Armin Strom Minute Repeater Resonance 12:59 First Edition: Why the Watch Could Strike 12:59 at Any Time

A minute repeater is one of those complications that not only displays the time, but also makes it tangible and audible. At the push of a slide, its striking mechanism translates the current time into a sequence of hours, quarters and minutes. The Armin Strom Minute Repeater Resonance 12:59 First Edition builds on this familiar principle and reimagines its logic through a small but significant decision: the wearer can choose whether the watch strikes the current time or strikes 12:59 regardless of the display.

At first glance, this sounds like a typo, but it isn’t, as a clear mechanical distinction is made between the two processes: in standard mode, the striking mechanism reads the displayed time and reproduces it acoustically. ‘12:59 Anytime’, on the other hand, triggers the longest possible sequence of chimes – twelve hours, three quarters of an hour and fourteen minutes – regardless of what the display shows. The clock does not then indicate the current time, but instead reproduces the longest possible sequence of chimes that the mechanism is capable of.

The appeal of this playful additional function lies in its two modes: anyone wishing to demonstrate the minute repeater or experience it for themselves in its most complete form can select the 12:59 mode regardless of the current time – a setting which, with twelve hour strikes, three quarter-hour strikes and fourteen minute strikes, triggers the longest possible sequence of strikes from the mechanism.

You can find out more about Claude Greisler, the creative force behind Armin Strom, here in our in-depth interview

An architecture that reaches upwards

Inspired by the Masterpiece 2 in terms of design, the new construction translates that concept into altered proportions and a reimagined precision-engineered architecture. The case measures 42 millimetres in diameter, making it both more compact and flatter in design. The case thickness is just 11.70 millimetres, compared to 16.10 millimetres for the Masterpiece 2. It is water-resistant to 50 metres.

Thanks to its transparent, three-dimensional design, the mechanism is clearly visible to the observer. The display is centrally positioned and serves as a calm focal point within a composition that otherwise centres on the resonance system, the four hammers, the four tuning springs and the visible centrifugal regulator. The latter is situated below the hammers on the dial side. It regulates the speed of the striking sequence and is, at the same time, a moving element within the visible structure.

Particularly striking is the repositioned resonance coupling. It now moves upwards, whilst the two balance wheels – the oscillating timekeepers of the movement – remain anchored on the dial side. This arrangement makes the synchronisation of these two systems a more prominent part of the visual narrative. It is not only the result that comes into focus, but also the connection that brings them together.

Two regulating systems with a shared purpose

At the heart of the watch lies the hand-wound ARR25 calibre. It draws its energy from the mainspring, which is wound manually in the Minute Repeater Resonance 12.59. Unlike a conventional movement, it is based on two independent regulating systems. Each has its own mainspring barrel, gear train, escapement and balance wheel. These two units are connected and synchronised via the patented resonance coupling.

The combination of resonance and minute repeater makes tuning particularly challenging. A striking mechanism relies on stored energy for its acoustic function; at the same time, the two independently designed regulating systems must continue to operate stably and in synchronisation. For this reason, it would not be sufficient in this system to simply install the components on a ‘plug-and-play’ basis. The flow of energy and the components must be coordinated in such a way that synchronisation is maintained over the long term, thereby fulfilling the central requirement of the design.

The built-in striking mechanism has also been further developed for this design. Four hammers and four gongs each produce a complete Westminster chime – all within a slim profile. The visible centrifugal regulator controls the speed of the striking sequence. As it is positioned beneath the hammers on the dial side, its technical function also becomes part of the design.

A second programme for the same mechanism

A column wheel switches between the two striking modes. As a control element, it determines which function the striking mechanism performs when triggered. A white and red indicator window informs the wearer of the currently selected mode. The slide control at 9 o’clock triggers the mechanism: when operated, it winds and activates the striking mechanism.

This operating logic is crucial to understanding the watch. ‘On Time’ and ‘12:59 Anytime’ are not simply different soundscapes for the same sequence, but two entirely different commands for the mechanism. In one case, it reads out the displayed time; in the other, it triggers the longest possible sequence of chimes. The additional function therefore requires its own switching mechanism and a display that clearly indicates the selected mode.

This is precisely where the technical significance of the seemingly playful 12:59 function lies. It expands the use of the minute repeater without compromising its original purpose. This additional complication allows the entire Westminster sequence to be experienced regardless of the time of day, thereby revealing just how many mechanical components work together during a single activation. The function therefore actually alters the control of the striking mechanism – it does not merely indicate a different mode.

Finishing that brings order

This clear structure is clearly reflected in the craftsmanship. On the dial side, mirror-polished and matt surfaces come together. Hammers, tone springs and the resonance coupling gleam with a mirror-polished finish, whilst the mainplate and bridges, finely matted, form the background. Hand-finished chamfers, polished recesses and finely crafted textures lend the components additional definition.

The centrifugal regulator forms a visual focal point on the dial. Beveled edges, circular graining and a matt engraving create a contrast of textures without obscuring its function. On the reverse, Geneva stripes, longitudinal and circular graining, and further hand-polished chamfers are added. The different finishes create a clear visual hierarchy: polished surfaces draw the eye to individual components, matted areas lend a sense of calm to the background, and the various finishes make the technical structure of the movement easy to follow.

The appeal of this watch therefore lies not merely in the sum of its functions. Its design demonstrates how complex mechanics become visible and are translated into sound via the striking mechanism: two coupled regulating systems, an intricately tuned striking mechanism, and a choice that transforms a single watch into two forms of time display.

Price and availability

The Armin Strom Minute Repeater Resonance 12:59 First Edition, reference M26-RMR.5N, is limited to 25 pieces and costs 390,000 Swiss francs.

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