Armin Strom is no stranger to the world of fast cars and precision racing. The Swiss independent brand actually used parts from F1 cars in its Racing Collection of watches. So, when the brand announced its partnership with racecar driver Max Chilton in his IndyCar endeavors – it didn’t shock anyone. However, the newest timepiece made in honor of that relationship – the Max Chilton Edge Double Barrel Limited Edition watch – just might take you by surprise.
“We already had a good relationship with Max from our F1 Team Marussia days,” explains Claude Greisler, Director of Armin Strom. “So when he announced he was joining IndyCar this year, we were right on board. Then, when we decided to make a watch to honor that, it was just a question of which collection we should do it with.”
The consensus, it seems, was to use the newly released (at Baselworld 2016) Edge Double Barrel series. With its bold look, geometric angles and notched bezel, the watch seemed perfect for customizing.
The consensus, it seems, was to use the newly released (at Baselworld 2016) Edge Double Barrel series. With its bold look, geometric angles and notched bezel, the watch seemed perfect for customizing.
Max Chilton, an avid watch lover, was happy to roll up his sleeves and go to work with Armin Strom on a design that underscores his racing roots. Driving this year in IndyCar with Gallagher/Chip Ganassi Team, Chilton opted to incorporate the car number, 8, and team color, blue, into the watch.
Crafted in black PVD steel, the 46.8mm Edge Double Barrel Max Chilton watch incorporates the IndyCar number 8 on the power-reserve indicator subdial, which is also the sub-seconds dial. The 8 is further enhanced with a decorative motif of the Union Jack flag—recalling Chilton’s British heritage. The numerals on the watch are in racing blue and the stitching on the black alligator strap is in shimmering silver to emulate the sleek car.
Powered by the 194-part ARM 16 manual-wind, in-house-made movement, the timepiece is equipped with double barrels that offer eight days of power reserve. The barrels are visible through the sapphire caseback – where one also can view the “Max” logo plate. Additionally, the watch is hand-finished with a non-traditional cross-grinding motif that gives it a rough, metallic appeal. It is also sold with a second strap in black rubber – again a nod to auto racing. Just eight pieces will be made (with the No. 1 piece belonging to Max Chilton). It retails for 26,900 Swiss Francs.
“The synergies between auto racing and watchmaking are inherent,” explains Sebastian Marten, head of marketing for Armin Strom. “Both are about precision, passion and success. Also, our team at Armin Strom, 23 people, all work together to create the best possible product. The same is true of Chilton and his team. It is the perfect fit.”
