Armin Strom Gravity Equal Force Ultimate Sapphire Purple

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

MARCH 27 2025 | Watches and Wonders 2025

Chronographe Télémètre At the speed of sound

This year, Angelus is releasing the Chronographe Télémètre as a limited edition of two sets of 25 steel timepieces and a further 15 in 18-carat yellow gold. Measuring 37 mm in diameter, with a vintage-inspired dial and a mono-pusher set into the winding crown, this short-interval timekeeping instrument contains countless tributes to Angelus’ rich history and particularly its speciality in crafting chronographs. Its noble hand-wound mechanism, historical roots and superior finishes give this chronograph a wildly elegant retro aesthetic.

After the Instrument de Vitesse and the Chronographe Médical, the La Fabrique collection welcomes a new masterpiece that recalls the functional and aesthetic history of Angelus. Founded in 1891 in Le Locle by the Stolz brothers, Angelus quickly specialised in alarm clocks, minute repeaters and, above all, chronographs. One of its iconic models already inspired the revival of the Chronodate collection 80 years later.

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JANUARY 28 2025 | Novelties

HM Steel - Amber Ancient and alive

The beauty of many millennia of fossilisation. The fiery shades of conifers in autumn. The radiant translucency of resin. Baltic amber reveals the richness of life, the complexity of nature and the magic of the passing of time. This rare and challenging fossilised resin is showcased in all its splendour on HM Steel Amber. It adorns the almost bare dial, framed by an ultra-thin steel case. Arnold & Son plays a new hand and continues to innovate in the field of exceptional materials.

Arnold & Son is opening a new chapter in its collections of materials. After timepieces featuring charoite, specular hematite and even meteorite, a one-off piece from the Double Tourbillon collection played host to the glistening pale yellow hues of Baltic amber for the very first time. Difficult to source and challenging to work, it took the house several months to find the precious fossil needed to produce the 38 HM Steel Amber timepieces.

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APRIL 29 2026 | Novelties

A Splash of Fresh Green: Moritz Grossmann Debuts the TEFNUT Silver-Plated by Friction Anniversary Watch

The year 2026 marks a historic milestone for the Moritz Grossmann manufactory in Glashütte, as it celebrates the 200th birthday of its visionary founder and namesake, born on March 27, 1826. A genius watchmaker, scientist, author, and initiator of the German Watchmaking School, Grossmann profoundly shaped the craft of horology and the fate of his hometown. Rather than merely imitating historical concepts, the modern manufactory honors his legacy by blending his cutting-edge philosophy with modern engineering. This dedication to technological perfection and exceptional aesthetics cements its place among the world's elite elite watchmakers.

To commemorate this bicentennial occasion, the brand has unveiled its third anniversary special edition: the TEFNUT Silver-Plated by Friction. Debuting on April 29, 2026, this launch presents an exclusive premiere for collectors—the very first time that the sleek TEFNUT model is made available in a stunning 750/000 yellow gold case, alongside a 750/000 white gold version. Both variations pay homage to their heritage by incorporating an "1826" engraving on the balance cock and showcasing a vintage 1875 "M. GROSSMANN" logo on the dial.

At the heart of the timepiece lies the ultra-flat manufactory calibre 102.1, a hand-wound movement measuring just 4 mm in height and 26 mm in diameter. This compact footprint enables the watch to retain its remarkably elegant, low-profile silhouette. The calibre embodies classic Grossmann pillar movement architecture with a 3/5 plate, incorporating his signature raised gold chatons, an optimized mainspring barrel with bilateral jewel bearings, and a stepped balance cock with a micrometer screw. Each component is meticulously hand-finished to ensure absolute technical and visual distinctiveness.

