The Armin Strom Gravity was the first watch from the Biel-based manufacture to feature an automatic winding mechanism with micro rotor. With this first series of automatic watches driven by the manufacture’s new AMR13 calibre, Armin Strom wanted to express the essence of a fundamental law of physics —that of gravity. Thus, the laws of gravity are used in an automatic watch to transform movements into a mode of indicating the time. However, the Armin Strom Gravity Date Fire ref. RG14-DF.90 is not necessarily powered by the same AMR13 calibre but by the ADD14 automatic calibre with a power reserve of 5 days. The Armin Strom Gravity Date —just like the Gravity collection— is designed to proudly display the micro rotor while also providing the wearer with date information as well as a useful night/day indicator. The visibility of this mechanism is made possible thanks to an innovative concept of transmission for the rotor, which remains smaller in size than the diameter of the going barrel.
The Armin Strom Gravity Date is fitted with a generous 18K rose gold case measuring 43.40 mm in diameter and 13.00 mm in thickness. The Armin Strom Gravity Date Fire boasts the same exceptional level of finishing that has contributed to the reputation of the brand and of its eponymous founder. This is a timepiece that will appeal to connoisseurs of fine watchmaking wishing to celebrate the movement in all its forms.
While the skeletonized dial follows a very similar layout as that on the Gravity Fire, the main difference is that the Armin Strom Gravity Date Fire is fitted with a date indicator and a night/day indicator within the seconds subdial at 9 o'clock. The 18K rose gold hands are fitted with luminescent material and the dial features the same applied numerals at 12, 3 and 6 o'clock as the Gravity Fire. Other than the date and night/day indicator, the watch looks almost the same as its predecessor the Gravity Fire.
Its 18K rose gold case is very nicely finished with a satin brushed finish comparable to that on Audemars Piguet timepieces. The bezel with its distinctive engravable lip at 6 o'clock is highly polished as well as the top of the case lugs. The winding crown features the Armin Strom logo on bas-relief and is very easy to grip and use.
The Armin Strom Gravity Date Fire ref. RG14-DF.90 is fitted with a brown alligator hornback strap with beige contrast stitching and metal matching pin buckle. The quality of the leather on this strap is only comparable to that on Royal Oak Offshores and immaculately finished. The watch is supplied with an additional brown rubber strap and a double-fold clasp in 18K rose gold is available as an option.
As it is the norm when it comes to Armin Strom timepieces, the back displays the movement in its full glory via the display case back. Powered by the in-house automatic calibre ADD14 with 30 jewels and 206 components, the movement beats at a frequency of 18,000 vph and provides a power reserve of 5 days when fully wound. The movement is very nicely decorated and is a real treat for the eyes.
On the wrist, the watch wears slightly bigger than its size due to its thickness and case design. Regardless, the watch wears very comfortably and not too heavy weighing only 151 grams of pure goodness. If you like to wear watches that are only recognized by savvy educated watchlifestylers, this is one of the best timepieces —considering the value/price equation— you could get, specially coming from independent manufactures and in a very exclusive limited edition of only 100 pieces.
Sticker Price $31,500 USD. For more info on Armin Strom click here.
