First released at the end of 2019, the new Armin Strom Gravity Equal Force is part of a new collection named System 78. Now, after the great success of the first models in stainless steel —with blue and black dials—, the watch is now being released in an 18K rose gold case with black dial and black alligator leather strap. With a bold redesign of the movement, dial, and case, the new Armin Strom Gravity Equal Force marks the launch of the new System 78 Collection.
The inspiration behind Gravity Equal Force was a desire to transmit equal force to the balance, thereby increasing the consistency of rate. Armin Strom developed an ingenious declutching system that operates inside the mainspring barrel to limit the torque delivered to the balance, providing smooth power delivery. This represents the first time a declutching mechanism has been added to an automatic winding movement. Armin Strom found insight in a pocket watch in need of repair from a U.S. collector, which contained a motor barrel design showing clear advantages over the standard going barrel. Inspired, the watchmakers designed a barrel operating in the reverse of a traditional mainspring barrel by driving the going train via the barrel arbor and winding the barrel housing, which both improves functionality and reduces wear.
This state-of-the-art design creates a stable, low-friction axis of rotation for the mainspring to deliver power from the barrel arbor, supported by precision jewel bearings. Though using only a portion of the mainspring by preventing it from completely unwinding, Armin Strom still achieved a power reserve of 72 hours. Wound by an unidirectionally winding micro-rotor visible from the dial side, the mainspring bears a power reserve indicator on the barrel cover for reference.
With numerous small improvements to the going train and winding mechanism, the new Caliber ASB19 demonstrates Armin Strom’s commitment to continually questioning established theory and using in-house R&D to advance horological technology. Claude Greisler, the co-founder of Armin Strom, highlights the improved usability:
“We have reinvented the whole functionality of an automatic watch movement to bring another level of precision and to offer our collectors more assurance for reliable daily wear.”
The new Armin Strom Gravity Equal Force also differs from previous models with a new off-centered dial and slimmer case with a smaller diameter at 41 mm. The highlight of the watch is now the triplet of bridges echoing the pocket watch inspiration behind the Armin Strom in-house calibre ASB19. Additionally, the 41 mm case which is a first for Armin Strom, should appeal to the more classically-inclined collector.
The contemporary dimensions maintain the essence of Armin Strom DNA while shaping a new aesthetic that showcases a reduction to the essential. Moving to a more off-centered dial, makes the Gravity Equal Force more legible to maximize the user experience for discerning collectors.
Sticker Price CHF 26,900 Swiss Francs —approximately $30,000 USD. For more info on Armin Strom click here.
