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ARMIN STROM PURE RESONANCE WATER

Although founded in 1967 by master of skeletonisation and engraving, Swiss watchmaker Armin Strom, it’s only in the past ten years that the brand which bears his name has really become part of the independent watchmaking firmament, and indeed, thanks to its astute business management the company is today a strong and progressive force in the sector, its collections becoming ever more innovative and complex.


In the Pure Resonance Water the craftsmen at the Armin Strom atelier in Biel/Bienne have created a remarkable wristwatch, which for its concept plays with one of those fascinating little quirks of physics in a truly mesmerising display of constant graceful motion, against a backdrop of beautifully finished steel components and topped off with a deep blue dial and the sunray effect which catches the light with each movement of the wrist.


Using the curious phenomenon of resonance to ensure a constant force delivery of energy between the twin barrels and time displays, the Pure Resonance Water features not one but two balance and escapement assemblies, which are visible on the pared-back face of the watch, kept apart but positioned precisely where the gravitational pull of each one on the other means that each beats at exactly the same frequency, returning to that pace even should they be knocked out of kilter by the shock of an impact on the watch. Between the two, a single fine spring of the zigzag clutch flexes in time with the balance wheels and so the release of the combined energy is smooth and unwavering throughout the 48 hours of power reserve. 


Beneath the sapphire crystal, the dial area comprises the brushed lines of côtes de Genève striping on the bare steel plates of the movement, and just above, the hours and minutes are displayed via steel hands on a deep blue offset dial, which has a fine white minutes track around its edge, punctuated by roman numerals. A smaller subdial with snailed finishing displays the seconds, and with all of the elements combined the effect is quite captivating and leaves no doubt that this is a rather special piece.


Turning over the 42mm case of polished stainless steel, and a sapphire case back reveals the twin barrels which store and release the energy for the hand winding movement as it beats at 25,200 vph over 48 hours. Finished with circular côtes de Genève striping, the calibre ARF16 is largely developed in-house and is a testament to the craftsmanship and invention which today define this independent watch company. 


The Armin Strom Pure Resonance Water is presented on a black alligator leather strap with stainless steel folding clasp.


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