janvier’s Resonance Clock, to act as a vibrational intermediary between the balance wheels.” Essentially, the two movements keep each other in balance and can counteract movements of the wrist and maintain high levels of accuracy.
The Dual Time GMT Resonance – First Edition
Armin Strom introduced its first Resonance model in 2016 and later added a chronograph function to the lineup. Today marks the release of an entirely new movement, case, and functionality. The Dual Time GMT Resonance won’t be for everyone for several reasons, but it ranks as one of the cooler new watches I’ve seen.
The First Edition of this watch will be a limited run of 25 pieces in 18K white gold. In a move that will delight fans of the brand, this watch has a 39mm diameter instead of the larger 43mm case from past editions. With a 9.05mm thickness and 50m depth rating, it’s incredible considering the functionality and intent of the watch.
Two time zones displayed in the most logical manner
The front side of the Dual Time GMT Resonance shows twin dials and various parts of the movement. Armin Strom has employed multiple finishing techniques on the internal components to provide high contrast. Twin crowns allow for the independent time setting of each dial. The crown at 4 o’clock also acts as the sole winding crown for the movement. A closer look at the dials reveals individual night/day discs.
The sky-blue dials add another element of craftsmanship. Armin Strom uses the grenage method for creating their surfaces. The dials are made of silver and then coated in lacquer or enamel. After hardening, brushes or abrasive media are then used to produce the roughened surface. A ridged azurage ring with applied baton hour indices and a minutes ring surrounds each dial.
Caliber ARF22
The ARF22 movement was designed by Armin Strom and is produced in its Biel/Bienne manufacture. It is the brand’s 18th in-house caliber, beating at a 25,200vph frequency and offering a power reserve of 42 hours. As mentioned, the Dual Time GMT Resonance offers essentially two movements in one, connected by the company’s patented resonance clutch spring.
Other details
The Dual Time GMT Resonance includes two alligator straps and an 18K white gold pin buckle. A matte gray strap with sky-blue stitching can be swapped for a light gray strap with pearl-gray stitching. Both complement the watch well.
The Armin Strom Dual Time GMT Resonance qualifies as an expensive watch at €133,300. Still, with its new, more wearable size, gorgeous design, and sublime finishing, it should prove successful among those who collect Haute Horlogerie watches. Plus, the movement is incredible. Hopefully, we will have the opportunity to see one of the 25 pieces for ourselves in Geneva.
For more information on the new Dual Time GMT Resonance – First Edition, visit the official Armin Stom website.
