A Symphony In Red: The Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance Ruby
With the Mirrored Force Resonance Ruby, Armin Strom continues to refine one of contemporary watchmaking’s most technically compelling mechanisms: resonance. This latest interpretation combines the brand’s second-generation resonance architecture with a striking natural ruby dial, limited to just five pieces.
A Mechanical Dialogue: Resonance on the Wrist
The Mirrored Force Resonance concept, first introduced in 2016, translates the centuries-old resonance principle observed by Christiaan Huygens into a fully miniaturised wristwatch format. Rather than relying on a shared mounting surface, Armin Strom developed a patented resonance clutch spring that physically connects two independent balance wheels.
In the Mirrored Force Resonance Ruby, this system remains fully visible on the dial side. Two balance wheels, each with its own hairspring, gear train, and barrel, are positioned symmetrically on the left half of the display. The clutch spring links them, enabling synchronisation and enhancing rate stability. The visual effect is as technical as it is poetic: two oscillators beating in unison.
Twin running seconds sub-dials—each connected to its respective regulating organ—feature ruby-toned inlays and snailed tracks. A pusher at 2 o’clock allows both seconds hands to be reset simultaneously, a practical touch that also highlights the watch’s mechanical symmetry.
Second-Generation Case and Architecture
The Ruby edition follows the updated Mirrored Force Resonance design, retaining a 43 mm diameter stainless steel case and a slimmer 11.55 mm profile. Shorter lugs improve wearability, while the combination of brushed case flanks and polished upper surfaces enhances the contemporary finish.
A glass-box sapphire crystal provides a clearer, more immersive view of the dial-side mechanics, emphasising the open architecture that defines the collection. Time is displayed on an offset sub-dial at 3 o’clock, intersecting visually with the resonance display and seconds indications, maintaining the collection’s signature layout.
A Natural Ruby Dial with Classical Nuance
What distinguishes this edition is its dial material. Crafted from genuine ruby, each dial exhibits natural variations in tone—ranging from pinkish hues to deep red—ensuring that every example is unique.
The vivid gemstone backdrop contrasts sharply with the predominantly grey technical components of the movement. Unlike previous models in the collection, this version incorporates white-printed Roman numerals on the time sub-dial, lending a classical touch to an otherwise avant-garde construction. The skeletonised hour and minute hands are produced in-house, reinforcing the manufacture’s vertically integrated approach.
The interplay between natural stone and precision engineering gives this reference a distinct character within the Mirrored Force family.
Calibre ARF21: Symmetry from Front to Back
Turning the watch over reveals the in-house manual-winding Calibre ARF21. The movement’s architecture mirrors the dial-side symmetry, with twin barrels and a balanced layout of open-worked bridges and gears.
Operating at 3.5Hz (25,200 vibrations per hour), the calibre delivers a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. Decorative finishing is executed by hand, including engraved bas-relief text on the mainplate and refined surface treatments throughout. The movement’s clean symmetry reinforces the conceptual foundation of the watch—balance, duplication, and synchronisation.
Strap, Production and Price
The Mirrored Force Resonance Ruby is fitted with a dark grey Alcantara strap featuring white stitching and subtle pink accents beneath the lugs. It is secured with a stainless steel pin buckle.
Limited to only five pieces worldwide, this reference is priced at CHF 85,000. With its rare gemstone dial and sophisticated dual-oscillator mechanism, it represents one of the most technically expressive and visually distinctive executions of resonance currently available in modern independent watchmaking.
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General Specifications:
Brand: Armin Strom
Model: Mirrored Force Resonance Ruby
Reference: ST23-RF.10
Dial: Off-center ruby gemstone
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Case Material: stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 43 mm Diameter, 11.55 mm thickness, 49.60 mm lug-to-lug
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Sapphire Glass
Water Resistance: 30 Meters
Strap: Dark grey Alcantara strap with white stitching and a steel pin buckle
Calibre: ARF21
Dimensions: 37.20 mm Diameter, 6.70 mm thickness
Functions: Hours, minutes, twin-seconds
Winding: Hand-wound
Frequency: 3.5 Hz (25,200 Vph)
Power Reserve: 48 Hours
Jewels: 39
Parts: 276
Price: CHF 85,000
Limited Edition: Yes, 5 pieces
Availability: Now
