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Here's how to secure one of the 33 pieces of the MONOCHROME x ARMIN STROM Gravity Equal Force Maillechort.
Two weeks ago, we introduced MONOCHROME’s third collaboration watch, the Montre de Souscription 3. Once again celebrating the art of independent watchmaking, the MONOCHROME x ARMIN STROM Gravity Equal Force Maillechort is a discreet, warm take on a stunning watch, with our own historical take on things. Without further ado, we are pleased to announce that pre-orders are now open for the Montre de Souscription 3 from the MONOCHROME Shop, and here’s what you should know.
The beauty of Maillechort and a stunning finishing
The MONOCHROME Montre de Souscription 3 is based on a watch that is, by itself, already a stunning visual and technical achievement, the Gravity Equal Force. Combining modern design, haute-horlogerie finishing and an impressive set of innovative solutions dedicated to precision, it is a watch that made quite an impression on us. However, we wanted to give our own touch, a historic feel that has been seen only once at Armin Strom, within the Zeitgeist piece unique.
For this, we envisioned a movement made of Maillechort or German Silver. This material, which will slowly gain a patina, is a nod to historical watchmaking, as it was used in antique pocket watches. The discreet German silver main-plate with a frosted finish will transition from a silvery tone to a delicate golden hue. In addition, it serves as a canvas to elevate all the technical elements of the dial and movement, finished to an impressive haute horlogerie level. This timepiece fulfils our passion for an artisanal, low-volume approach to watchmaking, with a subtle twist that will please discerning collectors.
Armin Strom puts the main elements of the mechanical movement on the dial side, resulting in a spectacular 3D play of bridges, gears, levers, the micro-rotor and more. All this with a keen sense of traditional finishing, not often found in watches of this magnitude and style. The three finger bridges on the right side of the dial are enough to demonstrate what Armin Strom is capable of in terms of decoration; all edges are hand-chamfered and the inner surfaces even feature so-called internal angles, something that can only be done by skilled craftsmen and rarely seen in this segment of the industry.
The Montre de Soucription 3 Gravity Equal Force Maillechort is a true watchmaking lesson on the wrist, exposing most of its mechanical components dial side. Its distinctive design is trademarked by an offset dial and three horizontal bridges over the micro-rotor, motor barrel and keyless works. Time is read on an openworked offset white opaline dial with polished, ruthenium-plated hands. The muted look, which reveals its true nature in ambient light, continues with the small seconds subdial and the discrete power reserve indication on top of the motor barrel. The final touch, to give our watch a true monochromatic look (we have to…) is a grey Alcantara-like strap, closed by a steel pin buckle.
Technically innovative independent watchmaking
The Calibre ASB19 inside the Armin Strom Gravity Equal Force holds nothing back, as virtually all of its components can be seen from either the front or the back. It showcases innovative technological solutions such as the Motor Barrel. Instead of turning the arbour to wind the mainspring inside a drum, as in traditional barrel constructions, the motor barrel winds by turning the drum rather than the centre arbour.
The barrel is also fitted with a Maltese Cross that stops further unwinding of the main spring when the energy goes down, ensuring a stable force through the entire 72-hour power reserve. This is a genuine first in mechanical watchmaking and provides a stable amplitude and rate. Winding is done by a micro-rotor, which can seen above the motor barrel, on the front side of the watch. And if you want even more details about this impressive movement, have a look at our introducing article. It says it all!
On the back, a sapphire crystal reveals yet more details, such as the finger bridge that holds the escapement. The finishing on this side of the movement is done to the same degree, with hand-decorated parts finished with Geneva stripes, polished screws, bevelled screw slots, chamfered wheel spokes and large, hand-applied anglage displaying a multitude of sharp inner angles. The naturally warm colour of the German Silver is equally visible from this side as well.
The subscription and what’s in the package
The MONOCHROME Montre de Souscription 3 is limited to a maximum of 33 pieces and is now available via a subscription campaign at shop.monochrome-watches.com. The price for the ARMIN STROM Gravity Equal Force Maillechort is € 22,900 EUR (excluding taxes – VAT or taxes will depend on your local Value Added Tax). The watch will be shipped from Europe.
When placing your order, a € 7,500 EUR down payment will be requested. This amount is non-refundable and does not include VAT, and the remaining amount will be charged when the watch is ready to be shipped.
When pre-orders are closed, Armin Strom’s watchmakers will start working on our MdS3 Maillechort, which is worn on a grey Alcantara-like calfskin leather strap with an Armin Strom signed steel pin buckle. Deliveries are expected to start and be completed in Q4 of 2023.
For more details and to order the MONOCHROME Montre de Souscription 3, please visit the MONOCHROME Shop here.
