Introducing Armin Strom Gravity Equal Force Ultimate Sapphire Blue

This model is distinctly chromatic, with the showcase being the 'glacial' blue PVD mainplate with a guilloché pattern credited to no less an independent watchmaking legend than Kari Voutilainen. It's the base to show off Armin Strom's signature architecture, housed in a 41 millimeter stainless steel case that's 12.65 millimeters thick, with an approachably wearable 48 millimeter lug-to-lug distance. 

An open, grey-hued dial, made from transparent sapphire, features a small seconds subdial and sits on the left, providing a clear view of the proprietary movement's components, including the micro-rotor, 'equal-force' barrel, and rhodium-finished bridges that mirror the gear train.  A blue nubuck leather strap keeps this modern-positioned, toned-down watch on theme.

Despite the more minimal and refined presentation, the unique automatic movement, with a stop-work declutch system built into the barrel, remains. It provides the 'equal force' element to the escapement via Armin Strom's proprietary and patented system. Until adapted and miniaturized by the brand, the stop-work declutch mechanism inside the barrel, historically known as a 'Geneva stop-work' that limits the power delivery to the optimal portion of the mainspring's torque curve, had only been found in hand-wound pocket watches. Additionally, the watch's architecture features a horizontal clutch and a compact micro-rotor, visible from the dial side, providing not only constant force timekeeping but also compelling visuals.

This version of the Gravity Equal Force is limited to 25 pieces per year and is priced at CHF 27,500.

As interest in independent Swiss watchmakers continues to gain momentum, while many established big-name brands struggle to maintain their market share as more enthusiasts look beyond the top names, Armin Strom continues to produce gems with quiet confidence from its atelier in Biel/Bienne.

Plenty of hand finishing remains a notable differentiator here with the bridges bevelled and polished by hand and screws that are black polished. Armin Strom says traditional decoration techniques—such as perlage, Geneva stripes, and circular graining—remain core to its identity. At nearly $30,000, this is not an entry-level piece, but it is a distinctly modern Swiss take on watchmaking innovation and design that aims for and achieves a unique cool factor.

Brand: Armin Strom
Model: Gravity Equal Force Ultimate Sapphire Blue
Reference Number: ST24-GEF.BLU
Diameter: 41 mm
Thickness: 12.65 mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color:  Grey toned off-center sapphire crystal with subdial
Indexes:  Applied
Lume: Hands lumed with SuperLumi-Nova
Water Resistance: 3 ATM (30 meters)
Strap/Bracelet: Blue nubuck leather strap with ice blue stitching
and stainless steel folding clasp

Caliber: Armin Strom Manufacture Caliber ASB19
Functions: Patented equal force barrel,offset display with subdial seconds, minutes, seconds, power reserve indicator
Diameter: 35.52 mm
Thickness: 11.67 mm
Power Reserve: Geneva stop-work limited to 72 hours
Winding: Automatic-winding with micro rotor
Frequency: 3.5 Hz (25,200 vibrations per hour)
Jewels: 28
Chronometer Certified: No

Price: CHF 27,500
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: Yes, 25 pieces per year

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