Armin strom adds to their Orbit collection with two additional dial options in either Lime Green or Ice Blue.
Press Release information with commentary in italics.
Armin Strom Unveils the Orbit Lime Green and Orbit Ice Blue
The Armin Strom Orbit in Lime Green and Ice Blue will retail at CHF 36,000. Limited edition of 20 pieces in each dial colour.
Commentary
First revealed in 2022, the Armin Strom Orbit collection offers a different take to how the date is read on a watch. A column wheel controls the date indicator which can be in one of two states. In the stationary mode, the date pointer is off, and points at 12 o’clock on the dial. This leaves the off center hour minute dial unblocked. In the engaged mode, is points to the correct date and acts like a regular pointer date hand. The state is changed by activating a pusher at 10 o’clock. From a stationary mode, one push causes the hand to be engaged, and jump to point at the correct date as shown on the bezel. In this engaged position, it moves once a day, advancing one day at midnight, like a regular date pointer hand. The pusher toggles into the stationary state with its next activation, and the hand returns (the hand is able to return to home in both directions to avoid confusion) 12 o’clock while the movement retains memory of the correct date, but this is not displayed until the next activation. The date can be corrected with a pin pusher on the case side at 8 o’clock or by the crown.
As we remarked in our commentary on the Orbit Manufacture Edition, this additional complication is interesting, but is completely unnecessary. A simple peripheral pointer date display will do the job equally well, and safe on the complication.
The exposed mechanism of the movement, with its very well finished finger bridges is nice. As is the fumé style lime green or ice blue off-set small hour minute dial is beautiful. The bracelet is also has merit, as does the Equal Force Barrel. Though with a fancy name, the Equal Force Barrel is essentially a stop-work mechanism built into the barrel. Thus, the term “equal force” is a misnomer, as the working principle is just a Geneva stop-work mechanism that limits power delivery and limiting the power reserve (though the movement still retains a respectable 72 hours). This keeps the spring at the optimal working torque curve, and stopping the power delivery before the curve deteriorates.
Thus, we feel that at the CHF 36k price point, we feel this is rather expensive. Essentially, if we take out the romantic nomenclature, it is just a three hand watch with date….with a stop work mechanism on the mainspring.
Release information
Refreshing Dials for the System 78 Collection
Armin Strom, the independent Swiss watch manufacturer, is pleased to announce the latest additions to our System 78 collection: the Orbit Lime Green and Orbit Ice Blue. These models feature fumé dials, offering a choice between the Lime Green and the Ice Blue. The Lime Green model stands out with a vibrant and energetic presence, while the Ice Blue version brings a refined and calm aesthetic to the collection. Both dials feature a gradient effect that enhances the visual depth of the openworked design, highlighting Armin Strom’s commitment to contemporary style and technical excellence.
Innovative Mechanics and Design
At the heart of the new Orbit models is the Manufacture Caliber ASS20 – the world’s first movement to feature a date display on a ceramic bezel that appears only on demand. By pressing the pusher at 10 o’clock, the date hand is activated and points to the current date on the bezel. While the date remains active, the hand advances automatically at midnight each day. A second press of the pusher sends the hand back to its neutral position at 12 o’clock. The underlying column-wheel mechanism enables precise, fluid operation – a playfully interactive complication with real functional value. Powering it all is Armin Strom’s patented Equal Force Barrel, which delivers consistent energy for a stable 72-hour power reserve.
Craftsmanship in Every Detail
Each component of the Orbit models is hand-finished at our Manufacture, where traditional techniques such as anglage, perlage and circular graining are employed to achieve high standards of quality and craftsmanship. The anti-reflective sapphire crystal highlights the details of the off-center dial on the left, while the right side reveals three hand-finished finger bridges. The gradient dials transition from a central hue to a deep black at the edges, creating a contrast with the rhodium-coated, Super-LumiNova®-enhanced hour and minute hands. Limited to just 20 pieces each, the Orbit Lime Green and Orbit Ice Blue are presented in a stainless steel case with a matching bracelet.
Armin Strom Orbit in Lime Green and Ice Blue Specifications
Orbit Lime Green, Reference no. ST25-OR.05
Orbit Ice Blue, Reference no. ST25-OR.21
Movement: Armin Strom Manufacture Caliber ASS20 * Indications: Hours, minutes, seconds, date * inding mechanism: Automatic winding with micro rotor * Functions: Column-wheel date on demand, patented equal force barrel * Regulating system: Balance wheel with 4 regulating screws * Power reserve: 72 hours * Dimensions: 35.52 mm x 8.42 mm * Frequency: 3.5 Hz (25,200 vibrations per hour) * Jewels: 30 * Number of components: 273
Case: Stainless steel, fixed ceramic bezel * Sapphire crystal and case back with anti-reflective treatment * Water resistance: 5 ATM * Diameter: 43.4 mm * Height: 12.6 mm *Lug-to-Lug: 44.35 mm
Dial: Hands: Off-center, indexes with Super-LumiNova® filling * Lime green fumé * Ice blue fumé *Rhodium, facetted and polished with Super-LumiNova® filling
Bracelet: Stainless steel with double-folding clasp
Limited Edition 20 pieces each
