While My Watch Gently Resonates: How Armin Strom Perfected Resonance Technology
As watch fans, we’re relatively accustomed to hearing about technical innovations. Normally, these result in benefits in timekeeping accuracy, power reserve, or shock resistance. However, many of these watches use traditional mechanical movements. Armin Strom’s claim to fame is its mastery of the Resonance movement. Today, we’ll provide an overview of the technology behind these calibers and what makes them so special.
At times, it can be challenging to understand the intricate technical aspects of our wristwatches. That’s what makes the Resonance movement by Armin Strom so paradoxical. On one hand, creating the movements is incredibly complicated, requiring significant breakthroughs. On the other hand, the concept, once explained, is relatively straightforward.
What is resonance?
Let’s take this slowly and start by defining “resonance.” Merriam-Webster, the longstanding American dictionary, defines it as “a vibration of large amplitude in a mechanical or electrical system caused by a relatively small periodic stimulus of the same or nearly the same period as the natural vibration period of the system.” It also states that it is “the state of adjustment that produces resonance in a mechanical or electrical system.” That may seem fairly confusing, but when applied to watchmaking, specifically in the case of the Armin Strom Resonance system, the concept becomes simpler.
Essentially, the Resonance calibers are equipped with twin movements. Naturally, each contains a balance wheel. While both could be left to run independently, they are linked and transmit vibrations to one another. This transfer synchronizes the two and creates resonance. It’s a natural phenomenon that creates impressive overall accuracy. It can also self-correct the effects of shock, motion, and temperature. However, the periods of non-resonance cause challenges for timekeeping accuracy, with large gaps showing between both movements.
Historically, watchmakers, including Abraham-Louis Breguet, used present watch components, such as the mainplate or various bridges, to transmit the vibrations from both barrels. Armin Strom spent more than three years designing a new method for more robust and accurate timekeeping. The brand has solved this issue with the invention of the Resonance Clutch. The thin, metal spring with multiple loops is connected to both balance wheels and effectively transfers vibrations from each movement. The benefit is greater resistance to disruption than other transmission methods.
Applications of the Resonance technology
Armin Strom released its first Resonance piece in 2016. Since then, the brand has miniaturized the movements and added complications. Notably, the company’s small team of watchmakers produces 97% of the components in-house in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. Dual-Time GMT, minute repeater, and time-only models are available, featuring twin seconds displays and a flyback synchronization button. Unlike some highly complicated movements, the Resonance, in certain applications, can fit into a reasonably sized 39mm case.
Highly detailed and beautiful
A technical advance like the Resonance is impressive, but Armin Strom also manages to make the watches beautiful. Of course, the movements are on display. The Resonance Clutch takes center stage, machined and polished from a single piece of steel with a width similar to a human hair in some places. What the brand does so well, though, is fusing traditional finishing with modern design. Techniques including hand-polishing, anglage, black polishing, Geneva stripes, straight-graining, perlage, and more are used to remove all signs of machining. The contrasting finishes also create a visual showcase, setting apart each component.
Final thoughts on the Armin Strom Resonance
I tend to collect simple-looking watches. However, watches like the Armin Strom Dual Time GMT Resonance have changed my opinion on more avant-garde timepieces. These watches blend technical prowess with beautiful finishing and cohesive design. Plus, the brand has continued to develop its Resonance calibers while making them smaller and thinner. The movements themselves are nothing short of remarkable, showing there is still room for innovation in this traditional industry. If you’ve never seen one of these watches in person, I highly recommend doing so. Simply watching the movements is a captivating experience.
