Independent Swiss watch manufacturer Armin Strom celebrates five years of resonance technology with its brand-new Zeitgeist timepiece. Since its first model, the Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance that was released in 2016, the brand has produced four resonance models, including the Pure Resonance and Dual Time Resonance in 2018, and the world’s first resonance chiming watch in 2019, the Minute Repeater Resonance. The Zeitgeist marks the next chapter for resonance watches, and we are here for it.

Before we get into the details of the watch, let us first understand the technology behind it.

What is resonance technology?

First discovered by  Dutch astronomer and physicist Christiaan Huygens in the 17th century, Resonance as we know it, is precious for consistency, employing scientific principles to regulate precision over time.

The basic principle behind this technology is that two oscillating mechanisms in close proximity affect the other’s rate. This means that when two pendulums or balance wheels are set up on a common structure, they will share small vibrations. So, when a small force or some interference is added or subtracted from the opposite oscillator, the other would average their rate by speeding the slower one up or slowing the faster one down. This quest for balance continues until both the rates are perfectly synchronised.

This phenomenon of resonance has been successfully applied to horology but is rare due to the difficulty in implementing it. Armin Strom took up this challenge and introduced their patented Resonance Clutch Spring. Made from a single piece of steel that is more consistent and capable of withstanding temperature fluctuations, the Resonance Clutch Spring is designed to transfer energy between both hairsprings and quickly bring the balance wheels into resonance. This technology helps all Armin Strom Resonance watches have more resistance against shocks or vibrations while ensuring consistency in keeping time with precision.

About the Resonance Zeitgeist

The fifth instalment of Armin Strom’s genius invention, the Zeitgeist is a one-of-a-kind timepiece that represents the brand’s technological expertise in traditional materials, minimalistic dial design and muted colours. “We decided to create something unique for this fifth anniversary: a work of art that honours our resonance technology and pays tribute to our roots in skeletonisation. Zeitgeist’s movement was painstakingly produced, piece by piece, clearly emphasising the resonance mechanism. This has never been done before, so we’re all very excited,” says Claude Greisler, Armin Strom’s co-founder and master-watchmaker.

The watch comes in a 45mm platinum case with an open dial that showcases the working within. The Armin Strom-manufactured Caliber ARF21ZG manual-wound movement comprises a series of matte beige sandblasted bridges that give the watch a low-key design and contemporary aesthetics. The Zeitgeist elevates the patented, time-tested and scientifically proven Resonance Clutch Spring to a new caliber, providing the technology with a facelift and offering an understated aesthetic profile. The 18K white gold “Vernis laqué poli” dial houses stainless-steel hands manufactured at Armin Strom indicates the hours, minutes and twin display of seconds.

Fitted with a black leather strap, the Armin Strom Zeitgeist is a unique piece and it retails for $170,000.

For more information, visit https://arminstrom.com/en/kollektion/resonance/resonance-zeitgeist/?v=ee2d312f5477