Orbit Midnight Purple

The world’s first and only bezel-displayed date function

Armin Strom has completely reinterpreted the ubiquitous date function in the Orbit, the world’s first watch with an on-demand date indicated on the bezel. Cast in DLC-coated stainless steel and finished with a ceramic bezel, this stealthy new Orbit is punctuated by a dazzling new Midnight Purple fumé dial. Inside beats a first-of-its-kind column-wheel retrograde date atop the micro-rotor automatic movement with a torque-limiting barrel for optimal chronometric performance through the watch’s autonomy.

The Orbit’s innovative on-demand retrograde date hand essentially has two modes: a stationary mode and an active mode. When the date hand is in the stationary mode, it remains in its fixed position pointing at 12 o’clock, leaving the off-centred dial unobstructed. Using the pusher on the left side of the case, the date hand is ”engaged” and jumps to point at the correct date. In this mode, the date automatically advances once per day at midnight. With another push of the button, the hand returns to its stationary position, with a mechanical memory allowing it to jump back to the correct date whenever demanded by the wearer.

Now, while the black ceramic bezel highlighting the function of the pointer date shows restraint, the dial of this Orbit reference doesn’t hold back. The striking purple fumé finish shifts from a vivid purple center to darker edges, drawing the eye in. The purple date pointer and the date on the ceramic bezel match the dial’s color, creating a seamless design. A black DLC-coated case and rugged black textile strap complete the look with high-contrast impact.

True to Armin Strom’s singular approach of always highlighting the inner workings of mechanical watchmaking on the dial-side, the Orbit showcases the unique column-wheel mechanism for the retrograde on-demand date, as well as its innovative automatic winding mechanism with an efficient micro-rotor and mainspring barrel with an ingenious stop-work declutch mechanism. Discerning eyes will undoubtedly appreciate the intricate hand-finishing on the movement’s various elements.

Limited to 20 pieces

Specifications

Distinctions

• Column wheel date with on-demand retrograde function
• Equal Force mainspring barrel

Movement

• Winding-mechanism: Automatic with micro rotor turning on dial side
• Regulating system: Balance wheel with 4 regulating screws
• Frequency: 25.200 vph / 3,5 Hz
• Number of jewels: 30
• Power reserve: 72 hours

Case

• Black DLC-coated stainless steel with fixed ceramic bezel
• Sapphire crystal and case back with anti-reflective treatment
• Diameter: 43mm
• Height: 12.6mm
• Lug-to-Lug: 48mm
• Water-resistance: 50 m

Dial

• Purple-to-black colour gradient, indexes with Super-LumiNova® filling

Hands

• Rhodium, facetted and polished with Super-LumiNova® filling

Strap

• Black textile strap, DLC black coated stainless steel pin buckle
• Lug width: 22mm