Hands on with the Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance

Acquiring a watch is an experience as much as it is an act of owning an object. From customization to delivery, this article will share a glimpse of the Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance experience.

 

Previously, we gave a walk-through of the User Experience of Armin Strom’s configurator application. The web-based application allows for configuring the dial, hands, case, strap and a monogram of alphabet initials. Using an online store user interface, Armin Strom’s customer can click and choose his options, see a live render of the combination that he selects, and complete his order online. In our example, we opted for the Voutilainen dial.

Following this virtual process, we pick up the story with now, the physical experience.

 

Essential reading:

Our full review of the Armin Strom Mirrored Forced Resonance is here.

 

Armin Strom Mirrored Forced Resonance

The Unboxing

 

Pre-ordered timepieces are always more of an excitement in part due to the unboxing experience. Almost like receiving a gift, there is an element of suspense and surprise that awaits the recipient.

The Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance comes in a white lacquered presentation box. The box is regular sized, nothing exceptional, and makes for easy storage.

 

The feel, weight and fit of the watch

 

The watch measures 43.4mm diameter x 13.0mm thick, and wears on the larger side, in part due to its hefty case construction. The plaque at 6 is where a 2 letter monogram can be inscribed. Given the size of the watch, those with leaner wrists should remember to opt for a shorter length strap.

 

 

But for those with larger wrists, the case and strap combination can be much a delight. The padded strap is comfortable to wear, and easy to handle with a deployant buckle. It wears similar to an IWC Big Pilot, in heft and height profile. Not the easiest to slide under a sleeve, the watch is stylistically more suited for casual wear.

 

Daily Performance

 

 

The Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance is touted for its accurate time keeping. While sceptics may say that the complication is more a visual gimmick, the accuracy of the watch is still respectable. The price premium over a regular COSC watch of course should factor in the complication, quality of finishing and the design of the watch. Similar to other watch brands in the category, like Urwerk and MB&F, the Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance also caters to the theatrical and the ‘interactive’ functions of a watch. For MB&F HM5 the opening and closing of the ‘car vents’, HM6 the cockpit that reveals the balance wheel, Urwerk’s EMC which allows the user to manually charge up a motor. And in this case Armin Strom uses a sophisticated seconds reset function, activated by a pusher at 2 o’clock.

 

 

Contrary to the tech world where people prefer automation, doing things manually and watching the mechanics react to an activation is delightful for a watch wearer. Apart from the seconds reset, the watch runs on a manual winding movement with 72 hours power reserve.

 

 

Most watch lovers would like to fidget with their watch anyway and winding it frequently is quite a therapeutic delight. The watch fits in with almost any setting, from casual daily wear to fine dinners. Although, we would still recommend a thin classic watch for more formal settings.

 

 

Concluding thoughts 

 

 

All in all, we found the watch to be an interesting proposition by Armin Strom. Customization makes for a more personalized timepiece which for some, can be an extension of self-expression. The configurator is easy to use and comprehensive, and the watch functions well and looks good. It contains a fun element for those who dislike boring time-only watches and has a theatrical dial for collectors who like visual entertainment. The watch is undoubtedly for someone who really likes it and has no qualms about the economics of owning a $60,000 timepiece. Brand name aside, it is hard to fathom the economic effects on a personalized watch, unless one is famous. So while the Armin Strom is not the best value purchase in the pure economic sense, it is still a very good proposition for those who want a good-looking complication and want a personalized timepiece.