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

MARCH 25 2026    |    Novelties

SÄNTIS BY STREHLER - The world on your wrist

Three years ago, independent watchmaker Andreas Strehler launched his new brand, Strehler, to present his philosophy and craftsmanship in a more accessible form. The first model, Sirna, was designed as an essential time‑only watch that distilled his precision, expertise, and uncompromising finishing. The second model, Säntis, takes the brand naturally into the realm of complications. Like Sirna, which was named after the town Sirnach, Säntis draws its name from the mountain near Strehler’s workshop, the highest peak of the Appenzell Alps.

World Time Concept & Crown Operation
Responding to a collector’s request and inspired by his earlier Sauterelle Heure Mondiale, Strehler created a world time watch that remains elegant, intuitive, and deeply personal. Säntis uses a Cottier‑style world time display operated entirely by a single three‑position crown—preserving design purity and simplicity. The 40 mm medical‑grade stainless‑steel case blends refinement with ergonomics and stays below 10 mm thick even with the added mechanism.

Titanium Dial & Time Zone Display
The titanium dial features a sculptural three‑dimensional texture, individually machined, engraved, and hand‑polished. Its pattern is adapted from a design created with Eric Giroud for Sirna. Surrounding it, the 24‑hour ring marks day and night and rotates once per day, aligning with a fixed city ring listing 24 time zones. Central European Time is indicated by “Strehler” rather than a city, and DST‑observing cities are marked with a sun symbol. Both the city disc and 24‑hour disc use luminous printing, with additional luminous dots along the minute track.

Colour Options, Hands & Movement
The titanium dial features a sculptural three‑dimensional texture, individually machined, engraved, and hand‑polished. Its pattern is adapted from a design created with Eric Giroud for Sirna. Surrounding it, the 24‑hour ring marks day and night and rotates once per day, aligning with a fixed city ring listing 24 time zones. Central European Time is indicated by “Strehler” rather than a city, and DST‑observing cities are marked with a sun symbol. Both the city disc and 24‑hour disc use luminous printing, with additional luminous dots along the minute track.

Strap, Presentation & Limited Production
The Säntis comes with a subtly grained brown calfskin strap with contrasting off‑white stitching, and other colours are available upon request. Its steel pin buckle is crafted in‑house, echoing the case’s lines. The watch is delivered in a beechwood box with a cognac leather travel pouch. While not limited, production is naturally restricted due to the fully in‑house manufacturing of cases, dials, hands, and movements, resulting in only 30–50 watches per year shared between Sirna and Säntis.

View Watch Gallery  
  Image 1 Image 3  Image 4  Image 5    
View More
JULY 03 2026    |    Novelties

Opus Dakar Sundown: A Two-Tone Symphony of Desert Sunset and Fine Skeletonized Horology

Chronoswiss has officially introduced the Opus Dakar Sundown, a striking new interpretation of the celebrated Opus Dakar that captures the fleeting magic of sunset over the desert. Housed in a distinctive 41mm two-tone case crafted from stainless steel and 18ct red gold, the timepiece masterfully blends the rugged spirit of adventure with refined luxury. The warm glow of precious metal flows seamlessly into the robust steel construction, mirroring the final golden rays dancing across endless dunes. This ultimate celebration of contrasts is beautifully completed by a sand-colored nubuck leather strap that evokes the warm tones of sunlit, weathered terrain.

At the heart of the watch beats the Chronoswiss Manufacture Caliber C.741S, a fully skeletonized automatic chronograph movement that transforms every measurement of time into a visual spectacle. Designed for legibility and visual complexity, the central chronograph seconds hand sweeps the openworked dial in harmony with a 30-minute counter at 12 o'clock and a 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock. A running small seconds display at 9 o'clock provides a constant indication of the movement's heartbeat, while a highly unique, analogue pointer date display at 3 o'clock enhances its everyday practicality.

The skeletonized, CVD-coated brown dial draws inspiration from the rich palette of the desert, where warm tones create a composition that is both timeless and adventurous. By exposing the intricate mechanics beneath the surface, every skeletonized bridge, wheel, and component directly contributes to a captivating, mechanical canvas. The hands are crafted in the elegant Breguet Losange shape and rhodium-plated to ensure striking contrast against the dark, galvanic black perlage of the base plate.

