Many brands speak of craftsmanship, yet few are willing to commit the time, labour, and restraint required to let hand-finishing take centre stage. The Armin Strom Tribute² Aurum belongs firmly in that rarified space where mechanical function and artisanal decoration exist in perfect balance. Limited to just ten examples, it is not simply a continuation of the Tribute collection, but a bold refinement of what modern skeletonised watchmaking can achieve.
The defining element of the Tribute² Aurum is immediately apparent. Its gold coated mainplate, finished entirely by hand using the tremblage technique, forms the visual foundation of the watch. Tremblage is a traditional engraving method that relies on thousands of tiny hammer strikes to create an irregular, granular surface. Unlike conventional finishing techniques that aim for uniformity, tremblage thrives on imperfection. The result is a surface that reacts dynamically to light, constantly shifting in tone and intensity as the watch moves. In the Tribute² Aurum, this finish adds warmth, texture, and a remarkable sense of depth that is rarely seen in contemporary wristwatches.
Building on the architecture of the original Tribute 1, the Tribute² Aurum introduces a more openworked and skeletonised construction. The movement is no longer merely visible; it becomes the dial itself. An off-centre grey fumé dial hovers above the mechanics, creating a subtle focal point while allowing the gold-toned mainplate and bridges to remain visually dominant. This layered approach reinforces the watch’s three-dimensional presence and encourages closer inspection. Every angle reveals a different relationship between light, shadow, and mechanical form.
At the core of the watch lies the AMW21 calibre, developed and manufactured entirely in-house. This hand-wound movement delivers a substantial 100-hour power reserve, achieved through an innovative motor barrel construction. Rather than transmitting energy in a conventional manner, the barrel arbor directly delivers power to the gear train. This approach improves efficiency while allowing the movement to maintain its balanced and open architecture. Operating at 3.5 Hz, the calibre is regulated by a variable inertia balance wheel paired with a flat hairspring, underscoring Armin Strom’s focus on precision as well as aesthetics.
Hand-finishing throughout the movement is uncompromising. On the dial side, the skeletonised motor barrel features carefully bevelled and polished spokes, offering a striking contrast against the textured tremblage surface beneath. The brand’s signature finger bridge, executed in black-polished steel, anchors the design visually while demonstrating an exceptional level of finishing skill. Black polishing is among the most demanding techniques in watchmaking, revealing absolute precision in surface preparation.
Turning the watch over reveals yet another layer of craftsmanship. The three-quarter bridge is decorated with Geneva stripes and circular graining, but it is the hand-polished 60-degree bevel that truly sets it apart. Such extreme bevel angles require immense patience and skill, as they cannot be executed by machine. A three-dimensional escapement wheel bridge with a polished sink adds a sculptural quality, reinforcing the sense that this is as much a mechanical artwork as it is a timekeeping instrument.
One of the most telling details of the Tribute² Aurum is Armin Strom’s practice of assembling each watch twice. The first assembly ensures mechanical precision, while the second focuses on perfecting aesthetic alignment and finishing integrity. This approach reflects a philosophy where no compromise is accepted, even when the audience for such details is small and highly discerning.
In a world increasingly dominated by mass production and superficial design cues, the Armin Strom Tribute² Aurum stands apart. Its appeal lies not in bold branding or novelty, but in the quiet confidence of exceptional craft. For collectors and enthusiasts who value independent watchmaking at its most refined, the Tribute² Aurum represents a rare opportunity to own a piece where hand-finishing, mechanical innovation, and architectural design are inseparable.
