Introduction: A Wristwatch That Echoes History
Armin Strom pushes the boundaries of resonance in horology once again with the Mirrored Force Resonance Zeitgeist 1665. This edition pays homage to Christiaan Huygens’ 1665 discovery of coupled oscillators, translating a centuries‑old science into a contemporary wearable marvel. It is a timepiece that blends historic design cues with modern precision, inviting wearers to watch history in motion on their wrists.
Resonance Revisited: From Clocks to the Wrist
Resonance is not new, but it is exceptionally difficult to master. The Zeitgeist 1665 follows in the wake of Armin Strom’s groundbreaking Mirrored Force Resonance (MFR) concept, which stabilizes two independent oscillators through a special clutch spring. In the 1665 edition, two balance wheels run in opposite directions, gradually locking into a harmonious rhythm as they interact through the clutch mechanism. The result is a watch that literally mirrors its own frequencies, a tribute to the original Huygens experiments and a testament to modern engineering.
Design That Speaks to the 17th Century and Beyond
Housed in a 43mm stainless steel case, the Zeitgeist 1665 nods to retro-futurist aesthetics. Key design cues include sharply angled lugs, a six‑o’clock bezel lip, and a crown-side pusher that hints at the period’s instrument aesthetics. The dial departs from traditional layouts: the hours and minutes are offset with two running seconds subdials on the left, while the movement takes center stage, visible through an opening that reveals the inner workings in a feast of technical beauty.
The dial itself uses 18k white gold tracks finished with a creamy white varnished lacquer. In-house hands are heat-blued, and the running seconds feature a three-spoke layout with a lacquered spoke, harmonizing with the track design. The effect is a dial that feels both ancient and futuristic—a visual dialogue between centuries.
Caliber AFR21_ZG: The Engine Behind the Mirage
Powering the Zeitgeist 1665 is Armin Strom’s in-house calibre AFR21_ZG. Its distinctive resonance architecture suspends the two regulating systems on separate geartrains and barrels, connected only by a clutch spring. The balance wheels oscillate in opposite directions, and the clutch spring continually shuttles the two into progressive synchrony. A reset button at 2 o’clock instantly realigns the running seconds, underscoring the blend of technical precision and tactile control that defines this collection.
Finishing, Power, and Limited Availability
The movement comprises 260 parts, with meticulous finishing: matte rose gold PVD on the mainplate and bridges, hand-beveled edges, black polished screws, and varied brushing textures. The barrels are skeletonized, and the unique clutch spring remains clearly visible from both sides. Each Zeitgeist model bears hand-engraving signifying its place in a limited run of 25 pieces, underscoring the watch’s exclusivity and artisanal pedigree.
With two barrels delivering up to 80 hours of power reserve and a rate of 25,200 vph (3.5 Hz), the Zeitgeist 1665 marries endurance with finesse. The movement’s technical bravura is matched by the exterior finish and the way the watch wears on the wrist, offering a balanced presence that can be both casual and ceremonial.
Price, Availability, and the Watchmaking Ethos
Limited to 25 pieces, the Mirrored Force Resonance Zeitgeist 1665 is priced at CHF 82,000 before taxes. While this figure signals an investment, it reflects the model’s rare combination of deep technical mastery, historical homage, and refined finishing. For collectors and connoisseurs, it is a compelling statement piece that showcases Armin Strom’s standing as an independent watchmaker willing to reinterpret resonance for the modern era.
A Final Thought: Resonance as a Living Lesson
What makes the Zeitgeist 1665 particularly striking is its educational resonance. It invites wearers to contemplate how a 17th‑century discovery informs 21st‑century craftsmanship. As with Huygens’ clocks synchronising across a beam, the Zeitgeist 1665 embodies a poetic convergence of science, history and artistry on the wrist—a true watchmaking lesson on the timepiece itself.
