Back in November of 2019, during the Dubai Watch Week, independent brand Armin Strom officially launched its Gravity Equal Force watch.  We covered the timepiece then, and even brought you a cool video explaining this pretty complex timepiece. Now, as many Swiss watch brands — Armin Strom included — have temporarily closed workshops due to COVID-19, we take another look at this watch and offer up three reasons why you need to own one.

Gravity Equal Force Delivers Incredible Precision

The Gravity Equal Force watch is a perfect demonstration of the brand’s core principle of always being innovative and on the cutting edge of important watchmaking technology. In this watch — maybe only watch nerds will understand — the brand adds a stop-work declutch mechanism, combined with automatic winding, to transmit consistent power delivery to the balance at all times. This translates to incredible precision. Essentially the declutch mechanism works in side the mainspring barrel to limit the torque that is delivered to the balance — ensuring smooth and consistent power. This new movement represents the first time that an automatic winding caliber is equipped with a stop-works declutch mechanism.

The new movement, Caliber ASB19, is also equipped with a motor barrel instead of a standard going barrel. This concept was inspired by what the brand found inside a pocket watch from a U.S. collector when they were repairing it. To improve functionality, the watchmakers at Armin Strom created a  state-of-the-art barrel design with a stable, low-friction axis of rotation. This enables  the mainspring to deliver power from the barrel arbor, supported by precision jewel bearings.  The watch offers a  power reserve of 72 hours.  According to Claude Greisler, co-founder of Armin Strom, “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.”

So, if you are a precision nut, you want the Gravity Equal Force watch for that excellence in timing.

Gravity Equal Force Offers Cool, 3D Architecture

The new Gravity Equal Force has a great design thanks to an off-center dial and triple bridges that showcase depth and dimension. The 41mm  case, which is slightly slimmer and smaller in  diameter than other Armin Strom watches, has a bit of a more of an elegant appeal. Plus, with the bridges — inspired again by a pocket watch — and visible gears, the watch offers a deft blend of modern, futuristic and classic.

So if you love great design, especially in mechanical items, this watch might ring some bells.

Gravity Equal Force Offers Incredible Value and Represents the Opening Price For Armin Strom

If precision and cool aesthetics don’t grab you, maybe the price will. This watch, which launches the System 78 series, represents a new opening price point for Armin Strom.  If you know watches, you know that it is pretty difficult to find a top-quality watch from an independent Swiss brand for prices under $25,000. In an effort to make fine watchmaking more available to more people, Armin Strom challenged itself to offer value-oriented pricing. It retails for just about $16,900.

If you like quality/value propositions, you will most likely find this watch a winner.

Technical specifications: Gravity Equal Force

Ref. ST19-GEF.90.AL.M.35
Indications: Hours, minutes, seconds, power reserve indicator

Movement: Armin Strom manufacture Caliber ASB19
Automatic winding with micro rotor, Geneva-drive equal force barrel, offset display with subdial seconds
Regulating system: Balance wheel with 4 regulating screws
Power reserve: Geneva stop-work limited to 72 hours
Dimensions: 35.52 mm x 11.67 mm
Frequency: 3,5 Hz (25,200 vph)
Finishing: Hand-finishing to the highest quality level
Jewels: 28
Number of components: 202

Case: Stainless steel
Sapphire crystal and case back with anti-reflective treatment
Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 12,65 mm
Water resistance: 3ATM

Dial: Offset with subdial

Hands: Manufactured by Armin Strom – stainless steel with hand finishing

Straps: Delivered with a genuine black alligator leather strap and stainless steel ardillon buckle. A stainless steel double-folding clasp is an option.

Price: CHF 16,900