Shopping Cart

Armin strom sets the tone in the realm of transparent mechanics with the Gravity Equal Force Ultimate Sapphire Purple

MAY 06 2024    |    Novelties

Armin Strom fuses masterful mechanics with a bold chromatic twist, unveiling its latest Ultimate Sapphire Edition. The iconic Gravity Equal Force now sports a striking purple guilloché-engraved mainplate by Kari Voutilainen. 

Armin Strom’s System 78 collection represents the independent manufacture’s purest expression of innovative haute horlogerie. Within it, the classical codes of watchmaking are revisited to bring about new functions and solutions, while also expressing the brand’s unique aesthetic sensibilities. With an emphasis on transparency, as well as highlighting kinetic elements, the Gravity Equal Force stands out as a technical tour-de-force with an instantly recognisable look – outstanding in form and function, finished by meticulous hand decoration. Now, with the new ‘Purple’ Ultimate Sapphire Edition, Armin Strom is doubling down on integrating vibrant chromatic hues with exceptional mechanics.

Let it reign: Gravity Equal Force Purple

At once regal and electric, the latest edition of the Gravity Equal Force features a colour Armin Strom has never used before. Its base plate boasts a guilloché engraved motif with a barley grain pattern, expertly handcrafted in the atelier of acclaimed independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen using a traditional rose engine lathe. The striking purple colour is applied using a 3D PVD process, which reflects a wide spectrum of tones as it shifts with the light. Making this edition even more outstanding, the small off-centred dial is crafted from transparent sapphire crystal, which is reserved exclusively for the Gravity Equal Force’s Ultimate Sapphire Editions. The crowning glory is a light grey nubuck leather strap with purple stitching and keepers. The Gravity Equal Force Ultimate Sapphire Purple is limited to a run of 25 pieces per year.

 

Automatic: redefined

The Gravity Equal Force stands out as the first automatic watch endowed with an equal force transmission integrated directly in the mainspring barrel - a patented mechanism by Armin Strom. It provides consistent power transmission to the regulating organ, ensuring unwavering precision throughout the watch’s autonomy. The power reserve indicator forms part of the barrel, which is entirely visible from the dial side, opposite the micro-rotor with a unique click system featuring two springs for better winding efficiency.

Also this latest creation, part of Armin Strom’s perpetual quest for superior chronometric performance, was entirely developed, manufactured and decorated within the walls of the Bienne-based manufacturing site. Like all Armin Strom watches, the Gravity Equal Force Purple’s movement is assembled a first time to ensure it is in perfect working order and that it meets the brand’s exacting decorative standards, then taken apart and assembled a second time when it is ready to be cased in its final form. 

 

Putting the ‘haute’ in ‘horlogerie’

What separates a mere tool from a work of art is craftsmanship. Like a canvas for artistic expression, superlative hand-finishing applied by specialised watchmakers and seasoned artisans can be appreciated throughout the Gravity Equal Force and its many proudly exposed layers and components. Polished bevels (anglage) on the bridges, black polished screws, polished countersinks, perlage and various types of graining, be it straight or circular, as well as Geneva stripes on the three-quarter bridge visible through the case’s back.

One of the Gravity Equal Force’s most distinctive elements is the triplet of dark grey ruthenium-plated bridges that occupy the right-hand portion of the open display. Inspired by the finger-style bridges found in pocket watches, it takes up to an entire day for these bridges to be embellished by hand. First, the undersides are given a matt finish, after which the sides are given a straight-graining finish by carefully sliding them on an abrasive paper to produce continuous, shimmering fine lines. Then, the inner and outer chamfers of the bridges are bevelled with increasingly fine files and then finished with a flash polish using locally sourced gentian wood to remove even the finest lines. Finally, a straight-graining finish is applied to the top side for ultimate radiance.

