Resonance can mean two very different things. To a musician it’s how their instrument – be that the skin of a drum or the carved wood of a cello – amplifies their notes. For a watchmaker, it’s the way two movements in close proximity somehow compensate for one another, increasing accuracy. In Armin Strom’s double-visioned Masterpiece 2 however, it’s both.
Everything in this masterpiece of horology has been doubled up. There are two independent movements, stacked on atop the other; two independent mainsprings in a single barrel and two forms of resonance. There’s a reason this is a world first; nobody but Armin Strom would be insane enough to tackle it.
The inspiration comes from Bern’s famous tower clock, but it’s a serious extrapolation. The 47.7mm titanium case is huge but, given what’s been fit inside, understandable, and the ultralight metal makes it that much more wearable. That diameter also allows greater sound propagation so that, when you activate the pair of hammers using the slider on the left-hand side of the case, you can’t miss the chime.
All the while Armin Strom’s signature resonance system does what its always done and maintains accuracy over time, with the two balances compensating for one another. According to the brand, that means 15% – 20% greater precision, which is seriously impressive.
Needless to say this is a rarefied piece and not exactly for the masses. Even by Armin Strom standards however, the limited edition of 10 is minute. But then there is a reason; the Masterpiece 2 represents a decade of the watchmaker and is one hell of a celebration.
Price & Specs:
Model: Armin Strom Masterpiece 2 Minute Repeater Resonance
Case/dial: 47.7mm diameter x 16.10mm height, grade 5 titanium, transparent dial with fumée
Water resistance: 30m (3 bar)
Movement: Armin Strom manufacture caliber ARR18, collaboration with Le Cercle des Horlogers, manual winding, 51 jewels, 408 parts
Frequency: 25,200 vph (3.5 Hz)
Power reserve: 96h
Functions: Off-center hours, minutes, minute repeater
Strap: Dark grey alligator leather with double-folding clasp
Price: CHF 380,000, limited to 10 pieces
More details at Armin Strom.
