December 5th 2024
Armin Strom has revitalized its Tribute 1 collection with the introduction of the new Tribute² Copper Edition, a collaboration with renowned watch influencer Horomariobro. Despite the superscript in its name, the watch remains part of the Tribute collection, bringing a fresh sequel-like feel to this beloved line.
Sleek and Streamlined Design
The Tribute² Copper Edition retains much of the case design from the Tribute 1 models. Crafted from stainless steel, the case measures 38mm in diameter and 44.35mm lug-to-lug. However, it boasts a slimmer profile at 9mm thick, compared to the original 9.38mm. While the reduction is subtle, it maintains the perfect proportions for all wrist sizes.
The watch features a signature crown positioned at 2 o’clock and comes with a sapphire crystal and 50m water resistance. Complementing the sleek design is an 18mm grey Alcantara calf leather strap with a stainless steel folding clasp.
A Bold, New Dial
The standout feature of this edition is its unique copper grattage dial, which departs from the Voutilainen guilloche of earlier models. Grattage, a surrealist painting technique involving scraped paint layers, gives the dial an artistic, textured checkerboard effect. This aesthetic shift adds depth and character, enhancing the overall appeal.
The offset time display remains, featuring rose gold-plated, skeletonized hands that contrast beautifully against the copper dial. The fume gradient is gone, making the time display more legible. An increased level of open-working reveals more of the movement, including hand-finished gears, a skeletonized barrel, and a black-polished barrel bridge.
Horomariobro’s Touch
Horomariobro’s influence is subtly marked by a discreet logo on the movement ring. His collaboration encouraged Armin Strom to elevate its finishing techniques, with meticulous attention to detail on dial-side components. The watch’s movement retains its hand-wound mechanism, offering an impressive 100-hour power reserve.
Pricing and Availability
The Tribute² Copper Edition, priced at CHF 25,070, is limited to just 10 pieces. While the exact reasons for the price premium remain unclear, the watch’s enhanced finishing and bold dial design make it a standout choice in Armin Strom’s lineup.
Whether this edition replaces earlier models or expands the collection, it undeniably elevates the Tribute series with a fresh, artistic approach.