Armin Strom : 15 years in the science of movement

In 2008, longtime friends and partners Serge Michel and Claude Greisler took the reins at Armin Strom and founded its very own manufacture in the watchmaking town of Biel in 2009. Just one year later, the duo presented their very first watch with a movement designed and manufactured in-house. Over the following years, Armin Strom would become a truly integrated and self-sufficient manufacture, creating 17 exclusive calibres and developing several world firsts in the domain of watchmaking. In 2016, it introduced the Mirrored Force Resonance, a game-changing resonating dual regulator developed for maximum chronometric precision with a captivating oscillation mechanism on the dial-side of the watch. In 2019, Armin Strom reinvented the automatic watch movement with the Gravity Equal Force, the first automatic watch to feature an equal force transmission mechanism within the barrel that had previously been found only in pocket watches. Today, Armin Strom stands out as a leading force of creative, independent watchmaking, with its own distinct design language and exceptional attention to detail highlighted by hand-finishing all its creations. 2024 promises to be a year full of surprises, and the best is yet to come…

 

Gravity Equal Force Ultimate Sapphire Purple

Technical specifications

                   

Indications     Hours, minutes, seconds, power reserve indicator
Movement     Armin Strom manufacture Caliber ASB19
      Automatic winding with micro rotor, Geneva-drive equal force barrel, offset display with subdial seconds
Main plate   purple PVD plate with guilloché pattern by Kari Voutilainen
Regulating system   Balance wheel with 4 regulating screws
Power reserve   Geneva stop-work limited to 72 hours
Dimensions   35.52 mm x 11.67 mm
Frequency   3,5 Hz (25,200 vph)
Finishing   Hand-finishing to the highest quality level
Jewels   28
Number of components   202
Case   stainless steel
    Sapphire crystal and case back with anti-reflective treatment
Diameter   41 mm
Height   12.65 mm
Water resistance   3ATM
Lug-to-Lug   48.09 mm
     

Dial

 

Grey toned off-center sapphire dial with subdial

Hands  

Faceted polished hands and Super-LumiNova® filling

Strap   Delivered with a grey nubuck leather strap with purple stitching and keepers
Width lugs/buckle   20/18 mm
Buckle   Pin buckle or folding clasp available in stainless
Reference   ST24-GEF.SA.AC.M.A7.FC
Limited production   25 pieces per year

 

 

                                           

                                            

 


Related Articles

NOVEMBER 05 2024    |    Novelties

A platinum bracelet for the most refined sporty timepiece

Featuring a platinum case and bracelet with an 18k white gold movement and dial, C by Romain Gauthier Platinum Edition Bracelet resonates with the most discerning collectors in the watchmaking world. Romain brings a touch of refinement to this timepiece with a sporty profile and assertive character, a combination of noble materials that reveals a traditional side to this very modern timepiece.

The C by Romain Gauthier Platinum Edition Bracelet stands out for its elegance and ultimate level of refinement, beyond the precious character that platinum brings, the bracelet design highlights the textures and finishing techniques that make this timepiece more luminous and prestigious.

In keeping with Romain's vision - The Evolution of Tradition - the bracelet requires a high level of craftsmanship and hand finishing. Each link is composed of high polished and satin brushed surfaces by hand, highlighting the interplay of light and reflecting the artistry and technical nature of the bracelet and the piece in general.

Conceived as an integral element of the whole timepiece, the bracelet was designed to be one with the case - “The bracelet is the case, and the case is the bracelet” says Romain. This desire is reflected in the fusion of these two elements that cannot be dissociated. Inspired by the finger bridges style, the design of the movement follows the watchmaking history of the Swiss Vallée de Joux, with a modern approach, reflecting Romain's vision of the evolution of tradition.

As a non-limited edition, the Platinum Edition Bracelet can be personalized and customized to reflect each collector’s personality and taste.

View More
JULY 02 2024    |    Novelties

A timepiece unveiling the aesthetic technique of a finely hand-decorated movement.

