BASELREVIEW2017
Complications/Technical
ARMIN STROM
MIRRORED FORCE
RESONANCE
ARMIN STROM IMPRESSED MANY at Baselworld with its interpretation of a
resonance-regulated timepiece. This means two balance wheels oscillate in close
proximity to influence each other and, ultimately, to synchronize. By mutually
compensating rate error, they increase the watch’s precision, reduce the negative
effects on accuracy of outside factors such as shocks, and conserve energy. Armin
Strom shows off this phenomenon by way of a patented resonance clutch spring
that connects the two regulators. They enter into resonance as they rotate in
opposite directions–and all of this is visible from the dial side.
ANGELUS
U21
TOURBILLON
WITH A CARBON FIBER MAIN PLATE, the Angelus U21 and U22 Tourbillons extend an Angelus story that
started last year with the Angelus U20. Like that much-acclaimed skeletonized tourbillon, with its blue
titanium bridges and sapphire mainplate, these two new Angelus watches emphasize high-tech
materials, open architecture and a minimalistic approach to presenting complicated watchmaking.
New this year, however, is an even stronger dose of contemporary design, if that’s possible with a
piece like this. By using the aforementioned carbon fiber plates on both new models, Angelus also
emphasizes lightweight design (especially with the titanium-cased U22 Tourbillon, which weights less
than 54 grams), though I suspect this is more a notable byproduct of using such material rather than
Angelus’s aim here.
Primarily, Angelus wants us to marvel at the streamlined design and ‘structural optimization’ of
these two new limited-edition (18 pieces) executions. And with no bezels on either model, every
essential gear and bridge is plainly visible, even when viewing the dial from the side (thanks to the
domed sapphire crystal.)
This transparency is essentially because Angelus says it has built this movement as a showpiece.
Each watch presents an almost instructional mechanical portrait showing how bridges hold gears that
then propel hands via the mesmerizing actions of a tourbillon.
That tourbillon features a variable inertia balance wheel Angelus has designed to minimize air
friction. And the patterned carbon fiber used in the main plate is built for strength, offering maximum
rigidity. Notably visible from the back, the caliber’s ruby bearings are set into solid gold chatons. All
components are hand-chamfered, hand-polished and hand satin-finished to ensure that their haute
appearance echoes their smart engineering.
Prices: Angelus U21 Tourbillon (pictured): $52,200. Angelus U22 Tourbillon: $37,995. Each is a made
as a limited edition of eighteen pieces.
122 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | SUMMER 2017