A Ruby Heart for the Mirrored Force Resonance

Armin Strom frames its celebrated resonance complication in rich gemstone tones, turning technical spectacle into luminous artistry.

Armin Strom

In 2016, Armin Strom transformed the horological landscape with the introduction of its Mirrored Force Resonance, a remarkable technical innovation that condensed the age-old principle of synchronised motion into a wristwatch format. Employing two independent oscillators interconnected by a proprietary resonance clutch spring, Armin Strom actualised Christiaan Huygens’ insight that two identical pendulum clocks suspended from the same wooden beam would inherently synchronise over time. In its second generation, Armin Strom embraces the appeal of stone dials with the exquisite steel Mirrored Force Resonance Ruby, featuring a vibrant red ruby gemstone dial that enhances the dynamic display.

As with all members of the Mirrored Force Resonance family, the resonance mechanism is visible on the dial, providing an intriguing and educational display of two hearts pulsating in unison. The revitalised Mirrored Force Resonance emerged in 2022, succeeded by models like the remarkable Zeitgeist 1665 and the opulent rose gold reference featuring a black guilloché dial. The second generation maintained a 43mm diameter, but its height was decreased to 11.55mm, and the dial was protected by a glass-box sapphire crystal to enhance visibility of the mechanism. The design was preserved, featuring time shown on an offset dial to the right, intersected by dual running seconds indicators, while the focal elements – the resonance clutch spring and dual balancing wheels – were positioned on the left side of the dial.

Armin Strom

The dial, crafted from authentic ruby, features rigid symmetry and grey hues of the exposed technical elements, which are enhanced by the rich and naturally varied pink to red shades of the gemstone. In contrast to other Mirrored Force Resonance models, the dial showcases white-printed Roman numerals for the hours, imparting a classical element to the watch's modern design. The skeletonised hour and minute hands are fabricated in-house by Armin Strom.

The updated case design of the second generation features a 43mm stainless steel case with shorter lugs, a reduced lip at 6 o’clock, and is adorned with brushed sides and polished upper surfaces. The reverse side showcases the aesthetically attractive symmetry of the ARF21 in-house manual-winding movement, with engraved bas-relief writing on the mainplate and a mirrored configuration of open bridges and gears, all meticulously hand-decorated. The movement operates at a frequency of 3.5Hz and provides a power reserve of 48 hours.

The Mirrored Force Resonance Ruby is accompanied by a dark grey Alcantara strap featuring white stitching and pink accents beneath the lugs, secured with a steel pin clasp. This is a limited edition of only five pieces, priced at CHF 85,000. Additional details can be found at arminstrom.com.