Armin Strom releases a new version of their Tribute 1, now called the Tribute², taking the entry level watch to new heights with artisanal decoration.
Press Release information with commentary in italics.
New: Armin Strom Tribute² Aurum
The Armin Strom Tribute² Aurum Ref. ST25-TRI.2E retails at CHF 27,000. Limited Edition of 10 pieces.
Commentary
When we saw the photographs of the new Tribute², we were stunned with the beauty. Here, Armin Strom has taken their entry level watch, the Tribute 1, and offers it with new decoration.
The dial now features a hand tremblage finished gold plated main plate. The barrel, which has always been visible as a cover is now skeletonised, showing the mainspring within. The spokes of the cover over this mainspring carries a beautiful hand-polished bevelled finish making a nice contrast to the black polished bevelled steel cocktail which carries the barrel.
The movement back now features a somewhat nicer looking Côte de Genéve, and a magnificent anglage which Armin Strom specifies is 60° and hand-polished. Pretty smart looking.
Based on this level of finishing and aesthetics, we think this is one to love and keep. Competitively, at CHF 27k, is rather reasonable for a completely hand finished 10 piece limited edition from an independent watch maison. But is it? The latest Tribute 1 released is the model in Green (3Q 2025) is still available, as is the Tribute 1 Sandstein, both with a retail of CHF 22k. Both limited editions of 50 pieces. The launch model of the Tribute 1 in 2021 retailed at CHF 13.5k, half of the asking price of this latest release. And other than the noted value added finishing, the watch has remained the same since the 2021 introduction. Do you think the value of this novelty is worth the price hikes over the past few years?
Release details
A New Tribute, A New Texture.
Building on the foundation laid by the Tribute 1, the Tribute² Aurum Edition pushes the limits of artisanal decoration. More openworked and skeletonised than its predecessor, this edition enhances the architectural presence of the movement while revealing even more of the hand-finished detail that defines the collection. A gold coated mainplate, crafted from brass and finished by hand with the rare tremblage technique, sets the stage with a rich texture and depth. Paired with a grey fumé off-center dial and layered construction, the design invites a deeper appreciation of contrast, craft and dimensionality.
The Pulse of Independent Watchmaking.
The hand-wound AMW21 movement, developed and manufactured entirely in-house, delivers an impressive 100-hour power reserve. This performance is made possible by the movement’s innovative motor barrel construction, in which the arbor delivers the energy to the gear train – a configuration that improves efficiency while optimising space within the movement. Operating at a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour (3.5 Hz), the calibre features a variable inertia balance wheel and a flat spring, supported by the system 78 signature finger bridge.
Decoration, Elevated.
True to Armin Strom’s artisanal ethos, the Tribute² Aurum is an ode to hand-finishing at its highest level. The centrepiece is its gold coated tremblage finished mainplate – a rare engraving technique that reflects light with an irregular texture, adding vibrancy and depth. The front side showcases a skeletonised motor barrel with hand-polished bevelled spokes as well as a black-polished, bevelled steel finger bridge.
On the back, the movement reveals a three-quarter bridge with Geneva stripes and circular graining, but it’s the 60° hand-polished bevel that elevates it as a tribute to craftsmanship. A three-dimensional escapement wheel bridge with a polished sink adds a sculptural flourish. Each Tribute² Aurum is assembled twice, a hallmark of the brand’s commitment to mechanical precision and aesthetic integrity.
Limited to 10 pieces, the Tribute² Aurum continues the story of the Tribute collection.
Armin Strom Tribute² Aurum Specifications
Tribute² Aurum, Reference no. ST25-TRI.2E
Movement: Armin Strom Manufacture Caliber AMW21 * Indications: Hours, minutes, seconds * Winding mechanism: Hand-winding * Functions: Motor barrel * Regulating system: Flat hairspring with a variable inertia balance wheel * Mainplate: Tremblage, gold coated * Power reserve: 100 hours * Dimensions: 33.5 mm x 4.2 mm * Frequency: 3.5 Hz (25,200 vibrations per hour) * Jewels: 21 * Number of components: 137
Case: Stainless steel * Water resistance: 5 ATM * Diameter: 38 mm * Height: 9.38 mm * Lug-to-Lug: 18 mm * Sapphire crystal and case back with anti-reflective treatment
Dial: Grey fumé, off-center
Hands: Gold coated * Polished with Super-LumiNova® filling
Strap: Epsom taupe strap with taupe stitching * Stainless steel pin buckle
