Armin Strom continues its exploration of artisanal finishing with the new Tribute² Aurum, a timepiece that builds upon the architectural foundation of the original Tribute 1 while pushing the boundaries of hand-finished decoration. Limited to just 10 pieces, this latest iteration introduces a rare engraving technique in independent watchmaking, tremblage, to a gold-coated mainplate that serves as the watch’s visual centerpiece. More openworked and skeletonized than its predecessor, the Tribute² Aurum reveals layers of craftsmanship that extend from the dial side through to the movement's rear.
Things to Know About the Watch
The defining feature of the Tribute² Aurum is its gold-coated brass mainplate—hence the name Aurum, the name for gold in the Periodic Table of Elements—, finished by hand using tremblage—a rare engraving technique that creates an irregular, light-reflecting texture across the surface. This textured finish brings vibrancy and depth to the movement architecture, contrasting beautifully with the grey fumé off-center dial and layered construction.
The watch is housed in a compact 38 mm stainless steel case measuring just 9.38 mm in height, with a lug-to-lug distance of 18 mm, ensuring comfortable wearability. The dial side showcases a skeletonized mainspring barrel with hand-polished, beveled spokes, alongside a black-polished, beveled bridge that exemplifies Armin Strom's signature transparency in design, like on the Armin Strom One Week Skeleton Titanium.
On the case back, the movement reveals a three-quarter bridge adorned with Geneva stripes and circular graining, but it's the 60-degree hand-polished bevel that truly elevates the finishing. A three-dimensional escapement wheel bridge with a polished sink adds sculptural complexity to the overall composition.
Each Tribute² Aurum undergoes double assembly—a meticulous process that underscores the brand's commitment to both mechanical precision and aesthetic integrity.
The Movement
Powering the Tribute² Aurum is the manual-wound calibre AMW21, developed and manufactured entirely in-house by Armin Strom. The movement delivers an impressive 100-hour power reserve, achieved through an innovative single mainspring barrel construction in which the arbor delivers energy directly to the gear train—a configuration that improves efficiency while optimizing available space within the movement.
Beating at 25,200 vph (3.5 Hz), the calibre features a variable-inertia balance wheel and a flat spring, supported by the brand's System 78 signature balance cock. Calibre AMW21 comprises 137 components and 21 jewels, all finished to haute horlogerie standards.
Summary & Price
The Armin Strom Tribute² Aurum represents a focused study in artisanal finishing, with the tremblage technique applied to the mainplate, standing as the watch's defining characteristic. The combination of architectural movement design, extensive hand-finishing, and compact case dimensions positions this limited edition as a compelling option for collectors who appreciate transparency in both design philosophy and execution. The Tribute² Aurum is limited to 10 pieces.
StickerPrice CHF 27,000—approx. USD 30,500. For more info on Armin Strom, click here.
