The calibre ATC11ARMIN STROM: on tour with a tourbillon
The Biel-based manufacture has joined the highly exclusive club of horologers that develop and produce their own tourbillon movements. Showcasing their expertise, ARMIN STROM is currently touring the globe presenting their latest calibre, the ATC11, together with a collection of exceptional timepieces. The first stage of the tour recently took place in Interlaken, on October 25th, 2012.
1795 saw the invention of the tourbillon, an ingenious mechanism designed to counter the effect of gravity on the precision of timekeeping instruments. Since this time, the very notion of a tourbillon has represented fascination and complexity for watch enthusiasts.
By producing their first tourbillon in-house, ARMIN STROM sought to join a long tradition of watchmaking Manufactures that produce unique horological creations and form the foundation of Switzerland’s reputation for horological excellence. ARMIN STROM now figures firmly in the line-up of the most prestigious watchmaking houses, largely thanks to having made bold choices. This audacity is seen both in their production methods, which allow for great autonomy, and in a vision that blends horological know-how with a bold, contemporary aesthetic.
The tourbillon, situated at 9 o’clock of the new ATC11 calibre is distinguished by a lever worked in 18kt white gold, as well as an assembly that places the balance wheel and seconds pinion on the same axis. The manual calibre has a 10-day power reserve and is driven by two barrels, with a winding mechanism visible from the dial side. A hallmark of ARMIN STROM watches is their exposed, intricate inner mechanics. Since 2009, the brand has promoted modern forms of skeletonising, with designs integrated from the early stages of the calibre before being entirely crafted in the Manufacture.
An exclusive ”coffret tourbillon”, comprised of four unique timepieces, will be on display during the ARMIN STROM international tour. The choice of timepieces presents the brand’s aesthetic genius and pays testament to the company’s full spectrum of watchmaking skills. Four exceptional destinations echo the theme of the world tour, which is based on the essential elements of Earth, Fire, Water and Air. Thus each timepiece bears its own powerful identity, much to the delight of collectors and aesthetes.
The showcase of the Earth element took place at the foothills of the Bernese Alps, in Interlaken, in the setting of a renowned distillery. The next stages of the tour are already scheduled: Fire is due to take place under the desert sun in Dubai, Air among the soaring skyscrapers of Singapore and Water, on the shores of the pacific ocean, in Los Angeles.