Independent Swiss watch manufacturer Armin Strom has created a unique, artistic Mirrored Force Resonance model exclusively for the TimeForArt auction. Inspired by renowned artist Franz Gertsch (1930-2022) and his “Blue Phase,” the dial reflects the same hue obtained from the semi-precious lapis lazuli used by Gertsch in his works. And the pigment is sourced from the same spot where Gertsch sourced his pigments. This decorative stone creates a symbolic link to Gertsch’s artistic legacy in this unique timepiece. It is a tribute to the Swiss painter, who was closely connected to the Michel family that owns Armin Strom. This connection stems from a longtime appreciation of the Michel family for Gertsch’s artistic oeuvre, culminating in the family’s dedication of the Museum Franz Gertsch in Burgdorf, Switzerland.
The special dial adorns this Resonance watch, housed in an elegant 43mm stainless-steel case. Armin Strom’s unique Resonance complication ensures that the two balance wheels synchronize and regulate each other in a natural state of resonance. This stabilizes timekeeping and compensates for the effects of gravity and wrist movements. The key benefit of resonance, in timepieces that can resiliently maintain the phenomenon, is its ability to maintain consistent timekeeping and to maximize timekeeping precision. In addition, the kinetic spectacle of resonance affords the wearer a unique, fascinating experience. With the pusher at 2 o’clock, the two seconds hands, which mirror each other in rotating clockwise and counterclockwise, can be reset to zero so that the level of resonance can be visually tracked.
Designed, manufactured, and painstakingly hand-decorated in-house, the hand-wound movement has a 48-hour power reserve. The open movement framing the unique blue dial is a showcase for the masterful hand-decoration techniques of Armin Strom’s watchmakers. The three-dimensional balance wheel bridges and all bevels are polished by hand, and on the dial side, the surfaces are frosted, perlaged, or circular grained by hand. All parts of the movement – including those that are no longer visible after assembly – are hand-decorated with the utmost care. In addition, the movement is assembled twice by hand to ensure uncompromising quality.
The Mirrored Force Resonance is an extremely rare, complex combination of science and Swiss watchmaking excellence, representing the highest level of craftsmanship and offering exceptional chronometric performance.