Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance Lapislazuli x Franz Gertsch

Quick specs Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance Lapislazuli x Franz Gertsch
Price: to be auctioned, price estimate: $ 50,000 – $ 100,000
Size: 43 mm
Reference: ST24-RF.GERTSCH – limited to 1 piece

The Armin Strom x Franz Gertsch Mirrored Force Resonance Lapislazuli, is created exclusively for the TimeForArt auction. And it pays homage to the Swiss artist Franz Gertsch. The auction proceeds support emerging contemporary artists and will be held on 7^th December 2024, as part of The Phillips New York Watch Auction. 

This unique piece draws inspiration from Franz Gertsch’s “Blue Phase”, incorporating ultramarine pigments from lapis lazuli, a defining element of his work.

Who is Franz Gertsch?

Franz Gertsch (8 March 1930 – 21 December 2022) is known for his large-format realistic paintings and woodcuts, and detailed studies of nature. If you want to see his work, you should pay a visit to the Franz Gertsch museum. Of course, it is dedicated to his work (and others) in Burgdorf, Switzerland.

Gertsch was also closely associated with the family of Armin Strom founder Serge Michel, so this is a nice horological tribute to this artist. And Burgdorf, where Gertsch’s museum is located, is also the birthplace of Mr. Armin Strom himself. And the current owners Serge Michel and Claude Greisler, who took over the brand 15 years ago, grew up in the village.

Lapis lazuli on the dial

This Mirrored Force Resonance features a 43-millimeter stainless steel case with a striking ultramarine blue dial crafted from real lapis lazuli pigments. Armin Strom collaborated with dial specialists at ArteCad to achieve consistent color intensity in ultramarine. A rare pigment also used in Gertsch’s works.

Lapis lazuli is a deep-blue metamorphic rock that has been prized for its vibrant color and unique composition for thousands of years. It primarily consists of the mineral lazurite, which gives it its intense blue hue. And it often contains white calcite veins and golden flecks of pyrite, resembling stars in a night sky.

In medieval and Renaissance Europe, ground lapis lazuli was transformed into ultramarine pigment. It is used in some of the most famous artworks, such as the blue robes of the Virgin Mary in paintings by Italian masters. The rich blue pigment was rare and expensive, making it highly desirable.

The Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance Lapislazuli x Franz Gertsch has a power reserve of 48 hours

Inside, the Mirrored Force Resonance Lapislazuli houses Armin Strom’s caliber ARF21, a manual-winding movement with a 48-hour power reserve. Designed in-house, this movement exemplifies Armin Strom’s dedication to mechanical precision and hand-finishing expertise. The power reserve is 48 hours, and the clutch spring keeps both balance wheels synchronized for enhanced stability.

Armin Strom hand-decorates the movement components, enhancing the resonance mechanism’s visual appeal. This movement’s layout is designed to showcase its mechanical intricacies. With the dual-balance resonance mechanism visible from the dial side. This artistic movement design aligns well with the watch’s tribute to Franz Gertsch’s legacy. Making it as much a piece of art as a tool for timekeeping.

Auction estimate

This timepiece includes a white nubuck leather strap with white stitching with a double-folding stainless steel clasp.

The Armin Strom x Franz Gertsch Mirrored Force Resonance Lapislazuli is available for auction only. The price estimate is about $ 50,000 – $ 100,000.