The defining aesthetic feature of this model is its striking dial, which boasts a rare "silver-plated by friction" finish. Executed entirely by hand in the brand's ateliers, a master artisan brushes a specialized paste of silver powder, salt, cream of tartar, and water onto the brass surface to create a velvety, fine-grained texture that beautifully diffuses light. To provide a contemporary contrast, the numerals, minute scale, and historic logo are rendered in a vibrant green hue. Hovering above are extraordinarily fine, hand-crafted lance-shaped hands, polished in gold for the yellow gold model and annealed to a brown-violet tone for the white gold edition. Each variation is strictly limited to just 12 pieces worldwide.

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JUNE 25 2024 | Novelties

Back in sleek anthracite: Armin Strom unveils the One Week Manufacture Edition

Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, 26 June 2024: Following the inaugural redesigned One Week First Edition that made its debut in 2023, Armin Strom unveils a new version of the successor to its first-ever manufacture movement with the One Week Manufacture Edition. The highly architectural openworked movement, housed in a sleek and sporty steel case with an integrated bracelet, is now presented in a range of grey and anthracite hues. Limited to 100 pieces, the One Week Manufacture Edition foregoes colour to bring out the beauty of its uniquely constructed manual calibre.

15 years ago, independent watchmaking brand Armin Strom took a major leap that would forever change its trajectory. Realising that the path to true independence lies in mastering every step of the process, it established its very own manufacture in Biel. A year later, the first timepiece produced by its vertically integrated manufacture was unveiled: the One Week. Entirely developed and manufactured in-house and designed with symmetrical harmony in mind, it stood out thanks to its unique movement architecture featuring two barrels that together provide a seven-day power reserve. This milestone marked the beginning of many new calibres and innovations by the Armin Strom manufacture, showcasing their dedication to the science of movement and garnering the admiration and respect of even the most discerning and seasoned collectors.

The new One Week Manufacture Edition completely reimagines this milestone calibre in line with the brand’s recent bolder, more three-dimensional approach to calibre design, all in a sleek and serene execution that further highlights its ingenuity and uniqueness. The mainplate, bridges and parts, visible on the dial thanks to the openworked movement design, are anthracite PVD coated for a striking look.

As Armin Strom founder Serge Michel notes: “Collectors who missed the opportunity to get a first edition of the redesigned One Week will now have another chance. The Manufacture Edition of the new One Week will be limited to 100 pieces.”

Sporty yet classy, this model exudes calmness and serenity with its anthracite tones and the symmetrical harmony of its in-house movement.

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APRIL 09 2025 | Novelties

Moritz Grossmann Unveils Exclusive ART EDITION Max Frintrop Collection

Moritz Grossmann, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and precision in watchmaking, proudly announces the launch of the ART EDITION Max Frintrop. This exclusive collection features sixteen unique timepieces, each showcasing a dial crafted from the top layers of renowned German painter Max Frintrop’s studio floor.

A Fusion of Art and Horology
The ART EDITION Max Frintrop marks the first collaboration between Moritz Grossmann and a contemporary artist. Each dial in this collection captures years of artistic expression, resulting in a mesmerizing display of abstract beauty. The intricate layers of paint, preserved from Frintrop’s studio floor, create a unique and captivating design for each watch.

Craftsmanship and Innovation
At the heart of each timepiece is the calibre 100.1 movement, a testament to Moritz Grossmann’s commitment to quality and precision. Components made from untreated German silver, a hand-engraved 2/3 plate, and the distinctive Grossmann balance are just a few of the features that highlight the exceptional craftsmanship of these watches.

Exclusive Design and Limited Availability
Each watch is engraved with “Unique Piece” on the case back and is available in rose gold or stainless-steel cases. Complemented by different-colored Kudu leather straps, these timepieces are as stylish as they are unique. Max Frintrop’s signature is discreetly engraved on the glass back, adding a personal touch to each piece.

A Philosophical Exploration of Time
This collaboration explores the concept of time through both art and watchmaking. Christine Hutter, CEO of Moritz Grossmann, explains, “The heart of a watch is the balance. It can be seen as philosophical proof that a watch is not just a timepiece, but also a constant reminder that our understanding of time is both fleeting and infinite.”