For the final titanium 41mm, three-hands limited edition with rubber strap, Romain Gauthier presents a timepiece with a partially open dial, unveiling a portion of the entirely hand-decorated movement.

C by Romain Gauthier Titanium Editions are modern timepieces with a sporty design that encloses a titanium movement whose hand-finishing prowess can be admired on the case-back. This time Romain wanted the stunning features of this movement to be easily visible just by looking at the watch, even when worn. By opening the dial, he reveals the beauty of the mechanism inside, bringing a technical aesthetic to this timepiece, which until now has featured a full dial.


This partially open dial is particularly reminiscent of the history of the brand's very first timepiece, the Prestige HM, which evolved to reveal the seconds-hand mechanism on its sister caliber, the Prestige HMS.

Unveiled in 2021, the C by Romain Gauthier caliber was the result of more than 16 years of know-how acquired through the brand's development and its manufacture, while reflecting Romain's creative freedom with a modern and youthful design.

Technical in nature, casual in style and free in spirit, the Freedom collection has enabled the creation of this contemporary caliber. The significance of C by Romain Gauthier lies in its creative approach to reinforce the notions of continuity with its concept and design, in reference to the Continuum. Reflecting a vision of the future for a timepiece which is part of Romain Gauthier's philosophy, and which opens the door to new horizons.

During its creation, it was clear to Romain that the case had to harmonize with the movement. It had to be contemporary and uncluttered. But not only that – comfort, ergonomics and the choice of materials also contributed to the design of this timepiece with the decision to use Grade 5 titanium. The dial, in sapphire for this edition, adds to the consistency of the piece and evokes a sense of continuity, as no circle completes the time indication.

Inspired by the finger bridges style, the design of the movement follows the watchmaking history of the Vallée de Joux but with a modern approach, reflecting Romain’s vision of the evolution of tradition.

Romain Gauthier presents the sixth edition of the caliber in titanium in a limited edition of 88-pieces and engraved “1 of 88” on the back of each movement.

 

View More
APRIL 01 2026    |    Watches and Wonders 2026

The Architecture of Two Worlds: Chronoswiss Unveils the PULSE GMT Collection

Chronoswiss marks a definitive leap into the future of independent watchmaking with the introduction of the PULSE GMT, a collection that represents one of the most progressive chapters in the brand's history. Inspired by the mechanical spirit of the 1999 Tora icon, this new series redefines traditional design codes through a radically modern lens while maintaining the brand's independent spirit. The collection is built specifically for global travelers and collectors who move between continents and time zones, requiring a sophisticated mechanical companion.

The PULSE GMT features a bold, sculptural case construction that seamlessly integrates the first full metal bracelet in Chronoswiss history. This architectural approach ensures a unified presence on the wrist, blending the iconic onion crown and coin-edge bezel with contemporary lines. Whether crafted from high-strength Grade 5 Titanium for daily wear or solid 18-carat 5N Gold, the 41mm case offers a powerful physical and visual statement.

At the heart of the collection beats the Manufacture Caliber C.6002, an automatic movement developed exclusively with La Joux-Perret. This dedicated mechanical construction provides a true dual-time display, featuring a 24-hour second time zone on the left and a 12-hour home time on the right, all unified by central minutes and seconds. With a 55-hour power reserve and water resistance up to 10 bar, the movement is designed for movement and mechanical clarity.

The collection showcases the height of Lucerne craftsmanship through two distinct dial interpretations. The Silver Guilloche edition celebrates pure mechanical texture with hand-guilloché patterns cut on century-old machines, while the Enamel Sky Gold features the rare art of paillonné enamel. This demanding craft embeds gold stars within layers of translucent fire enamel over a guilloché base, creating a celestial display designed to last for centuries.

