Armin Strom, founder of his eponymous watchmaking business in 1967, has died aged 86.
A skilled finisher with a particular specialization in skeleton movements and dials, Mr Strom initially made watches that he sold through his own store in Burgdorf, Switzerland, but revealed his craftmanship to the world in 1984 with a first showcase at Baselworld.
In 2006, he sold the company to the family of Serge Michel, which has run the company since under the leadership of master watchmaker Claude Greisler.
Mr Strom officially retired at the age of 73 in 2011, having passed on much of his knowledge to the new owners.
“Armin provided me with many insights and opened new possibilities as a watchmaker. He was a role model for me and became a friend. He embodied the art of watchmaking in perfection,” Mr Greisler says.
Mr Michel adds: “Armin was the heart and the soul of our brand; we will miss him deeply. His love for open-worked movements and perfection in the decoration of movement parts has remained an integral part of our daily efforts. His natural flair, warmth, and infectious good humour are traits that we aim to adopt both as individuals and as characteristics of our brand.”