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NOVEMBER 17 2025 | Novelties

Angelus Unveils Flying Tourbillon Skeleton Titanium in Vivid Orange

Angelus unveils the Flying Tourbillon Skeleton Titanium, Orange Edition, a vivid expression of horological energy and design. Limited to just 25 pieces, this timepiece transforms skeletonised mechanics into a canvas of colour and contrast. The satin-finished titanium case frames a deep black movement, animated by bright orange accents that highlight the time display and extend to three interchangeable straps. The openwork calibre, designed as a series of interlocking circles, adds architectural depth and visual dynamism.

Every detail of this 42.5 mm watch reflects a unique energy. Chromatic energy flows through the orange highlights. Customisable energy is offered by the quick-release strap system, allowing seamless transitions between black alligator leather, orange rubber, and integrated titanium. Light energy emerges from the skeletonised movement, while structural energy is revealed in the layered construction. Graphic energy is embodied in the three-dimensional architecture of the A-310 calibre.

The dial features a floating orange minute track above a black flange, with hour markers crafted for the first time by Angelus in monolithic blocks of Super-LumiNova. These luminous elements ensure legibility in low light and reinforce the watch’s modern aesthetic. At the heart of the case lies a carbon composite chamber, lightweight yet rigid, surrounded by a modular titanium cage that enhances stability and mechanical appeal.

The A-310 calibre showcases Angelus’s signature three-spoke wheels, leading the eye to the flying tourbillon suspended without an upper bridge. Supported by a 160° angled bridge, this asymmetrical design intensifies visual tension and balance. The tourbillon completes a rotation every minute, oscillates at 4 Hz, and offers a 60-hour power reserve. The Flying Tourbillon Skeleton Titanium, Orange Edition embodies the Angelus L.A.B. philosophy—Legacy and Beyond—where technical mastery meets bold design to elevate mechanics into contemporary art.

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JULY 18 2025 | Novelties

Chromatic Precision: Armin Strom Orbit in Lime & Ice

Armin Strom, the independent Swiss watchmaker renowned for its openworked designs and mechanical innovation, proudly unveils two striking new additions to its System 78 collection: the Orbit Lime Green and Orbit Ice Blue.

These limited edition timepieces—each restricted to just 20 pieces worldwide—introduce vibrant new fumé dials that blend bold aesthetics with technical mastery. The Lime Green model radiates energy and modernity, while the Ice Blue version offers a serene and sophisticated presence. Both dials feature a gradient effect that transitions from vivid color at the center to deep black at the edges, enhancing the visual depth of the openworked design.

A World-First Date Display on Demand

At the heart of both models lies the Armin Strom Manufacture Caliber ASS20, the world’s first movement to feature a date display on a ceramic bezel that appears only when activated. A pusher at 10 o’clock engages the date hand, which points to the current date and advances automatically at midnight. A second press returns the hand to its neutral position, offering a playful yet practical complication powered by a column-wheel mechanism.

The movement also incorporates Armin Strom’s patented Equal Force Barrel, delivering consistent energy for a stable 72-hour power reserve.

Haute Horology Craftsmanship

Each Orbit model is meticulously hand-finished at Armin Strom’s Manufacture in Biel/Bienne, employing traditional techniques such as anglage, perlage, and circular graining. The off-center dial is paired with rhodium-coated hands enhanced with Super-LumiNova®, ensuring legibility and elegance. The watches are housed in a stainless steel case with a fixed ceramic bezel and come with a matching bracelet featuring a double-folding clasp.

The Science of Movement

Founded in 1967 and revitalized in 2009, Armin Strom continues to push the boundaries of horological innovation. Every timepiece is designed, developed, and assembled in-house, reflecting the brand’s commitment to transparency, craftsmanship, and mechanical excellence.