Armin Strom, the renowned independent watchmaker based in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, has unveiled a masterpiece for one of the industry’s most important charitable events: Only Watch 2023. In a dazzling display of horological artistry and philanthropy, Armin Strom has crafted a unique edition of its Gravity Equal Force timepiece for the 10th edition of the biennial Only Watch charity auction. The Gravity Equal Force ‘Ultimate Sapphire’ is a symbol of hope and dedication to the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This extraordinary timepiece incorporates the promotional colors of the 2023 Only Watch event, with a transparent green sapphire dial, a striking red logo, and blue stitching on its custom strap.
At the heart of this one-of-a-kind horological masterpiece lies an exquisitely finished manufacture movement, showcasing superior chronometric performance and exceptional hand-finishing. The Caliber ASB19 automatic winding movement boasts a microrotor, Geneva drive Equal Fore barrel, offset display of time and a subsidiary seconds indication. The 202-part movement offers 72 hours of power reserve. It is the world’s first automatic watch movement with a constant force transmission achieved through a unique stop declutch mechanism that combines a Maltese cross with an automatic winding system. This innovation ensures consistent accuracy throughout the entire power reserve of the watch.
Crafted in a 41mm stainless steel case, the Gravity Equal Force Only Watch 2023 features a deconstructed rainbow on its off-center sapphire dial, complementing Armin Strom’s signature tri-bridge design. This tri-bridge holds the microrotor winding mechanism, and the patent-pending Equal Force Barrel, an innovation that ensures consistent power delivery, maintaining flawless precision throughout the power reserve.
Armin Strom’s dedication to traditional haute horlogerie watch decorations is evident in the meticulous hand-crafted details, including polished bevels, black polishing, polished sinks, perlage, and various graining finishes. This traditional craftsmanship is seamlessly integrated with a contemporary architectural design approach, characterized by the dark grey ruthenium-coated tri-bridge and the green sapphire dial.
For Claude Greisler, master watchmaker and co-founder of Armin Strom, the choice of green for the dial is symbolic. “Green is the color of hope,” he states, “and hope is crucial in the battle against this terrible disease affecting children.” His hope is that this one-of-a-kind timepiece will make a significant contribution to Only Watch, an organization that has raised nearly CHF 100 million since 2005 to accelerate research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Serge Michel, founder of Armin Strom, emphasizes the brand’s commitment to innovation and the mission of Only Watch founder Luc Pettavino. “With the Armin Strom Gravity Equal Force Only Watch 2023,” he states, “we are not only supporting an important cause, but have also created something wonderful for passionate collectors desiring something unique.”