The Dual Time Resonance by Armin Strom combines the practicality of two completely independent time indications with the increased precision of two independent movements in resonance. This timepiece launches the Swiss manufacture’s new flagship Masterpiece collection, which highlights the Armin Storm’s extraordinary technical and artistic abilities.
The Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance features two independent movements sit side-by-side in a distinctive oval case, their regulators wedded by Armin Strom’s patented Resonance Clutch Spring performing a continually horological two-step between the dual eye-catching counter-oscillating balances.
The Resonance Clutch Spring is the key to Armin Strom’s mastery of resonance, and it was result of three-years of intensive research and development. Two independent movements display two independent time zones — not simply one movement with two displays.
Independent movements enable the Dual Time Resonance to indicate GMT, or a second time zone, as well as a function used as a timer or countdown. Power reserve indicators on each of the hand-guilloche dials and a 24-hour indication at 6 o’clock complete the indications.
While it has been long known that resonance in watch and clock movements with synchronized coupled oscillators improves accuracy by averaging slight differences in the precision of each movement and in wristwatches minimises adverse effects of shocks on precision. Less known is that resonance also conserves energy: vibrational energy that is normally be lost through the supports of the regulator is conserved in the system. Armin Strom’s laboratory testing has revealed gains in precision of 15-20% for two COSC chronometer-level regulated movements placed in resonance.
Two movements side by side (rather than stacked vertically) naturally led to the oval-shaped case, while the increased space afforded by the movements in this configuration allowed for two barrels per movement and a longer power reserve. Gazing through the display back at all four barrels winding simultaneously is as mesmerising as the ballet of the dual regulators on the dial.
The Armin Strom Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance launches in a limited edition of 8 pieces in Grade 5 titanium.
Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance was developed as a showcase for Armin Strom’s technical and artistic excellence, bringing the phenomena of resonance front and centre. The resonance clutch spring allows the mysterious force of resonance to be visualized in real time. It’s a visually entertaining complication as well as a technical tour de force; a performance-enhancing mechanism so obvious that you can see it.
Armin Strom did not set out to make a dual time watch; the principal aim was to showcase the resonance movement to the maximum. The movement architecture was a perfect meld of form and function: spreading the two movements apart horizontally in the Dual Time Resonance – compared to the two vertically stacked movements of the Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance – meant that a dial on each movement was a logical choice.
And with two time displays, dual time follows naturally. The independent second time display can also function as a countdown indicator or for tracking elapsed time. Two independent (aside from resonance) movements, two independent time displays, one 24-hour indicator, four mainspring barrels, and two conical power reserve indicators.
In the pursuit of horological accuracy, precision, and rate stability, resonance has usually involved using two independent movements connected to allow fine tuning of the distance between them. Until Armin Strom, precise adjustment of the distance between the two regulators has been necessary to incite resonance. However, Armin Strom Resonant Clutch Spring eliminates the necessity for fine tuning the distance and ensures a much more reliable and efficient resonant system.
When starting out of resonance, the Armin Strom Resonant Clutch Spring can take up to 10 minutes to synchronise the two systems.
Armin Strom’s patented Resonance Clutch Spring is an innovative way of upgrading an old concept, one that is horology’s very reason for being: precision and accuracy. Note that the CSEM (Centre Suisse d’Electronique et de Microtechnique) has officially certified Armin Strom’s resonance system based on the clutch spring as being a true system in resonance.
Technical details
Model: Armin Strom Dual Time Resonance Masterpiece 1 Limited Edition TI18-RGMT.90
Indications
Movement 1 – hours, minutes, 24-hour indicator, power reserve indicator;
Movement 2 – hours, minutes, power reserve indicator
Movement
Armin Strom manufacture calibre ARF17
Manual-winding, patented resonance clutch spring, dual off-centre time indications, 4 mainspring barrels
Regulating system: two independent regulation systems connected by a resonance clutch spring
Power reserves: conical x 2, 110 hours for each movement
Dimensions: 52.55 mm x 39.95 mm x 11.67 mm
Frequency: 3.5 Hz (25,200 vph)
Finishing: base plate and bridges are decorated to the highest quality level
Jewels: 70
Number of components: 419
Case
Grade 5 titanium
Sapphire crystal and case back with antireflective treatment
Diameter: 59 mm x 43.4 mm (including lugs)
Height: 15.9 mm
Water resistance: 50m
Dial
Hand guilloche
Hands: polished stainless steel
Straps
Delivered with a black alligator strap and stainless steel double-folding clasp
Retail price
CHF 180,000.-