Armin Strom Tribute² Aurum
The Art of Tactile Time: Introducing the New Armin Strom Tribute² Aurum
In this new limited edition, Armin Strom transforms artisanal texture, openworked architecture, and in-house mechanics into a quietly confident statement of modern independent Swiss watchmaking.
By Sébastien Aeberli
Design, Content & Social Media
True luxury does not seek attention. It reveals itself through restraint, material intelligence, and the quiet confidence of masterful craft. And as a watch seemingly designed to reward patience and close observation, the new Armin Strom Tribute² Aurum embodies this philosophy.
Building on the conceptual clarity of the original Tribute 1, this new edition deepens the collection’s emotional expression, introducing texture as a defining element of its design language.
So, let’s take a look at it.
A Refined Lineage
When the Tribute 1 was introduced, it stood apart for its thoughtful proportions and architectural balance. It distilled Armin Strom’s openworked aesthetic into a more intimate, wearable form – one that appealed to collectors drawn to mechanical honesty rather than spectacle.
The Tribute² Aurum retains that DNA while subtly shifting the experience. The familiar off-center display and compact dimensions remain, but the visual language becomes richer and more atmospheric. Where the Tribute 1 emphasized clarity and structure, the new model introduces depth, encouraging a slower, more tactile engagement.
Texture as Expression
At the heart of the Tribute² Aurum is a gold-coated brass mainplate finished by hand using the rare tremblage technique. Traditionally reserved for fine engraving, tremblage creates an irregular, grain-like surface that reflects light unevenly, lending the watch a living, almost vibrating quality.
On the Tribute² Aurum, this textured foundation contrasts with the crisp geometry of the openworked components it surrounds, reinforcing a dialogue between precision and imperfection.
Meanwhile, the grey fumé off-center dial floats gently over the surface, grounding the composition while maintaining legibility. The effect is subtle yet immersive; it’s decoration, not as embellishment but as atmosphere.
Mechanics, Thoughtfully Revealed
Developed entirely in-house, the hand-wound AMW21 calibre is fully visible on the dial side and combines visual clarity with technical ingenuity. At its core, the motor barrel delivers energy directly to the gear train – an efficient design that provides a 100-hour power reserve while keeping compact dimensions. This system refines the engineering principles first introduced with the Tribute 1.
Operating at 3.5 Hz, this calibre features a variable inertia balance wheel and a flat spring. These elements are supported by Armin Strom’s signature steel finger bridge. Both structural and expressive, the bridge anchors the openworked design and serves as a distinctive visual hallmark of the movement.
The Discipline of Hand-Finishing
Finishing is where the Tribute² Aurum reveals its true character. The skeletonized motor barrel showcases hand-polished, beveled spokes, while the steel finger bridge mentioned above is skeletonized and finished in a deep black polish achieved through painstaking manual work.
On the reverse, a three-quarter bridge decorated with Geneva stripes and circular graining commands attention. Its defining feature is a 60-degree hand-polished bevel – an exacting detail that speaks to the highest levels of artisanal discipline. A three-dimensional escapement wheel bridge with a polished sink adds further sculptural depth.
Contemporary Restraint
Encased in stainless steel and measuring 38mm in diameter, the Tribute² Aurum wears with quiet elegance. Its proportions nod to classical watchmaking, offering a refreshing counterpoint to more assertive contemporary designs. Gold-colored hands with Super-LumiNova and a taupe Epsom leather strap introduce warmth without excess.
Limited to just 10 pieces, the Tribute² Aurum is not designed for mass appeal. It speaks to collectors who appreciated the intellectual purity of the Tribute 1 and now seek a more sensory, textured interpretation of that original vision.
Price & Availability
The Armin Strom Tribute² Aurum is available now and priced at CHF 27,000. For more information, please visit the Armin Strom website.