Armin Strom Tribute 1 - References, Prices and Owners' Reviews

Armin Strom Tribute 1 was launched in 2021 in Biel as a contemporary take on the dress watch: a hand-wound three-hander with an off-center time display and a proudly showcased “motor barrel” on the dial. Designed for effortless daily wear, it targets independent-watchmaking fans who want something thin, legible and exquisitely finished, without ostentation.

Contemporary design, off-center dial and Armin Strom “lip”

The Tribute 1’s visual signature pairs an off-center hours/minutes/seconds sub-dial with a visible barrel held by a mirror-polished finger bridge; it sits in a 38 mm case with straight flanks, a slim bezel, angular lugs and the brand’s small “lip” at 6 o’clock. The crown sits at 2 o’clock, an ergonomic and stylistic choice that defines the model’s character. These cues, drawn by co-founder/technical lead Claude Greisler, anchor the Tribute 1 in Armin Strom’s language while refining it for the city.

Caliber AMW21: motor barrel, 100-hour reserve and hand finishing

Inside is the in-house, hand-wound AMW21 (21 jewels, 25,200 vph, 135 parts). Its “motor barrel”—with the arbor turning around the mainspring inside the barrel—delivers about 100 hours of power while saving space. Flip the watch and a large three-quarter bridge shows Geneva stripes with 60° anglage and perlage—finishing levels seldom seen at this price; as with all Armin Strom calibers, the movement is assembled twice to meet tight tolerances.

Dimensions, wear and clarity: 38 mm, ~9.38 mm thick, 50 m

Built for cuffs, the steel (or rose-gold) case measures 38 mm by ~9.38 mm with AR-coated sapphire crystals front and back and 50 m water resistance. This compact, slim footprint makes for stable, discreet wear while the off-center display stays instantly legible. Alternating brushed/polished surfaces and in-house polished steel hands catch light without glare.

Audience, positioning and what matters

Tribute 1 is for independent-watch lovers seeking a different dress watch, focused on mechanics and ergonomics. Early steel editions opened at about CHF 13,900 (First Edition 2021), the California run followed (~EUR 16,500), then more exclusive fumé pieces (2023) at ~CHF 19,900/EUR 23,100 and a rose-gold edition (2022). Rather than headline specs, you’re buying singular architecture, a visible barrel-train “choreography” and hand finishing you can appreciate at a glance.

Timeline anchors and principal models (2021–2025)

(2021) Armin Strom Tribute 1 First Edition:

The debut run (25 pieces) set the model’s grammar: 38 mm steel, ~9.38 mm thick, crown at 2, grained anthracite plate, off-center sub-dial top-left and a barrel at about 4–5 o’clock under a polished solid-white-gold bridge. Caliber AMW21 delivers ~100 hours and, uniquely for this run, a 10-year warranty. Balanced on-wrist, immediately legible and characterful without being large; a highly resolved “first step” that sold swiftly. (Launch price ~CHF 13,900.)

 

(2021) Armin Strom Tribute 1 California:

A colourful limited series (25 total, five fumé shades) with a California dial mixing Roman and Arabic numerals over a guilloché plate. The core ease remains: 38 mm, 50 m, hand-wound AMW21 100 h, crown at 2 and meticulous hand finishing. The vibe is more casual-chic with lively light play and preserved readability—an expressive signature that still works as a dress watch. (Announced late 2021, ~EUR 16,500/CHF 17,900.)

 

(2021) Armin Strom Tribute 1 (steel, regular production):

Following the First Edition, ongoing steel variants consolidated the line with understated dials (black, blue, grey) and the same technical core. The appeal lies in the size/thickness balance and the staged barrel that gives the dial “breathing space”. This is the straightforward way to get the “pure” Tribute 1 design without chasing limited runs, yet still enjoying high-level finishing and rigorous assembly.

(2022) Armin Strom Tribute 1 Rose Gold:

The first precious-metal iteration (100 pieces): still 38 mm/9.38 mm, 50 m, but with added warmth and density—barrel bridge, hands and even-hour markers rendered to match. The crown at 2 and the barrel under its polished bridge heighten the gold/anthracite contrast while AMW21 keeps its 100 hours. A dressier, yet light-wearing expression that stays faithful to the line’s minimalist-technical brief. (Officially introduced October 2022.)

(2023) Armin Strom Tribute 1 Fumé (Ocean, Slate, Sky, Burgundy):

A steel quartet (10 pieces per colour) with vivid fumé sub-dials over guilloché plates crafted by Kari Voutilainen’s atelier. It preserves 38 mm, ~9.38 mm, 50 m, hand-wound AMW21 with 100 h and the crown at 2, but adds more expressive light play. The shifting tones deepen the dial’s relief and spotlight the bridge finishing. Launched around Dubai Watch Week 2023 (about CHF 19,900/EUR 23,100).

(2025) Armin Strom Tribute 1 Sandstein:

A warm, sandstone-toned edition (38 mm steel) inspired by Burgdorf’s native stone: off-center guilloché time dial, frosted plate, visible barrel under polished finger bridge and the AMW21 within. The mineral palette and texture bring a cosy classicism without diluting the modern architecture. Limited (announced at 50 pieces), 50 m, double AR sapphire—material-minded character added to the line.

Conclusion

The Tribute 1 is a modern dress watch focused on essentials: architecture, finishing and comfort, with a hand-wound movement designed to go the distance. It’s meant for those who want original, quietly technical presence, far from complication one-upmanship. To decide, weigh context (office/evening), your taste for textures (fumé/guilloché/sandstone) and the allure of limited editions. For judgment beyond the spec sheet, nothing beats Dialicious customer reviews.

(Updated August 2025)