CORUM
Showing Its Black Side
In line with the tremendous transformation that has occurred at Corum over the last half-decade, few would come to Basel expecting anything lessthan great developments from the brand. And while the dark clouds were swirling in the skies above, orum took a positive step forward for the coming year by introducing its killer piece, the 007.
No, it’s not James Bond, but rather another 007, the Calibre CO 007. Distinctly elegant in its design yet powerfully contemporary, this new linear movement is encased in a unique baguette shape, made from sturdy titanium components, with its state-ofthe- art system secured by a row of trian- gular casing clamps to heart of case. With the 007 comes the Ti-Bridge, a 750-piece limited edition that is the crown jewel of the new collection, a titanium version of the unique bridge movement pioneered by Corum.
A material preferred for its lightness and strength, titanium provides an enormous challenge as it is difficult to use it as part of a machine. The CO 007 movements are all cut from grade 5 titanium, with the bridges in satin-finish and the large size barrel in a snailed finish. This calibre is powered with a 72-hour power reserve and comes equipped with a balance oscillating at the speed of 4 Hz.
The curved tonneau-shaped case of 42.5 mm and 41.5 mm is topped by a large convex sapphire crystal with a satin- finished case back. The large rectangular window and the PVD-coated crystal allows an intriguing view of the elements at work, along with a set of two titanium “cross bars”, screwed to the integrated flanges that signifies the aesthetic element of the whole structure, and the openworked Superluminova for optimum visibility at night.
For those looking for something a bit more feminine, Corum pays homage to the female fan of technical watches with the Golden Bridge Lady. Even at a glance, the Golden Bridge Lady embodies the enduring superior design of Corum. The case uses gold, diamond and sapphires in combination for extra luxury and is available in 18K red or white gold. The glittering 108 diamonds of the curved case are combined with 72 more set diamonds on the two horizontal flanges.
Not to be left out, of course, is the Admiral’s Cup series. This perennial best seller comes in this year with a new GMT 44, a succesful combination of the kinetic, youthful sporting drive with an element of aesthetic elegance. With a rather softer angle, thinner case and re-defined line, this fine timepiece offers a second time zone display appearing on the rim and pointed out by an unmistakably red arrow.
This piece is available in steel, red gold, or a red gold/steel combination, with a choice of genuine crocodile leather strap or a bracelet. Black was the star colour in Basel this year (as Corum CEO Antonio Calce correctly predicted last year in this magazine) and Corum picks up on that with the Admiral’s Cup Black Challenge. This piece uses black to instill an element of mystery in its design. The two models, in black or white dial, feature the emblematic twelve-sided case. A wonderful timepiece on the wrist of a discerning gentleman, the 44 mm diameter case is fashioned using a black PVD surface treatment, an exceptionally hard material coating. The twelve nautical pennants have been made monochromatic to enhance the deep shade of the black dial.
