A Closer Look at The Armin Strom Orbit “Date On Command” Watch

The Armin Strom Orbit is the brand’s first high-end Swiss watch to feature an “on-demand date” system and a “case with integrated bracelet.” The “Date on Command” feature is where the pointer date hand is set not to point to the current date but remains still at the 60-minute marker pointing to the word “Date” on the bezel. The date scale is written on the black ceramic bezel insert, and the pointer date hand remains there until the pusher is pressed.

The pusher at the 10 o’clock mark on the case is pressed to move the date hand to the current date position. At the 11 o’clock mark, there is the column-wheel transmission system that allows for on-demand pointer date complication. Further improving the three-dimensional mechanical appeal of the Armin Strom Orbit watch is its dynamic movement that delivers consistent power and has a 72-hour power reserve. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the Armin Strom Orbit “Date on Command” watch.

Overview

Based on the Gravity Equal Force enhancement, the Armin Strom Orbit is the first automatic timepiece worldwide with equal force transmission. The Orbit’s “stop-work” mechanism is evolved from the principles and wisdom of watchmaking over the past centuries. This mechanism is designed to provide more reliable torque from the barrel by preventing the mainspring from unwinding fully. This was the first time such a mechanism was featured in an automatic wristwatch movement.

As the world’s first automatic movement with equal force transmission, the in-house ASS20 caliber delivers a consistent and smooth power flow to the balance. The “Date on Command” feature operates on a fairly straightforward mechanism, where the current date can be read off the ring on the bezel. Another notable feature in the Armin Strom Orbit watch is a standard black ceramic bezel adorned with the days of the month from 01 to 31 on its circumference. There is also a large central hand with a bold red “A” (stands for Armin) that points to the current date when the watch is set in the “active mode.”

Specs

According to Collegecalc, below are some of the notable features in the Armin Strom Orbit “Date on Command” watch:

Case: Stainless steel; fixed ceramic bezel
Case dimensions: 43.4mm diameter, 12.6mm height
Case back: Sapphire crystal; anti-reflective coating
Dial: Off-center dial in a black coating of the three bridges
Hands: Steel with hand finishing and Super-LumiNova filling; Manufactured by Armin Strom
Water resistance: 50 m/ 5 ATM
Bracelet: Stainless steel with a double folding clasp
Lug to lug distance: 48.96 mm
Functions: Hours, seconds, minutes, date, power reserve indicator
Movement: Automatic winding with micro rotor, Armin Strom manufacture Caliber ASS20, offset display with sub-dial seconds.
Regulating system: “stop-work mechanism” with four regulating screws
Frequency: 25,200 vph (3.5 Hz)
Number of components: 273

Case

The Armin Strom Orbit watch comes with a stainless steel case that measures 12.6mm-thick, 43.4mm-wide, and has a lug-to-lug distance of 49mm. In addition to the appealing case polishing, the watch’s lugs perfectly integrate into the bracelet. The bracelet is a version of the classic H-link, which tapers from 22mm wide to 20mm wide at the claps. The stainless steel case integrated with the bracelet represents the first time the iconic brand Armin Strom has incorporated a metal bracelet on one of its watches.

The case and bracelet add an exciting note of sportiness that is not in any of the Armin Strom timepieces. Apart from the attractive polishing, the Orbit’s case is water resistant to 50 meters. As the world’s first automatic watch, the new Armin Strom Orbit “Date on Command” watch becomes the brand’s first sporty watch. There is also a stationary black ceramic bezel with the days of the month from 01 to 31 in white. The bezel’s expertly hand-finished decoration is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback with an anti-reflective coating.

Dial

The First Edition timepiece predominantly displays dark grey “black gold” coating. However, the new Armin Strom Orbit “Date on Command” limited edition watch has a black off-center dial and silvery rhodium coated bridges. According to Watch Over Watch, this dial occupies the left side of the display, indicates the hours, seconds, date, minutes, and power reserve indicator. The hour markers, hour and minute hands, and numerals have off-white Super LumiNova coating that allows for better visibility in poorly lit conditions.

The Orbit’s stainless steel hands are from the brand Armin Strom. This is a rare accomplishment for most watch manufacturers. There is also a large bright red “A” arrow hand and the white ink. It’s on the black ceramic bezel insert so it’s easy for you to read the date. The Armin Strom Orbit dial is visually appealing and technically compelling. It’s the newest addition to the brand’s high-end watch collection. Moreover, the black offset dial has a Super-Luminova-filled Arabic indexes. This and the numerals help add a sporty feel to the watch.

Movement

The automatic movement in the Armin Strom Orbit “Date on Command” watch is one of the main selling points. The watch’s classic movements work with an in-house caliber ASS20. This uses a micro-rotor placed on the black dial around the 1 o’clock hour mark. The new Orbit watch operates at a frequency of 3.5Hz (25,200 BPH). It offers about 72 hours of power reserve. It is the brand’s efforts to make the new Armin Strom watch a visual spectacle. However, the watch’s movement is thin, measuring 8.42mm-thick.

As with many Armin Strom timepieces, it features three horizontal bridges on the dial side. The movement is perfect with a mixture of luxury and elements of hand-beveling and polishing. To further improve the watch’s movement, the new Orbit watch uses an Equal Force Barrel mechanism. This allows the mainspring to release a consistent level of force during its winding cycle.

Price and Availability

Armin Strong is an Orbit watch collection with only 25 pieces. It features amazing details such as an off-center black dial. It also has a stainless steel case, fixed ceramic bezel, three-day power reserve, and more. According to Monochrome Watches, the Armin Strom Orbit “Date on Command” watch is sold at an average price of $29,500.

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