View Watch Gallery  
Image 1  Image 2 Image 3  Image 4  Image 5  Image 6   
View More
JUNE 12 2025    |    Novelties

Chronoswiss Strike Two Stella Blue and Nugget: Where Precision Meets Personality

In the world of independent watchmaking, few designs capture the essence of mechanical artistry and thematic storytelling like the Chronoswiss Strike Two collection. With its signature horizontal regulator layout and exposed gear architecture, the collection is a canvas for both cosmic inspiration and historical homage. The Stellar Blue and Nugget editions, though forged from different visions, share a unified spirit: precision in motion, elevated by craftsmanship.

Architecture of Time

At the heart of both models lies the Chronoswiss Manufacture Caliber C.6000, developed in collaboration with La Joux-Perret. This automatic movement delivers a robust 55-hour power reserve, beating at 4 Hz (28,800 A/h). A skeletonized tungsten rotor, ruthenium-plated Geneva-cut bridges, and polished components reflect the brand’s commitment to mechanical transparency and refinement. Viewed through a sapphire caseback, the movement reveals a radial geometry that echoes the symmetry of the dial above.

The horizontal regulator layout defines the Strike Two identity: a floating hour display at 3 o’clock, central luminous minutes, and a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock. Two architectural bridges span the dial, exposing the gear train and anchoring the visual rhythm of the watch.

Stellar Blue – A Tribute to Cosmic Velocity

The Stellar Blue edition draws inspiration from the brilliance and motion of stellar light. Its dial features a deep blue CVD-coated base, hand-guillochéd with linear engraving that mimics the trajectory of light through space. A silver rhodium-plated subdial adds contrast, while the luminous minute hand glides across the dial like a comet in orbit.

Encased in matte grey sandblasted stainless steel, the watch offers a futuristic silhouette that complements its celestial theme. Measuring 40 mm in diameter and 12.7 mm in thickness, it wears with elegance and presence. The strap is crafted from white nubuck calfskin leather, lined with blue Alcantara, echoing the dial’s cosmic hue.

Nugget – A Homage to Discovery and Rarity

In contrast, the Strike Two Nugget is a celebration of terrestrial treasure — a mechanical gold rush forged in solid 18ct red gold. Inspired by the thrill of unearthing something precious, the Nugget edition elevates the Strike Two architecture with warmth, weight, and richness.

Its anthracite dial, hand-guillochéd and treated with a galvanic finish, reveals depth and texture. A glossy white lacquered small seconds subdial punctuates the monochrome palette, while the exposed gearwork beneath the hour display adds mechanical drama.

The case, polished and sandblasted, retains the 40 mm diameter and 12.7 mm thickness, but its golden sheen transforms the watch into a statement of rarity. Paired with a black nubuck calfskin strap lined in blue Alcantara, the Nugget balances boldness with refinement..

Two Visions, One Philosophy

Whether inspired by the stars or the soil, the Strike Two Stellar Blue and Strike Two Nugget embody Chronoswiss’s philosophy of independent design, mechanical excellence, and thematic storytelling. Limited to 100 pieces each, these timepieces are not just instruments of time — they are expressions of discovery, crafted for collectors who seek meaning in every detail.

View Watch Gallery of Stellar Blue
Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4
View Watch Gallery of Nugget
Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4
View More
DECEMBER 18 2024    |    Novelties

Introduction of assertive new black dials for the C by Romain Gauthier Titanium Edition Bracelet

Released initially with a grey dial and then with a Lever de Soleil color dial, the C by Romain Gauthier Titanium Edition Bracelet is now featured with two new dials: a three-dimensional straight grained structured dial in Grade 5 black titanium with white details and a black sapphire openwork dial with blue and white accents.

The three-dimensional straight grained black titanium dial provides an even more assertive character with its textured surfaces. The sharp contrast between the white details and the dark background enhances the time indications. This dial embodies a distinctly modern design while maintaining excellent readability, even in low-light conditions, thanks to the use of Super- LumiNova on the indexes, numerals, and hands.

