he independent Swiss watch manufacturer Armin Strom has created a unique, artistic model of the acclaimed Mirrored Force Resonance exclusively for the TimeForArt auction. Organised by the non-profit Swiss Institute (New York), the auction benefits emerging contemporary artists.

Inspired by the “Blue Phase” of renowned Swiss artist Franz Gertsch, the dial of this one-of-a-kind timepiece features ultramarine pigment from lapislazuli that Gertsch used in some of his most celebrated works. The dial uses ultramarine that comes from the same spot where Gertsch sourced his pigments. The Armin Strom x Franz Gertsch Mirrored Force Resonance Lapislazuli for TimeForArt is a tribute to the Swiss painter, who was closely associated with the family of Armin Strom founder Serge Michel.

Horological innovation is one of the keystones at Armin Strom, known for its micromechanical creativity since the groundbreaking introduction of its Resonance complication in 2016. By synchronizing two balance wheels with a built-for-purpose system, the patented Clutch Spring achieves an unprecedented level of stability and precision in mechanical chronometry, as seen in timepieces such as the Mirrored Force Resonance, where the kinetic spectacle of Resonance is on full display on the dial side of the timepiece. The addition of lavish hand-decoration and finishes elevate the timepieces of Armin Strom, fusing technical mastery with artistic excellence.

This year, Armin Strom is participating for the first time in TimeForArt, a biennial charity auction benefiting contemporary art. The second edition will take place in December 2024 at Phillips in New York, in Association with Bacs & Russo. In presenting a watch for this sale, Armin Strom has chosen to honour Franz Gertsch (1930–2022), a Swiss artist whose work is closely connected to the family of Serge Michel, founder of Armin Strom. This connection stems from a longtime appreciation of the Michel family for Gertsch’s artistic oeuvre, culminating in the family’s dedication of the Museum Franz Gertsch in Burgdorf, Switzerland.

The Michel family’s deep appreciation of fine craftsmanship is also reflected in their long-standing relationship with Mr Armin Strom, the master skeletoniser. Burgdorf - the small town where the Franz Gertsch Museum is located - is also the birthplace of Mr Armin Strom. This connection has deepened since Serge Michel and Claude Greisler, who also grew up in Burgdorf, took over the brand from Armin 15 years ago and transformed it from a one-man workshop into a fully integrated manufacture with 42 employees. Their shared commitment to precision and craftsmanship, similar to the work of Franz Gertsch, emphasises the deep connection between the Michel family, the museum and the world of craftsmanship.

The Mirrored Force Resonance model was the natural choice for this collaboration, aligning with both Gertsch’s artistic evolution and Armin Strom’s commitment to technical innovation. Gertsch’s photorealistic early works and later expressive prints resonate with Armin Strom’s dedication to pushing boundaries in watchmaking. For Serge Michel, the philosophical parallels and the common point of technical innovation made the Mirrored Force Resonance the ideal choice for this project. “This unique piece for TimeForArt is more than a tribute to Franz Gertsch, it is a celebration of the deep connection between his art and our family,” Serge remarked. “It fills us with pride to perpetuate his creative vision in a timepiece that does justice to both his art and our watchmaking craftsmanship at the highest level.”

The distinctive feature that marks the Armin Strom x Franz Gertsch Mirrored Force Resonance as a unique creation, is the dial overlaid with pulverized and refined lapis lazuli. This decorative stone, often used in fine watchmaking, creates a symbolic link to Franz Gertsch’s artistic legacy in this unique timepiece. The final works of Franz Gertsch’s career were monumental paintings, characterised by the use of ultramarine, a rich blue pigment derived from lapis lazuli that has been favored by artists since antiquity.

In recognition of the visual impact of Gertsch’s intensive Blue Phase, the ultramarine on the dial of this unique Mirrored Force Resonance comes from the same spot of lapis lazuli where Gertsch acquired the pigments for his paintings. At Armin Strom, every detail has its proper purpose, and co-founder & master watchmaker Claude Greisler underlines the significance of the lapis lazuli dial:

“The rare ultramarine blue pigment that we have used for the dial of this watch embodies the essence of Franz Gertsch’s artistic vision. It symbolizes the symbiosis of art and perfection that makes our Mirrored Force Resonance a unique masterpiece of watchmaking.”

A vivid layer of ultramarine adorns the main dial and dial sectors of the Mirrored Force Resonance, housed in a sleek 43-mm stainless-steel case. To achieve consistent color and quality, Armin Strom collaborated with dial experts ArteCad, who expertly worked with this rare pigment to achieve the spectacular brilliance of hue seen in the watch. Equally striking is the patented Resonance Clutch Spring at the heart of the timepiece, which acts as a vibrational intermediary between the two balance wheels. This ensures the timepiece will remain synchronised in all positions, delivering unparalleled chronometric consistency and precision.

Such stability is essential for the long-term reliability of any wristwatch, given its constant motion and positional changes in all three dimensions while worn on the wrist. The best timepieces bear chronometric stability and consistency at the very core of their creation, since Time, like Art, is eternal.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Reference no. ST24-RF.GERTSCH

• Indications: Hours, minutes, twin-seconds
• Movement: Armin Strom manufacture Calibre ARF21
• Winding mechanism: Manual winding
• Regulating system: two independent regulating systems connected by a resonance clutch spring
• Power reserve: 48 hours
• Dimensions: 37.20 mm x 6.70 mm
• Frequency: 3.5 Hz (25,200 vph)
• Jewels: 39
• Number of components: 276
• Case: Stainless steel
• Sapphire crystal and caseback with anti-reflective treatment
• Diameter: 43.00 mm
• Height: 11.55 mm
• Water resistance: 3 ATM
• Dial: With real ultramarine lapislazuli blue pigment originally used by Franz Gertsch
• Hands: Steel, manufactured by Armin Strom, decorated by hand
• Strap: White nubuck leather strap with white stitching and double folding clasp in stainless steel