The Armin Strom Minute Repeater Resonance 12:59 First Edition combines two of the most demanding areas of watchmaking—resonance and chiming—within a newly developed mechanical architecture.
Housed in a 42 mm titanium case with a thickness of 11.70 mm, the watch adopts more compact proportions than previous high-complication pieces from the brand while accommodating a substantial increase in mechanical complexity.
The case is fitted with sapphire crystals on both sides with anti-reflective treatment and offers water resistance to 3 ATM.
This development builds on the concept first explored with the Masterpiece 2 Minute Repeater Resonance, now reinterpreted through a more refined structure and a different distribution of components.
While remaining fully openworked, the composition has been simplified, with a centralised display reinforcing visual balance and placing emphasis on the essential elements of the mechanism.
At the centre of the watch is the new manual-winding manufacture calibre ARR25, developed and produced in-house.
Measuring 34.40 mm in diameter and 6.53 mm in thickness, the movement comprises 506 components and operates at a frequency of 3.5 Hz (25,200 vibrations per hour), delivering a power reserve of approximately 40 hours.
The calibre is built around Armin Strom’s patented resonance clutch, which synchronises two independent regulating systems.
Each system is equipped with its own barrel, gear train, escapement and balance wheel, allowing them to operate in harmonic resonance.
This dual architecture significantly increases the complexity of the movement compared to a conventional repeater.
The striking mechanism has been developed accordingly and is equipped with four hammers and four gongs, enabling a full Westminster chiming sequence.
A flying governor, positioned on the dial side beneath the hammers, regulates the cadence of the strike and provides a visual indication during operation.
A further layer of functionality is introduced through two selectable striking modes. In standard operation, the repeater chimes the time indicated by the hands.
Alternatively, the wearer can activate the “12:59” sequence, which produces the longest possible strike of the mechanism—twelve hours, three quarters and fourteen minutes (you can listen to it in this Instagram reel).
The transition between these modes is controlled by a column wheel system, with a discreet indicator displaying the selected function.
Activation is performed via a slider at 9 o’clock, which both winds and releases the striking mechanism.
The dial layout reflects a focus on mechanical clarity.
The twin balance wheels remain positioned on the dial side, while the resonance clutch has been reoriented to animate upwards, making the interaction between the two oscillators more visible.
The four hammers and gongs are arranged prominently, contributing to a composition that emphasises both symmetry and depth without unnecessary elements.
Finishing is entirely executed by hand and extends across the full movement.
On the dial side, mirror-polished hammers, gongs and resonance components contrast with the frosted mainplate and bridges, while hand-bevelled edges and polished sinks define the geometry of the movement.
The flying governor combines circular graining, bevelled edges and matte engraved surfaces, acting as both a functional and visual focal point.
On the reverse, traditional decorations including Geneva stripes, straight and circular graining are combined with contemporary textures, creating a layered and highly detailed composition.
The watch is completed by an anthracite titanium dial ring, hand-finished steel hands and a matte grey alligator strap secured with a titanium pin buckle.
Produced in a limited edition of 25 pieces, the Armin Strom Minute Repeater Resonance 12:59 First Edition (ref. M26-RMR.5N) is priced at CHF 390,000. arminstrom.com
DISCOVER MORE WATCHES & WONDERS 2026 NOVELTIES
COMMENTS