Catching Scarlet Fever With The New Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance Red
As a traditionalist, I’m not always attracted to modern Haute Horlogerie watches. However, I always have time for new releases from Armin Strom. The independent brand’s attention to detail and supreme movement prowess get my attention. Lately, there have even been smaller models that could fit my wrist if funds allowed. Today’s new Mirrored Force Resonance Red may not be petite, but that wouldn’t stop me from admiring it.
As a Fratello member, I’ve been visiting with the good folks from Armin Strom at watch shows for over a decade! In the beginning, the company’s wares were lost on me. Frankly, high-end watchmaking wasn’t really my bag. But oh, how times have changed. Sure, I still love my traditional sports watches and closed-dial dress pieces. However, I now look upon timepieces like the Mirrored Force Resonance Red with absolute wonder and amazement. Seriously, when armed with a loupe, one could examine one of these watches for a long time.
The Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance Red
For those who follow Armin Strom, it will quickly become apparent that today’s release is essentially a color update. In fact, the Mirrored Force Resonance models are quietly celebrating their 10th anniversary. Still, with every new limited edition, the watch never fails to catch our attention. The latest model uses the brand’s familiar 43 × 49.6mm stainless steel case. Despite its relatively imposing size, it maintains a restrained 11.6mm thickness. Sapphire crystals are present on both case sides and contribute to a 30m water resistance rating. The watches are equipped with a gray Alcantara strap and a stainless steel pin buckle.
A handcrafted guilloché dial
A glance at the Mirrored Force Resonance Red could prove misleading. The red offset sunburst dial actually achieves its texture via a handcrafted guilloché technique. Yes, a rose engine lathe creates the lovely scalloped ridges. Framing the hour-and-minute dial is a gorgeous black azuré chapter ring. The same treatment is also on the twin seconds displays. The top side of the movement shows a wide range of finishing treatments. These include anthracite-coated bridges, black-polished screws, perlage, anglage, and more. Of special note is the Resonance Clutch Spring on the dial’s left side, between the twin balance wheels.
The ever-impressive ARF21 caliber
The ARF21 puts on a show no matter the view. This manual-wind caliber is actually two movements brought together with Armin Strom’s Resonance Clutch Spring. From a display perspective, the twin seconds displays rotate in opposite directions. A pusher at two o’clock resets both to zero, which must be fun to do every so often. Otherwise, the movement runs at 25,200 vph and has a 48-hour power reserve.
Closing remarks, availability, and pricing
In terms of color and finishing, the new Mirrored Force Resonance Red might be my favorite take on the format yet. It’s bold, sharp, and not overly flashy. Due to the handmade nature of these watches, Armin Strom will produce just 15 pieces, each retailing for CHF 78,000. Now, that’s not inexpensive, no matter how one cuts it, but considering the horological magic and degree of workmanship, it’s intriguing. Let us know your thoughts, and in the meantime, feel free to visit the brand’s official website for more information.
