In the realm of haute horlogerie, where timekeeping transcends mere functionality and evolves into an art form,
Corum has consistently stood as a beacon of innovation and audacity. With the unveiling of the Golden Bridge "Serpent," a unique piece that marries exceptional watchmaking with intricate artistry, Corum once again demonstrates its unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of horological excellence.
Founded in 1955, Corum has etched its name in the annals of watchmaking history through a relentless pursuit of creativity and a penchant for groundbreaking designs. From the iconic Coin Watch to the playful Bubble and the technically sophisticated Admiral, Corum's creations have captivated collectors and enthusiasts with their distinctive aesthetics and pioneering spirit.
Courtesy of Corum
At the heart of Corum's legacy lies the Golden Bridge collection, a testament to the brand's ability to reimagine the very essence of watchmaking. The story of the Golden Bridge began in 1977 at the International Inventors' Fair in Geneva, where independent watchmaker Vincent Calabrese presented a revolutionary concept: a watch movement designed not just for functionality, but also for visual splendor. Corum, recognizing the potential of this groundbreaking idea, acquired the patent and embarked on a collaboration with Calabrese to bring his vision to life.
The genesis of the Golden Bridge was rooted in a simple yet profound observation. Calabrese, frustrated by the prevailing notion that watch movements were merely utilitarian components hidden beneath the dial, sought to create a timepiece that celebrated the intricate beauty of its mechanical heart. The result was a watch where the movement itself took center stage, its delicate gears and bridges exposed for all to admire.
Launched in 1980 at the Basel Fair, the first Golden Bridge was an instant sensation, garnering critical acclaim and solidifying Corum's reputation as a true innovator. The watch's linear baguette movement, with its bridges and main plate crafted from hand-engraved 18-carat gold, was a technical and aesthetic marvel, a testament to the brand's dedication to pushing the boundaries of horological craftsmanship.
The Golden Bridge "Serpent," the latest addition to this illustrious lineage, is a testament to Corum's unwavering commitment to innovation and artistry. Housed within a 5N rose gold tonneau-shaped case, the watch features sapphire crystals on nearly all sides, offering an unobstructed view of the intricate Golden Bridge CO 113 movement within.
Courtesy of Corum
Comprising over 190 components, this manually wound movement beats at a frequency of 4 Hz and boasts an impressive 40-hour power reserve, a testament to the ingenuity of Corum's watchmakers. The movement's precision is further enhanced by a variable inertia balance, meticulously adjusted to ensure optimal performance.
But what truly sets the Golden Bridge "Serpent" apart is its seamless integration of artistry and mechanics. At the heart of the watch, amidst a lush jungle of hand-painted leaves and vines, a meticulously sculpted serpent winds its way around the iconic Golden Bridge movement. This miniature masterpiece, crafted from 18-carat gold, is a testament to the skill and dedication of Corum's artisans, requiring nearly a hundred hours of painstaking work to bring to life.
The serpent, its scales and sinuous form rendered in exquisite detail, adds a touch of dynamism and intrigue to the watch's design. Its presence, juxtaposed against the mechanical precision of the Golden Bridge movement, creates a captivating visual narrative, a testament to the harmonious coexistence of art and horology.
The Golden Bridge "Serpent" is a feast for the eyes, a symphony of textures, colors, and forms that captivates the beholder from the first glance. The watch's 5N rose gold case, with its warm, lustrous sheen, provides a luxurious backdrop for the intricate tableau within.
The dial, or rather the absence of a traditional dial, is a defining feature of the Golden Bridge "Serpent." Instead, the sapphire crystals on the front, back, and sides of the case offer a panoramic view of the movement and its artistic embellishments. The serpent, rendered in vivid hues of green, red, and gold, slithers through a meticulously hand-painted jungle scene, its presence both mesmerizing and awe-inspiring.
Courtesy of Corum
The Golden Bridge movement itself, with its linear arrangement of gears and bridges, is a marvel of engineering and aesthetics. The bridges and main plate, crafted from 18-carat gold and adorned with delicate engravings, showcase the meticulous craftsmanship that defines Corum's creations. The movement's rhythmic oscillations, visible through the sapphire crystals, add a touch of dynamism to the watch's overall aesthetic, creating a sense of living, breathing artistry.
The beating heart of the Golden Bridge Classic Snake is the caliber CO 113, a testament to Corum's mastery of mechanical watchmaking. This hand-wound movement, composed of over 190 meticulously assembled components, is a marvel of engineering and precision. Its linear baguette architecture, a hallmark of the Golden Bridge collection, showcases the intricate interplay of gears, bridges, and springs, all meticulously finished and adorned with delicate engravings.
The movement's bridges and main plate, crafted from 18-carat gold, add a touch of opulence and exclusivity. The hand-engraved motifs on these components further elevate the watch's artistic appeal, transforming it into a wearable sculpture that celebrates the beauty of mechanical ingenuity.
Courtesy of Corum
The CO 113 operates at a frequency of 4 Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensuring accurate timekeeping and a smooth sweep of the hands. The movement's power reserve of 40 hours, a remarkable feat considering its compact size, is a testament to the efficiency of its design and the skill of Corum's watchmakers.
The Golden Bridge Classic Snake is housed in a tonneau-shaped case crafted from 5N rose gold, a precious metal known for its warm, lustrous hue and exceptional durability. The case measures 34.00 mm in width and 51.00 mm in length, striking a balance between elegance and presence on the wrist. With a thickness of 11.00 mm, the watch sits comfortably and discreetly, while still showcasing its intricate details.
The case's open back design, protected by a sapphire crystal, offers an unobstructed view of the mesmerizing Golden Bridge movement and the artistic embellishments that adorn it. The sapphire crystals on the front and sides of the case further enhance the watch's transparency, allowing light to flood the movement and illuminate its every nuance.
The crown, also crafted from 5N rose gold, is adorned with the Corum logo, a subtle reminder of the brand's heritage and commitment to excellence. The watch's water resistance of 30 meters ensures protection against accidental splashes and brief immersion, making it suitable for everyday wear.
The Golden Bridge Classic Snake's hands, crafted from 5N gold-toned material, are skeletonized and faceted, adding a touch of refinement and visual intrigue. Their baton shape complements the watch's overall aesthetic, while their openwork design allows for an unobstructed view of the movement beneath.
Courtesy of Corum
The watch is paired with a luxurious brown alligator leather strap, its supple texture and rich color harmonizing perfectly with the warmth of the rose gold case. The strap is secured with a triple-blade folding clasp, also crafted from 5N rose gold, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist.
As a unique piece, the Corum Golden Bridge Classic Snake is a testament to the brand's dedication to exclusivity and craftsmanship. Its recommended retail price of CHF 250,000.- reflects the rarity of its design, the complexity of its movement, and the artistry that defines its every detail.