Crafted in solid 23 pieces, the 41mm case features an 18ct red gold bezel with partial knurling, a screw-down case back with a red gold coin-edge ring, and Chronoswiss’s iconic onion crown. The total weight of gold used in this exceptional construction is 21.4 grams. Offering a water resistance of 3 bar (30 meters), the watch is equipped with screw-in lugs utilizing the patented Autobloc system. For over three decades, the Opus collection has embodied the bold spirit of Chronoswiss; the Opus Dakar Sundown brilliantly reimagines this legacy, shaped by craftsmanship and illuminated by one of nature's most spectacular moments.

View Watch Gallery  
Image 1  Image 2 Image 3  Image 4       
View More
JULY 15 2026    |    Novelties

C BY ROMAIN GAUTHIER 39.5: BUILT FOR EVERYDAY ELEGANCE

Independent manufacture Romain Gauthier has unveiled its latest horological evolution with the release of the C by Romain Gauthier Titanium Edition 39.5. This new iteration introduces a highly anticipated, more compact 39.5 mm Grade 5 titanium case designed to sit effortlessly on a broader range of wrist sizes. Embodying the core philosophy of the collection, the timepiece is built for everyday wearability, blending high-end mechanics with a casual, modern design language that seamlessly integrates into daily life.

Enhancing this newfound versatility, the manufacture introduces its very first interchangeable rubber strap system alongside three expressive new colorways: vibrant blue, energetic orange, and subtle pink. These eye-catching color accents on the dial are matched with corresponding Super-LumiNova hues at night, offering a fresh, lifestyle-oriented aesthetic. The quick-release strap system allows wearers to effortlessly adapt the watch to any mood, outfit, or occasion, transitioning seamlessly between sporty casualness and discreet, refined elegance.

While the exterior boasts a contemporary, relaxed style, the heart of the watch remains deeply committed to haute horlogerie. The in-house manual-winding caliber is gloriously on show through the display back, showcasing finger bridges—historically typical of Romain Gauthier’s birthplace, the Vallée de Joux—reinterpreted with a modern "stepped" architecture. Each Grade 5 titanium bridge is meticulously finished by hand, featuring a highly original dimpled texture achieved through a special hand-engraving technique, set against a beautifully hand-frosted movement mainplate.

Technically astute, the timepiece is equipped with a clever stop-seconds mechanism that uses a snail cam—a nod to the brand’s acclaimed Logical One. Pulling out the crown stops the balance wheel, while pushing it back in prompts the snail cam to turn, delivering an active impulse to help the movement start beating again instantly. Offered as part of the brand's permanent, non-limited collection, the C by Romain Gauthier Titanium Edition 39.5 represents a masterful synthesis of superlative hand-finishing and modern, adaptable luxury.

 

View Watch Gallery
Image 1






  

 

View More
OCTOBER 17 2025    |    Novelties

Armin Strom Unveils Mirrored Force Resonance Zeitgeist 1665 – A Tribute to Horological History

Armin Strom unveils the Mirrored Force Resonance Zeitgeist 1665, a creative interpretation of what a Resonance wristwatch might have looked like centuries ago. This timepiece combines historical horology with modern innovation, celebrating the brand’s milestone achievement of stable and resilient Resonance.

The Zeitgeist features a stainless steel case measuring 43 mm in diameter, paired with an 18K white gold dial in an off-center design. Inside beats the Armin Strom Manufacture Caliber ARF21_ZG, a manual-winding movement with twin-seconds and flyback functionality, offering an impressive 80-hour power reserve. Limited to just 25 pieces worldwide, this exceptional creation pays tribute to the centuries-long pursuit of chronometric consistency, a challenge first explored by Christiaan Huygens in 1665. Armin Strom solved the Resonance Fragility Problem in 2016, making this phenomenon practical for wristwatches.

 

View Watch Gallery
Image 1   
View More
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
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.