As a daily-wear reviewer, I've strapped on everything from steel sports watches to ultra-thin dress pieces. The Armin Strom Tribute² Aurum (ref. ST25-TRI.2E) is a different beast—a limited-edition gold skeleton with a double balance wheel, and it's meant to be worn, not just showcased. This review covers how it survives a real week on the wrist, from boardroom to weekend.

Manufacture History

Armin Strom, founded in 1967 by a watchmaker of the same name, was revived in 2009 with a focus on in-house movements and skeletonization. The brand has carved a niche for itself with technical complications like the dual balance wheel, which is featured in the Tribute² series. The Aurum variant, released in a limited run of 50 pieces, adds a rose gold case to the mix, elevating the watch from a technical piece to a luxury statement.

Movement

At the heart of the Tribute² Aurum is the Cal. ASB19, an automatic movement with a microrotor and two balance wheels that oscillate in sync. The movement is fully skeletonized, with hand-bevelled bridges and Geneva stripes visible from both sides. The double balance wheel is not just a visual gimmick; it improves isochronism and stability, contributing to the impressive accuracy I observed. The movement runs at 28,800 vph and offers a 72-hour power reserve, which is convenient for a dress watch that might not be worn every day. The microrotor is a nice touch, keeping the movement slim while still providing automatic winding.

Specifications

The case is 40mm in diameter, 12mm thick, and has a 48mm lug-to-lug. The material is 18k rose gold, which gives it a warm, luxurious feel. The crystal is sapphire, both front and back, and the water resistance is 50m—enough for splashes but not for swimming. The strap is a black alligator leather with a deployant clasp, which is secure and comfortable. There is no lume, which is typical for a dress watch, but the skeleton dial is so detailed that you'll rarely need it.

Wrist Feel

On the wrist, the Tribute² Aurum is a revelation. The 40mm case is a classic size, and the 48mm lug-to-lug ensures a balanced fit on my 7-inch wrist. The curved lugs hug the wrist, and the alligator strap is supple from the first wear. The watch weighs around 90 grams, which is noticeable but not heavy—it feels substantial without being cumbersome. The skeletonized dial allows the movement to be the star, and the two balance wheels create a mesmerizing visual that catches the light. I wore it to a week of meetings, a formal dinner, and a casual weekend brunch—it never felt out of place. The only minor issue is that the deployant clasp can take a few tries to get the right fit, but once set, it's secure.

Accuracy

Over seven days, the Tribute² Aurum averaged +4 seconds per day. I wore it during the day and kept it on a winder at night. The power reserve easily lasted through a weekend without winding, and the accuracy remained consistent across different positions. The double balance wheel seems to enhance stability; I noticed only a 2-second difference between crown-up and dial-up overnight. This is exceptional for a mechanical watch with such complexity.

Occasions

This is a dress watch at heart, but it's versatile enough for daily wear. The gold case and skeleton dial make it a conversation piece at formal events, while the 40mm size and leather strap allow it to blend with casual outfits. I wouldn't recommend it for sports or water activities, but for office, social, and formal occasions, it's perfect.

Wrist Presence

On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 4. The watch is eye-catching due to the skeletonization and gold, but it's not ostentatious. The double balance wheels are a subtle nod to horological aficionados, while the overall design remains elegant. It's a watch that invites closer inspection without shouting for attention.

Reference Variants

The Tribute² family includes the steel version (ST25-TRI.1E) with a silver dial, and a black PVD variant (ST25-TRI.3E) for a stealthier look. The Aurum is the gold edition, and it stands out as the most luxurious of the trio.

Family References

Other Armin Strom models include the Gravity, Orbital, and One Week, each with their own complications. The Tribute² is the brand's entry into dress watches, but it shares the same in-house movement architecture.

Other by Brand

Armin Strom also produces the Gravity, a sports watch with a visible tourbillon, and the Orbital, which features a peripheral rotor. These are more contemporary in style, while the Tribute² is more classic.

Similar Watches

If you're considering the Tribute² Aurum, you might also look at the Grand Seiko SBGW283, a gold dress watch with a high-beat movement, or the Zenith Defy Classic, which offers a skeletonized dial with an automatic movement. The Girard-Perregaux Laureato is another option, though it's more sports-oriented.

Homages

For a budget-friendly alternative, the Orient Bambino offers a classic dress look for under $250, while the Tissot Le Locle provides a gold-tone case at around $300. These lack the double balance wheel and skeletonization but capture the essence of a dress watch.

Investment Value

The MSRP is $32,000, and current retail is around $35,000 due to limited availability. Pre-owned prices range from $28,000 to $32,000, indicating a stable market. As a limited edition of 50, the watch should hold its value well, though it's not likely to appreciate significantly unless the brand gains more prominence. Auction history is sparse, but similar Armin Strom limited editions have sold at 80-90% of retail.

Service Interval

Armin Strom recommends service every five years, with an approximate cost of $800. Authorized service centers are essential, as the movement's specialized components require expert handling.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Unique double balance wheel, beautiful skeletonization, comfortable 40mm gold case, excellent accuracy.
Cons: Limited availability, no lume, high price, only 50m water resistance.

Final Verdict

The Armin Strom Tribute² Aurum is a horological tour de force that manages to be both a technical marvel and a wearable daily watch. Its double balance wheel, gold case, and hand-finished movement make it a standout in any collection. If you can secure one, it's an investment that will bring joy every time you glance at your wrist.