In the watchmaking world, innovation and high price tags often go hand in hand – which makes since pushing boundaries requires investment. But in an effort to consistently seek new ways of improving movement accuracy in competitively priced models, independent brand Armin Strom is introducing a brand-new collection, System 78, with the Gravity Equal Force getting the ball rolling at CHF 16,900. The Gravity Equal Force brings us two new innovations within the all-new in-house Caliber ASB19. The first is a stop-works declutch mechanism in the barrel that delivers equal force to the regulating system, a mechanism using a Geneva wheel to limit the full turns of the mainspring barrel. A similar system initially found in a vintage pocket watch a client brought to Armin Strom for repair, it inspired this declutch mechanism that helps regulate the power delivery so as to remain consistent. But The dial display also takes cues from the same historical model. Instead of the familiar openworked dial typical of Armin Strom, the dial is now offset, with a small seconds subdial at 7 o’clock. The barrel and micro rotor remain, only partially overlapped by geometric bridges – a design element often found on vintage pocket watches. The more streamlined dial aesthetic is framed by a 41mm case (a first for Armin Strom). As the opening salvo of a new collection from Armin Strom, the Gravity Equal Force promises further innovation from the brand at a more affordable price point.

Gravity Equal Force

CASE : stainless steel, sapphire crystal caseback, water-resistant to 3 ATM DIMENSIONS : 41mm x 12.65mm MOVEMENT : manufacture Armin Strom ASB19 caliber, automatic winding with micro rotor, 72-hour power reserve DIAL : offset with subdial seconds FUNCTIONS : hours, minutes, seconds, power reserve indicator STRAP : black alligator leather