A wind of change has been sweeping through the corridors at Corum. You may remember that the China Haidian Group (now Citychamp Watches and Jewellery Group) acquired Corum last year. Now changes are afoot. Antonio Calce, a CEO who was as committed to his business as any in the industry is gone, leaving behind the company which he had nurtured in the hands of what could be described as a “committee”. A portfolio reshuffle is an inevitable factor in such a transition and until the trimming down of models is complete we will all have to see what transpires in the next chapter of what was once one of Swiss watchmaking’s most colourful brands. For now let us admire a recent addition to the Bridges series, a collection which the new owners will surely nurture and continue.
Corum Golden Bridge Titanium
Corum Golden Bridge Titanium – Where It All Began
In the late 1970’s Corum’s founders noticed an unusual prototype calibre which had been developed by one of watchmaking’s rising stars, Vincent Calabrese who would go on to be a co-founder of the AHCI. His calibre was a new take on the “Baguette” watch movement which although popular during the Art Deco period had proved to be costly due the high cost of producing the unique components required in its make-up. M. Calabrese re-designed it and reduced the number of parts needed by simplifying the winding system. The unusual linear arrangement had an eccentricity which was entirely suited to the unconventionality of Corum’s portfolio and they had it in production in time for their 25th anniversary celebrations in 1980. In 2011 a new milestone for the Bridges collection was achieved with the addition of a linear oscillating weight thus producing the first Golden Bridge Automatic edition.
Corum Golden Bridge Titanium – Movement
Corum Golden Bridge Titanium – An Exquisite Illusion
There is an ethereal quality to all Golden Bridge models. With their inner workings exposed, the neatly lined-up mechanisms appear to be suspended within the sapphire creating an exquisite horological illusion. Open worked hands ensure that nothing spoils the panorama of the 18k red gold mainplate and bridges which on this piece are decorated with an extremely fine hand-crafted guilloche motif. The hour markers, also made from gold are applied directly onto the sapphire adding to the depth of the architecture.
Corum Golden Bridge Titanium
Corum Golden Bridge Titanium – A Superb Contrast
The Corum CO313 Calibre beats at 28,000 vibrations per hour and comprises of 194 parts, including a variable-inertia balance to guarantee long-term high precision. Behind the splendid arrangement of the movement, the marginally industrial platinum linear oscillating weight enables a power reserve of 40 hours and its inclusion in such a complex construction is surely a horological triumph. For this edition, a Grade 5 Titanium case, with black DLC treatment will not be to everyone’s taste, but it offers a superb contrast to the golden components and they glow with resplendence within their shadowy frame. The Corum Golden Bridge Automatic Titanium comes presented on a black crocodile strap fitted with a titanium pin buckle and is water-resistant to 30 metres. Sticker price 35,900€ !
