Independent Swiss watchmaker Armin Strom adds retro-inspired markers to its contemporary Tribute 1 while also enhancing the color options for the manual-wind model’s already distinctive offset dial.
With the new Tribute 1 California, Armin Strom places so-called California markers onto the Tribute 1 dial, which can now also be ordered in a choice of five fumé colors that contrast nicely to the also-new black guilloché dial plate framing the dial.
While the new colors and markers highlight the new series, for many collectors it’s the dial plate itself that stands out here: Much-lauded Finnish watchmaker Kari Voutilainen crafted each of the black guilloché dial plates by hand.
The California dial, distinguished by alternating Roman and Arabic numerals, differs fairly dramatically from the thin stick markers found on earlier Tribute 1 models. Their presence here, in combination with Voutilainen’s traditional guilloche plate, stylistically contrasts with the modernistic exposed and decorated mainspring barrel that dominates the lower section of the 38mm steel watch.
I suspect that this juxtaposition will jar very few contemporary minded Armin Strom collectors.
Armin Strom is offering five different fumé (sunburst-pattern) dials, including versions in blue, light blue, green, burgundy and black. The dials are each set with Armin Strom’s own distinctive hour, minute and seconds hands.
Inside Armin Strom places is own manual-wind manufacture Caliber AMW21 that boasts an incredible 100-hours of power reserve. Armin Strom notes that its watchmakers assemble, disassemble and reassemble each caliber to ensure that each individual part was cleaned, dried, reassembled and lubricated before being regulated, tested and placed back into its steel case.
Finally, Armin Strom adds that its presents each Tribute 1 California watch on a black alligator leather strap with stitching that matches the color of the dial. The Tribute 1 California is available in editions limited to five per color and Armin Strom will make only twenty-five of these new watches in total.
Price: $19.000
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