ReviewA Revolution In Automatic Movement: Gravity Equal Force By Armin Strom

It takes something special to stand out in the fiercely competitive world of Swiss watchmaking that is dominated by established players who have been around for 150 years or more and possess great mastery over traditional skills and techniques. Armin Strom have however managed to establish themselves as respected watchmakers in comparatively shorter time. To achieve this, one approach that Armin Strom have resorted to is the use of ‘transparent mechanics’. This involves skeletonising the movement by hand to create a beautiful, open view of the inner workings. Founder and watchmaker, Armin Strom, introduced this technique way back in 1967, long before it became popular among other brands. A prime example of the brand’s exceptional craftsmanship is the Gravity Equal Force, introduced by Armin Strom as the inaugural piece in the System 78 line, at the close of 2019.

The System 78 line, designed to take the place of the Single Barrel collection, represents a significant progression for Armin Strom. This haute horlogerie collection offers high-quality craftsmanship at an accessible price point. Each piece showcases the innovative approach and watchmaking philosophy of the brand’s modern co-founders Serge Michel and Claude Greisler. 

The Gravity Equal Force’s Unique Movement

The revolutionary stop-work declutch mechanism and automatic winding system of the Gravity Equal Force makes it stand out in the brand’s System 78 collection. From its daring movement to its striking dial and case, this watch exemplifies the brand’s desire to constantly innovate and challenge the norm. The Armin Strom Gravity Equal Force takes the concept of an automatic watch to a whole new level. One of the main unique features of this watch is the inclusion of a motor barrel system. This system, originally used in American pocket watches, protects the gear train from a broken mainspring by reversing the functions of the barrel and arbour. While the watch is being wound, the barrel rotates. But when it is running, the barrel remains stationary, and the arbour rotates to drive the gear train. This mechanism allows for a more precise rotation, as the smaller arbour is better supported by jewel bearings, reducing wear and tear.

The Gravity Equal Force is also the first watch to combine a torque regulating mechanism with an automatic winding system. While automatic watches are constantly wound when worn and therefore do not experience a decline in amplitude, hand-wound watches can benefit from a torque regulating device. However, if an automatic watch is left dormant, a stop-work mechanism can prevent the watch from reaching the inferior part of the torque curve. To address this issue, Armin Strom developed a stop-work mechanism that decouples itself from the winding mechanism when the watch is fully wound. This mechanism includes a finger on the arbour and a Maltese cross-shaped wheel with eight concave arms, followed by a uniquely shaped portion that declutches and prevents the barrel from unwinding fully. Despite the restriction of force by the stop-work, the movement still boasts a power reserve of 72 hours, as displayed via the indicator on the barrel cover.

The Armin Strom Gravity Equal Force takes the concept of an automatic watch to a whole new level with the inclusion of a motor barrel system

₹17,20,000

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The mechanism of the motor barrel system allows for a more precise rotation, as the smaller arbour is better supported by jewel bearings, reducing wear and tear

₹17,20,000

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This system, originally used in American pocket watches, protects the gear train from a broken mainspring by reversing the functions of the barrel and arbour

₹17,20,000

Check Our Selling Price

01

A Dial Presenting ‘Transparent Mechanics’

The brand have opted for an off-centre design with the dial of the Gravity Equal Force but they have added three visually stunning bridges inspired by pocket watches. These beautifully finished bridges, featuring precise anglage, bring the art of independent watchmaking to the wearer’s wrist. The timekeeping dial is in either grey-toned sapphire crystal, black or blue, with a superimposed running seconds hand.

Hidden beneath the top bridge is the micro-rotor that powers the automatic movement, while a Geneva wheel mounted on the barrel housing cover lies beneath the bottom bridge. The mainspring barrel is limited to just nine full turns out of a possible 12.5 as it unwinds around the arbour, with a pin counting off the rotations on the Geneva wheel until it reaches the locked position and stops further unwinding. The Equal Force barrel also features a 72-hour power reserve indicator on its cover.

The 41mm classic size suits even those with more traditional tastes, but its contemporary design still maintains the signature Armin Strom aesthetic

₹22,80,000

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The watch has a genuine alligator leather strap in black or blue

₹22,80,000

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Hidden beneath the top bridge is the micro-rotor that powers the automatic movement, while a Geneva wheel mounted on the barrel housing cover lies beneath the bottom bridge

₹22,80,000

Check Our Selling Price

01

Playing With Traditional Aesthetics

The Gravity Equal Force watch is available in sleek stainless steel or luxurious, 18-karat rose gold, with a case size of 41mm. The classic size suits even those with more traditional tastes, but its contemporary design still maintains the signature Armin Strom aesthetic. Sapphire crystal, with anti-reflective treatment, not only protects the front and back of the case, but also ensures you can check the time clearly. The watch has a genuine alligator leather strap in black or blue. For the Ultimate Sapphire edition, the watch features a black fabric strap with light grey stitching. 

A Vibrant Verdant Gravity Equal Force

The latest addition to Armin Strom’s Gravity Equal Force collection features a striking off-centre Jungle green dial in a limited run of 15 pieces. The eye-catching guilloche pattern was specially created by Finnish watchmaker Kari Voutilainen to complement the watch’s signature horizontal bridges.

Inside the 41mm stainless steel case, Armin Strom’s manually-wound ASB19 calibre highlights the stark contrast between the verdant dial and black PVD coating on the movement plate. The open-worked dial provides visibility to key components like the mainspring barrel and micro-rotor.

Staying true to the Gravity Equal Force line, the emphasis remains heavily focused on the technical ingenuity of the regulator-free movement. However, this exclusive new edition allows Armin Strom to showcase its craftsmanship as well through the intricate texturing on the dial and hand-finishing on display through the exhibition caseback.

This 15-piece limited edition caters more specifically to aficionados who can appreciate the fine details and unconventional design approach distilled into Armin Strom’s avant-garde watchmaking.

The latest addition to Armin Strom's Gravity Equal Force collection features a striking off-centre Jungle green dial in a limited run of 15 pieces

The eye-catching guilloche pattern was specially created by Finnish watchmaker Kari Voutilainen to complement the watch's signature horizontal bridges

The Gravity Equal Force is a major evolution for the brand, featuring a completely redesigned case and calibre with a declutch mechanism for smooth power transmission to the balance. The movement architecture, dial, and case have all undergone a striking transformation, showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovation with craftsmanship, yet remaining relatively accessible.