Introducing The Armin Strom Orbit Purple World First On-Demand Bezel Date

Independent Swiss watch brand Armin Strom has once again pushed the boundaries of horological innovation – something it does frequently – quietly and without too much fanfare. While flying under the radar with its innovations, the brand has stacked up quite a nice repertoire of firsts. That continues now with the introduction of the Orbit Purple, the world’s first watch with an on-demand pointer date on the bezel. What a cool function.

Unlike conventional date displays that continuously show the date, the Orbit introduces a unique system where the date is only indicated when the pointer function is activated by the wearer. This is achieved through a column-wheel mechanism, typically reserved for chronographs,  that controls the engagement of the date display. With the press of a pusher, the date hand moves into position, pointing to the current date on the black ceramic bezel. With another press, the date hand returns to its resting position, disappearing from view.

This patented system not only redefines the date functionality but also offers a tactile and interactive experience. It reflects Armin Strom’s commitment to creating timepieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary ingenuity.

Powering the Orbit Purple is the Armin Strom Manufacture Caliber ASS20, a technically advanced automatic movement featuring a micro-rotor winding system. The caliber incorporates the brand’s signature equal force barrel, designed to deliver consistent torque throughout the entire 72-hour power reserve. This ensures enhanced precision and stability, even as the mainspring unwinds.

The regulating system includes a balance wheel with four regulating screws, allowing for fine adjustments to optimize accuracy. Operating at a frequency of 3.5 Hz (25,200 vibrations per hour), the movement strikes a balance between precision and power efficiency. With 30 jewels and 273 components, the caliber showcases Armin Strom’s expertise in micro-mechanical engineering.

Also on the cutting edge is the case and dial appearance. In fact, the 43.4mm black DLC stainless steel case is the perfect backdrop for the open-worked dial with its midnight purple fumé accents. The fixed ceramic bezel features the date markers in white, contrasting sharply against the black surface.

Limited to just 20 pieces, the Orbit Purple offers exclusivity with cutting-edge engineering, making it a standout in the world of haute horlogerie.   The purple fumé effect creates remarkable depth and dimension that is further enhanced by the rhodium-plated, faceted hands and applied hour markers, both coated with Super-LumiNova® for legibility in low light.

The watch’s sapphire crystal and case back are treated with anti-reflective coating, ensuring clarity from all angles. Completing the watch is a black textile strap with a matching DLC-coated stainless steel pin buckle.

With a water resistance of 5 ATM, the Orbit Purple is robust enough for daily wear, while its refined detailing makes it appropriate for every day and evening settings. It retails for $37,800.