The Armin Strom Tribute² Aurum Edition: A Triumphant Return to Opulence
In the realm of luxury timepieces, Armin Strom has established a reputation for crafting intricately designed, openworked movements that are finished to impeccable standards. In 2021, the brand made its foray into the dress watch category with the surprisingly understated Tribute 1 model. This watch, while still embodying the hallmark traits of Armin Strom—both in design and technical prowess—featured a more simplified and subtle aesthetic, predominantly showcasing closed dials. Fast forward to 2024, and in collaboration with Horomariobro, Armin Strom has chosen to reveal the hidden intricacies beneath the dial, introducing the stunning Tribute² Copper Edition. Now, the model makes a grand reappearance in the brand’s collection as the new Armin Strom Tribute² Aurum Edition.
This latest Tribute² Aurum Edition shares most of its essential technical specifications and overall design with previous iterations of the Tribute 1. It retains the case shape and dimensions that make it a refined and compact expression of Armin Strom's distinctive DNA. The watch measures a sleek 38mm and boasts a slender profile of less than 10mm, making it comfortable on the wrist. Notably, the discreet ‘lip’ at the 6 o’clock position adds a unique touch, while the structured, angular lugs are short and purposeful. The case is elegantly polished on the top and brushed on the sides, combining sophistication with a hint of sharpness. With sapphire crystals protecting both the front and back and a water resistance of up to 50 meters, this watch is as practical as it is stylish. The crown positioned at 2 o'clock enhances its originality and comfort.
Continuing the innovative spirit that Horomariobro and Armin Strom showcased in 2024, the Tribute² Aurum Edition takes the collection's modern aesthetic a step further. This version reveals many of the technical components while elevating their decoration to meet the high standards synonymous with the Armin Strom name. With a more openworked and skeletonized design than its predecessors, this edition amplifies the architectural beauty of the movement and showcases even more meticulously hand-finished details. The base of the dial, functioning also as the main plate of the movement, is crafted from brass and features gold plating—hence the name 'Aurum'. Additionally, it is hand-finished using the rare tremblage technique, resulting in a visually rich texture. Complementing this is a smoked grey sub-dial that features gold-toned hands and markers.
A standout feature of this timepiece is the motor barrel, which is fully exposed in this edition—a stark contrast to the closed design typically seen in the Tribute 1. It showcases hand-polished beveled spokes alongside a black-polished, beveled steel finger bridge. Elements of the kinetic chain, including the click, its bridge, and the winding wheels—which are usually concealed under the dial—are now visible, contributing to a more technical appearance. While the overall layout remains familiar, the openworked design transforms the watch into a statement piece.
At the heart of this exquisite watch lies the hand-wound Calibre AMW21, developed and manufactured entirely in-house. Despite its compact size, this caliber impresses with a remarkable power reserve of 100 hours, made possible by its innovative motor barrel construction that efficiently transmits energy to the gear train. This configuration not only enhances performance but also maximizes space within the movement. Operating at a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour (3.5 Hz), the caliber features a variable inertia balance wheel and a flat overcoil spring, all supported by the signature system 78 finger bridge. The watch's back is elegantly adorned with Geneva stripes across the three-quarter bridge, complemented by a wide hand-polished bevel at a 60° angle and a three-dimensional escapement wheel bridge featuring a polished sink. A hallmark of Armin Strom, the movement undergoes assembly twice to ensure unmatched quality.
The Armin Strom Tribute² Aurum Edition is elegantly worn on a taupe Epsom strap, complete with matching taupe stitching. This limited edition watch is available in just 10 pieces, each priced at CHF 27,000. For those eager to explore more about this exquisite piece, additional details can be found at arminstrom.com.
Technical Specifications – Armin Strom Tribute² Aurum Edition
- Case: 38mm diameter x 9.38mm thickness - stainless steel, brushed and polished - sapphire crystal front and back with anti-reflective coating - water-resistant up to 50m
- Dial: Gold-plated brass mainplate, hand-finished with tremblage technique - grey fumé off-center dial - gold-colored polished hands and applied markers
- Movement: Armin Strom Manufacture Calibre AMW21 - entirely in-house - hand-wound - comprising 21 jewels and 137 components - 33.5mm x 4.2mm - 25,200 vibrations/hour - motor barrel offering a 100-hour power reserve - an openworked structure featuring skeletonized motor barrel and finger bridge, with hand-polished beveled spokes and black-polished, beveled steel parts - displays hours, minutes, and seconds
- Strap: 18mm lug width - Epsom taupe strap with taupe stitching - stainless steel pin buckle
- Reference: ST25-TRI.2E
- Availability: Limited to 10 pieces
- Price: CHF 27,000
What are your thoughts on the evolution of Armin Strom's designs? Do you believe that revealing the inner workings of a watch enhances its appeal, or do you prefer a more classic, closed design? Join the conversation in the comments!
