The New Armin Strom Orbit Midnight Purple

The Orbit, presented in 2022, is one of the defining models within Armin Strom’s catalogue. With the date displayed on demand via the bezel, it offered an original take on a function that has stayed mostly unchanged for decades. Since the launch, the independent Biel-based manufacture has produced several editions, including the inaugural First Edition, the Manufacture Edition, the Black DLC Purple version, and more recently the colourful Lime Green and Ice Blue models. Now, Armin Strom splashes more of its emblematic paint, meet the new Orbit Midnight Purple.

The foundation remains. The watch is housed in a stainless steel case measuring 43.4mm in diameter and 12.6mm in height, with sapphire crystals on the front and back, a black ceramic bezel with date markings, and the word “DATE” in purple. The pusher to activate the date function remains on the left side; the date setting can also be performed by moving the crown forward; and there’s a caseband date corrector for quickset. Water-resistance is 50m.

While technically unchanged, this latest edition introduces a different look by extending the purple theme beyond the time dial and into the movement. The familiar purple fumé dial (with an integrated small seconds) is now paired with a frosted midnight-purple PVD-coated mainplate visible beneath the openworked design. The faceted steel hands are crafted in-house, hand-polished and filled with Super-LumiNova. Applied hour indices are also luminescent, while the numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock are formed from solid blocks of luminous material, creating a striking nighttime display. The central hand with an arrow-shaped purple tip indicates the date on demand, as before.

Power comes from the same micro-rotor Calibre ASS20, developed and produced entirely in-house and used with earlier editions. The movement, operating at 25,200 vibrations/hour, revolves around Armin Strom’s patented date-on-demand system. Activated by a pusher at 10 o’clock, the date hand moves from its neutral position at 12 o’clock to indicate the current date on the bezel, then returns to its resting position when no longer needed with a second push. A column-wheel mechanism governs the operation, while the brand’s patented Equal Force Barrel ensures stable energy delivery throughout the 72-hour power reserve. The movement showcases Armin Strom’s signature hand-finishing, including polished bevels, perlage, circular graining and openworked finger bridges. 

Unlike the earlier Orbit Purple edition, which was worn on a black textile strap, the new Armin Strom Orbit Midnight Purple is paired with an integrated stainless steel bracelet, closed with a double-folding clasp.

The Armin Strom Orbit Midnight Purple is a limited edition of 20 pieces priced at CHF 36,000. For more information, please visit arminstrom.com.