The new Armin Strom Manual Cameleon is one of the watches within the entry level Manual collection for this Swiss manufacture from Biel/Bienne. While the words 'entry level' might typically convey a lower price point within the watch category; when it comes to independent watch manufactures like Armin Strom, we are typically talking more about a price point situated above the $10K USD mark; however, for the very first time, the entry point into Armin Strom is now situated at $9,200 USD with the release of this new Armin Strom Manual Cameleon presented at Baselworld 2016 and that we are reviewing here.
The Armin Strom Manual Cameleon features a striking blue skeletonized dial with a nice contrasting white ring with applied Arabic numerals at 12, 3 and 6, a black minute track, off-centered hour/minutes and a subsidiary running seconds indicator at 9 o'clock. The finish on the blued mainplate of the movement is simply superb. As it is the norm, the Armin Strom brand name is applied on one of the bridges at 3 o'clock also in blue. The hands feature a nice thick coat of luminescent material that glows bright and long in the darkness. The dial is further elevated by the matching white ring on the subsidiary seconds.
The Armin Strom Manual Cameleon, is fitted with a satin-brushed titanium case measuring 43.4 mm in diameter and 13.0 mm in thickness. The case features the iconic lip at 6 o'clock that Armin Strom is very well know for when it comes to their case construction. The lip can be engraved with the owner's initials. The watch is water resistant to 50 meters and fitted with a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides for uncompromised readability. The signed Armin Strom pull-out crown completes the simple yet stunning look of this time-only watch.
The Armin Strom Manual Cameleon is equipped with a gorgeous blueish/purpleish camo looking strap with pin buckle. The strap on this new watch, is part of a new line of Armin Strom straps that resemble a camouflage pattern or somewhat of a dye wash look, and which were just presented at Baselworld 2016 for the very first time. The look and feel of these new straps is simply awesome and we love them.
Now, as if the dial side wasn't impressive enough, turning the watch around reveals the superbly finished beating heart inside the new Armin Strom Manual Cameleon. The manual wound in-house calibre AMW11 composed of 112 parts, 20 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 5 days while beating at a frequency of 18,000 vph is exquisitely finished in a very unique light blue color that we've never seen used before on any other watch.
On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and with impressive wrist presence, unlike any other blue dial timepiece. Its color scheme is perfect for those watchlifestylers looking for that sporty yet elegant look to pair with their blue Lanvin sneakers. Considering the exclusivity of the brand, the price point and the craftsmanship, this is pretty much one of the best deals you can get when testing the waters of independent watchmaking. For the level of watch you are getting, this is pretty much a 'steal'. The Armin Strom Manual Cameleon is available in a limited edition of 100 pieces.
Sticker Price $9,200 USD. For more info on Armin Strom click here.
