TRIBUTE 1 FUMÉ SLATE

Presented in an exclusive edition of only 10 pieces, the Armin Strom Tribute 1 Fumé Slate watch bears a dial with a gradient surface in a serene tone of slate grey, surrounded by a flawless hand guilloché plate crafted by Kari Voutlianen’s Comblémine atelier. Powered by the in-house AMW21 manual winding calibre, with its barrel showcased on the dial side, this beautifully crafted contemporary dress watch perfectly expresses this distinguished independent watchmaking atelier’s mastery of Haute Horlogerie and finesse for dial composition.

The piece is presented in a round stainless steel case, with the crown positioned at the 2 o’clock. At 38mm diameter, and resting just over 9mm tall on the wrist, the profile of the Armin Strom Tribute 1 Fumé recalls the mid to late twentieth century taste for less overtly proportioned wristwatches. Characterised by clean lines, the case has a polished bezel and angles, with a contrasting brushed waist and squared lugs. Demanding of closer inspection, every nuance of its profile has been given careful consideration, and the finishing is immaculate.

Beneath a gently domed sapphire crystal, the hours and minutes are displayed on a decentralised dial with a gradient fumé finish, executed with a light shade of grey at its centre, gradually darkening until it reaches a gorgeous smoky tone at its perimeter. Supremely uncluttered and wonderfully refined, it displays slender applied indices, openworked hour and minutes hands and an elegant seconds hand.

Interlocking with the hour and minutes dial, the signature dial side barrel cover is held by a single skeletonised bridge. Enhanced by hand-finishing, the perimeter of the cover also features a relief engraving which pronounces the generous 100 hour power reserve of the watch.

An anthracite guilloché plate surrounds the dial and barrel cover, providing an alluring and mesmerising background. Crafted by the acclaimed Comblémine atelier of Finnish watchmaker Kari Voutilanen, the intricacy of its repeating pattern, achieved using time-honoured methods, is instantly absorbing and it elevates the individuality of this special edition.

On the underside, a sapphire crystal caseback reveals the superb Calibre AMW21 manual winding movement which has been conceived, designed and developed in the Armin Strom Biel/Bienne ateliers, exclusively for the Tribute 1 collection. Beating at 3.5hz (25,200 vib/h), the in-house movement boasts an impressive 100 hours of autonomy, which is achieved in part thanks to the innovative motor barrel, which dissipates its energy with optimal efficiency. The balance and escapement assemblage are visible, while a three quarter plate features broad Côtes de Genève stripes and mirror polished anglage around the edges.

A fine example of contemporary Haute Horlogerie with an artisan twist, the Armin Strom Tribute 1 Fumé Slate watch highlights the technical merits and design prowess of this Swiss Independent watchmaking company. Presented on a grey alcantara calf leather strap with white stitching, the model will be a limited release of ten pieces, assuring exclusivity to its wearer.