A Ruby Stone Dial for the Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance

In 2016, Armin Strom rocked the watchmaking scene with the release of its Mirrored Force Resonance, an incredible technical breakthrough that miniaturised the centuries-old concept of synchronised motion into the confines of a wristwatch. Using two independent oscillators coupled by a patented resonance clutch spring, Armin Strom breathed life into Christiaan Huygens’ observation that two identical pendulum clocks hanging from the same wooden beam would spontaneously synchronise over time. Now in its second generation with a more streamlined, elegant design, Armin Strom succumbs to the allure of stone dials with the stunning steel Mirrored Force Resonance Ruby, with a rich red ruby gemstone dial to warm up the dynamic display.

Like all the Mirrored Force Resonance family, the resonance mechanism is exposed on the dial, offering a fascinating and didactic spectacle of two hearts beating as one. The refreshed Mirrored Force Resonance materialised in 2022, followed by models such as the impressive Zeitgeist 1665 or the luxurious rose gold reference with a black guilloché dial. While the case of the second generation retained its 43mm diameter, the height was reduced to 11.55mm, and the dial was covered by a glass-box sapphire crystal to reveal the movement more clearly. The layout was retained, with time indicated on an offset dial on the right, intersected by twin running seconds indicators and the stars of the show – the resonance clutch spring and dual balance wheels – on the left side of the dial.

Using a dial cut from genuine ruby, the strict symmetry and grey tonalities of the technical elements exposed on the dial are complemented by the rich and naturally variegated pinkish to red tones of the gemstone. Unlike other Mirrored Force Resonance models, the dial features white-printed Roman numerals for the hours, adding a classical touch to the watch’s contemporary structure. The skeletonised hour and minute hands are made in-house by Armin Strom.

Punctuated by two synthetic rubies, the two balance springs on the left side of the dial, each with its own gear train and barrel, are linked by the patented resonance clutch spring that connects the two balance wheels like Huygens’ wooden beam. With their inlaid ruby-coloured and snailed tracks, the twin seconds indicators are linked to the regulating organ and can be reset with the pusher at 2 o’clock.

Sharing the refreshed case design of the second generation, the 43mm stainless steel case has shorter lugs, a smaller lip at 6 o’clock, and is finished with brushed sides and polished upper surfaces.

The reverse side reveals the pleasing symmetry of the ARF21 in-house manual-winding movement, with engraved bas-relief text on the mainplate and a mirrored arrangement of open bridges and gears, all decorated by hand. The calibre beats at 3.5Hz and delivers a power reserve of 48 hours.

The Mirrored Force Resonance Ruby is paired with a dark grey Alcantara strap with white stitching and pink stitches below the lugs and a steel pin buckle. It is a limited edition of just five pieces and retails for CHF 85,000. More information at arminstrom.com.