As for the sapphire openwork dial, it reveals the intricate components of the movement, showcasing the brand's sophisticated watchmaking engineering and artisanal craftsmanship. This openwork design creates a captivating interplay between transparency and structure, transforming the watch into a true technical and aesthetic masterpiece. When Romain launched the first edition of C by Romain Gauthier in 2021, it was clearly stated that this new caliber would lead the brand to new horizons. One year later, a new door has been opened with the arrival of the brand's first metal bracelet.

Sober and contemporary, propitious to variations and adaptations, C by Romain Gauthier was an obvious choice for the creation of a metal bracelet. The desire of modernity, comfort and ergonomic already initiated during the conception of the first edition, reinforced the development of this integral timepiece on a titanium bracelet - light, resistant, modern and sophisticated. Aesthetically, it was important to Romain that the bracelet and the watch become one. As he said: "The bracelet is the case, and the case is the bracelet". This desire is reflected in the fusion of these two elements, a timepiece as a whole that cannot be dissociated.

In keeping with Romain's vision - The Evolution of Tradition - this new technical and contemporary element requires a high level of craftsmanship and hand finishing. Each link is composed of hand-polished and satin-finished surfaces that play with the light and reflect the technical nature of the bracelet and the piece in general.

View More
MARCH 17 2026    |    Novelties

Reinventing the Rhythm of Time: Dominique Renaud Presents the Pulse60

Haute Horlogerie Dominique Renaud (HHDR) marks its official debut with the launch of the Pulse60, unveiled in preview at the Time To Watches fair in Geneva (April 14–19, 2026). This first creation of the new Dominique Renaud brand introduces a radical approach to low‑frequency mechanical watchmaking and expresses the purest form of Renaud’s watchmaking philosophy.

A Vision Rooted in First Principles
Dominique Renaud, co‑founder of the legendary Renaud & Papi manufacture and creator of numerous landmark complications, returns with a renewed focus on foundational movement principles. Guided by the maxim “form ever follows function,” his work embraces clarity, purity and a minimalist, self‑evident aesthetic.
The establishment of HHDR in Tolochenaz brings together a team of watchmakers, designers and engineers in a collaborative, idea‑driven environment. HHDR is conceived as a living laboratory — a place where experimentation, shared expertise and long‑term exploration shape new forms of contemporary horology.

Pulse60 — A New Mechanical Language
At the heart of the Pulse60 is the newly developed BUA2024 movement, which embraces an ultra‑low 1 Hz frequency — just one oscillation per second, echoing the natural rhythm of the human heart. This approach reduces escapement shocks and disturbances, transforming time measurement into a slower, more embodied rhythm.


To master this low frequency, the movement features a monumental 20 mm high‑inertia balance wheel, inspired by marine chronometers. Its large moment of inertia stabilizes the rate by absorbing minute variations in energy and motion.

Dominique Renaud has also completely reimagined the regulating organ, allowing amplitude greater than 360° without knocking, with a theoretical range reaching approximately 700°. This unprecedented freedom greatly improves static rate stability by allowing the balance to follow its own natural dynamics over a longer portion of its oscillation.

 

A Design That Expresses Its Mechanics
The Pulse60’s innovative mechanics are reflected in its seamless, fluid architecture:

- A domed crystal with no bezel
- Lug‑less construction and integrated strap
- Three‑part case structure
- Diamond‑cut or guilloché dial details
- A patented offset regulation system placed outside the balance wheel, offering a completely unobstructed view of the slow‑beating 1 Hz oscillator

The display includes an hour‑minute dial at 12 o’clock, a natural dead half‑second at 9 o’clock, and a torque indicator at 3 o’clock. The caseback reveals a minimalist composition of circular and linear forms, framing the openworked escapement line and double‑roller assembly.

View Watch Gallery  
  Image 2 Image 3  Image 4  Image 5    
View More
ENDLESS DISCOVERY IN YOUR INBOX
Join our mailing list to receive insider updates on our latest collections, invites to private events, and other personalized offerings.