The Armin Strom Tribute 1 Limited Editions in Black and Blue (Live Pics & Price)

As a true manufacture, independent watchmaker Armin Strom is capable of producing highly technical and impressive watches, such as the Minute Repeater Resonance. Earlier this year, the new Armin Strom Tribute 1 collection was introduced with a special “First Edition”, limited to 25 pieces. This is a very contemporary take on the concept of a classic dress watch, but with a little twist. Following the success of the initial launch, as all 25 are long gone, two new colours are introduced. Here are the Armin Strom Tribute 1 Black and Blue.

The Armin Strom Tribute 1 is catalogued in the System 78 collection of watches. This range of watches is designed to offer the level of watchmaking we’re used to seeing from the brand, but at a more accessible level – relatively speaking, of course. The System 78 watches, and thus the Tribute 1, still feature plenty of hand-finishing, innovative technical solutions, and traditional craftsmanship.

When looking at the Tribute 1, it becomes clear this is quite a different watch yet still very identifiable as an Armin Strom. From the outside, the watch looks deceptively simple. The compact and elegant 38mm wide steel case measuring just 9.38mm in height has alternating brushed and polished surfaces. What makes it stand out from other watches is the positioning of the crown at 2 o’clock and the shape of the lugs, which we’ve also seen in the Armin Strom Gravity Equal Force. The slim bezel allows for a maximum view of the dial and has a very small lip reminiscent of the brand’s signature styling element.

Combining classical elements with modern design results in a striking-looking watch. The Armin Strom Tribute 1 Black and Blue come with either a black or blue dial; that much is obvious. The main section is finished with a grenage (grained) texture, embracing both the off-set sub-dial for the hours, minutes and seconds and, of course, that large single barrel. The sub-dial has a polished outer ring and a subtle concentric pattern with applied hour markers. The barrel, storing an impressive 100 hours of power, cuts into the sub-dial and is suspended by a single openworked bridge.

The hand-wound AMW21 movement for the Armin Strom Tribute 1 is developed and constructed mostly in-house. For this new calibre, Armin Strom has focused on a strong power reserve and compact dimensions. The barrel is a so-called motor barrel, with the arbour turning around the mainspring within the barrel itself. The result is an increase in efficiency, and at the same time, it takes up less space. The watch is regulated by a balance wheel with variable inertia with a flat hairspring held in place by an almost mirrored image of the barrel bridge.

Just like the rest of the watch, the movement is meticulously finished. The three-quarter plate has thick Côtes de Genève and polished bevels. Furthermore, there are polished countersinks and circular graining on the mainplate. On the outer edge of the movement, details of the watch are inscribed in positive relief.

The Armin Strom Tribute 1 in black or blue is limited to 100 pieces each. Both come attached to an alligator leather strap in black or blue with a double folding clasp. The price is set at CHF 13,900, which makes it the brand’s most accessible watch.

For more information, please visit arminstrom.com.