Geneva, Switzerland -Reported by Elite Traveler, the Private Jet Lifestyle Magazine
Corum is re-issuing three “vintage” watches testifying to the know how and creativity of a brand celebrating its 55th anniversary this year. When René Bannwart created Corum in 1955, he was determined to place it in the vanguard of the watch industry. This choice gave rise to some amazing models that have become watchmaking classics, such as the Romvlvs and the Admiral’s Cup, and even full-fledged icons, like the Golden Bridge. Corum has not however chosen to express its creativity exclusively through masculine models, but has also made its creative mark by introducing feminine watches. 2010 provides an opportunity to rediscover three of them, since they are to be re-issued in limited series.
The first piece in this collection is the Golden Tube, which dates back to 1957. It embodies the inimitable style of the 1950s, a simple and geometrical design that remains imbued with a genuinely fanciful touch, while radiating a uniquely graceful elegance. Entirely reflecting the spirit of the era, the Golden Tube is in tune with the “Sack” dresses with their straight, pure lines launched by Hubert de Givenchy in 19571.
The Golden Tube – as much a watch as a piece of jewelry – is indeed formed by a 31mm long, 14.5 mm-diameter tube that is worn like a cuff-watch. Freely fixed to the bracelet along which it slides, this tube can thus be wrapped around the wrist like a lucky charm on its bracelet. Its polished gold case is surrounded by gem-set lines forming diamond gadroons. Its sides are also set with concentric lines of gems. The model is thus embellished by 342 gemstones in all, totaling 3.58 carats. The case is enhanced by a fluted crown positioned at 12 o’clock and adorned with a white mother-of-pearl cabochon. The dial comes either set with diamonds or in white mother-of-pearl with three diamonds at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The model is available in white or red gold, and may be fitted with an alligator leather strap or a gem-set gold bracelet. It will be issued in a limited numbered edition of 30 pieces red gold and in white gold.
The second re-edition in this trio of Vintage watches was introduced in 1958. Nicknamed the Chinese Hat, its shape does indeed evoke the hat worn by peasants working in the rice fields of the Middle Kingdom. The round case and its sapphire crystal are cambered along the 6-12 o’clock axis, and these curves are accentuated by the diamond-set lines playing around the bezel. The 33 mm-diameter case is studded with 142 full-cut diamonds totaling 2.44 carats. This watch comes with a white mother-of-pearl dial enhanced by three diamonds or, for those who prefer a more richly jeweled version, a dial entirely paved with diamonds. In order to preserve the pure, smooth lines of the case, the miniature quartz movement is set to time by means of a corrector concealed beneath the case. The watch is available in red gold or white gold with a leather strap or gem-set gold bracelet, and it will be issued in a limited numbered edition of 30 pieces in red gold and in white gold.
The third model re-issued by Corum is the Round Golden Bridge, the most resolutely “horological” of the three, since it beats to the cadence of the legendary C0113 baguette movement. This micromechanical masterpiece was created by Corum exactly 30 years ago. Accommodating its 140 components housed within a space just 33 mm long, 3 mm high and less than 5 mm thick represents a remarkable feat, especially when one considers that this mechanical hand-wound caliber is equipped with a variable-inertia balance beating at a frequency of 4 Hertz and ensuring optimal reliability and precision. Other refined technical features include a barrel equipped with slip-springs, a 40-hour power reserve, as well as the solid gold hand-engraved mainplate and bridges. This model enables connoisseurs to admire its finishing from all angles, due to the fact that its guilloché-work dial is placed not above, but rather on either side of the movement, and also thanks to the transparent caseback.
The large 41 mm case diameter and opening thus fully reveal the caliber in all its splendid majesty. Even the hands are open worked so as not to hide as little of possible of the movement, which is truly given pride of place. The Round Golden Bridge will be issued in a limited edition of 75 pieces.
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These three Vintage editions forming a decidedly exclusive collection will be available in the brand’s own-name boutiques (in Geneva, Hong Kong and Shanghai), as well as from around ten selected retailers worldwide as of end of October.
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