Since we know that not everyone has a chance to see the watches we review here in the metal —especially when it comes to some of the more exclusive independent brands with a limited distribution network and limited production—, we try to bring you live images under natural light so that those of you that don't have the opportunity to see the watches in person, can get a clear idea of what we are talking about, when we say that Armin Strom is a true master of skeletonization. As we've said it before, Armin Strom is a brand that excels in the art of skeletonization and the Skeleton Pure Earth ref. ST15-PE.40 we are reviewing here, is a perfect example of it. The Armin Strom Skeleton Pure Earth like all other Armin Strom timepieces, is fitted with a case measuring 43.4 mm in diameter and 13.4 mm thick. As explained before, Armin Strom names most of their watches based on the four terrestrial elements: Earth —Blackened PVD stainless Steel—, Air —titanium—, Fire —18K rose gold— and Water —mirror polished stainless steel.
The Dial
Let's now start this hands-on review by talking about the dial. Composed of a gorgeous sapphire ring with applied blackened PVD markers and a white minute track, the dial is designed to proudly display the art of skeletonization mastered by this manufacture. Featuring off-centered hour/minutes hands and a running seconds indicator with superimposed 8-day power reserve indicator at 9 o'clock, this is a watch where the brand decided to not leave anything to the imagination and go with extreme skeletonization, to the point where even the double barrels where skeletonized in the best shape and form to give the wearer a real treat for the eyes. The hands feature applied luminova and at night they glow bright and long. The dial is further elevated by the orange accents on the running seconds and on the Armin Strom inscription on the sapphire ring at 3 o'clock.
The Case & Strap
Finished with the utmost care, the blackened PVD stainless steel case is very nicely done with a satin brushed finish and mirror polished chamfers. Fitted with a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides, the visibility of the dial is never compromised by unwanted glare. The watch is equipped with a black hornback strap with orange accents on its sides and the quality of the strap is second to none to that of an Audemars Piguet hornback —in our opinion the best crocodile strap in the market. The strap is fitted with a signed pin buckle matching the case. The watch is typically delivered with an additional black rubber strap and a double-fold clasp is available as an option for those of you that don't like the tang/ardillon buckles.
The Movement
The beating heart inside the Armin Strom Skeleton Pure Earth is the 8-day power reserve manual wound in-house calibre ARM09-S Pure composed of 146 parts, 34 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 8 days while beating at a frequency of 18,000 vph. The exquisitely finished movement —and we are really not exaggerating—, is fully visible via the sapphire crystal display case back coated with anti-reflective treatment on both sides to make things appear even better. The limited edition information is engraved on the balance cock.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and overall just very nice. This is the type of watch that not only exudes sportiness but also classiness at the same time. One thing we love about independent brands like Armin Strom besides their designs and exquisite finishes, is that you'll rarely run into another watchlifestyler wearing the same watch you are wearing.
Sticker Price $33,400 USD. For more info on Armin Strom click here.
