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What We Know
Armin Strom, ever a fascinating and esoteric manufacturer that is never afraid to take a chance and make something quirky, has just announced their latest limited edition creation for Watches and Wonders 2022. It's called the Orbit and it features a column-wheel actuated date display that coordinates with a fixed ceramic bezel surrounding its skeletonized execution and asymmetrical dial layout.
Armin Strom claims this is the first time a date function has ever been displayed on a bezel with the ability to engage or disengage the date hand with a button (located at 10 o'clock on the case flank) and I certainly can't think of another watch with such a specific feature set and control. When disengaged, the date points towards 12 o'clock. Then, when the wearer presses the pusher, the date hand becomes active and points to the corresponding number on the dial, behaving much like a standard pointer-date function.
For those who have taken the logical next step in imaging how one would use this function, yes, the date continues to advance even if the indication is disengaged. Meaning that the movement continues to track the date, even if you choose to have the display turned off. When crossing the monthly threshold, the date indication will jump past the "Date" marker on the bezel and the date can be quickset via a flush button on the left case side or by using the crown.
The Armin Strom ASS20, yes that's the name of the movement, uses an equal force mechanism to ensure that the balance is given only the most consistent power by stopping power delivery from the barrel before the torque starts to wane. Offering 72 hours of power reserve, this 3.5 Hz movement is hand-finished and offers an almost brutalist architecture that surrounds a mated pair of sub-dials for the hours, minutes, and seconds.
With a steel case measuring 43.4mm across and 12.6mm thick, the Orbit comes with a matching steel bracelet and is limited to just 25 units at a cost of $29,500.
What We Think
This is the sort of watch that only a few brands could have – and would want to – create. Armin Strom is widely known for its characteristic use of skeletonization and its continued work in the realms of haute horology watchmaking (think: resonance and equal force). While I can't imagine having ever asked for an orbital bezel-based date display that can be shut off when I don't want to see the date, the Orbit feels more about curiosity and creativity than raw practicality and function.
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And within that perspective, I think the Orbit fits the Armin Strom philosophy quite nicely. Its distinctive styling, characterful function, and hardcore movement design (who doesn't love a front-visible micro-rotor) speak directly to what sets Armin Strom apart from its peers and I have to admit that I am curious to play with that date function in Geneva later next week.
You've gotta hand it to them, it may cost a pretty penny, but it sure beats a 4:30 date.
The Basics
Brand: Armin Strom
Model: Orbit
Reference Number: ST22-GEFD-75.ST
Diameter: 43.4mm
Thickness: 12.6mm
Case Material: Steel (ceramic bezel)
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Steel bracelet with a double folding clasp
The Movement
Caliber: Armin Strom ASS20
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Diameter: 35.52mm
Thickness: 8.42mm
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 3.5 Hz
Jewels: 30
Additional Details: Column-wheel date display, Geneva-drive equal force barrel
Pricing & Availability
Price: $29,500
Limited Edition: 25 pieces
For more, click here.
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To learn more about Armin Strom and the Orbit, visit the brand's website.
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