Since its inception in 1955, Corum has always been on the cutting edge of design and technology, regularly taking risks with daring looks and innovative movements. That may be why the brand is known for many different icons in time, from the Coin watch to Admiral and Bubble. Easily the strongest legend in the Corum lineup, though, is the Golden Bridge watch with the world’s first-ever in-line baguette movement that was first released in 1980. Just over 30 years later, in 2011, Corum released an automatic version of the in-line movement that also took the world by storm. A full deconstruction of the Corum Golden Bridge Automatic can be found on The Naked Watchmaker Website.
Now, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Automatic Golden Bridge, Corum takes another leap, unveiling a new Automatic Golden Bridge series with avant-garde case that delivers sweeping views of the meticulously finished movement.
The original, almost rebellious, in-line movement was first created in the 1970’s by Vincent Calabrese. A self-taught Italian watchmaker with a passion for doing things differently, Calabrese had begun working on the idea of showcasing an incredible movement as an integral part of the overall design of the watch. He presented his patented concept, a 45-piece highly skeletonized in-line movement, at the 1977 Geneva International Inventors’ Show and the astute management at Corum immediately acquired the patent and worked with Calabrese to develop the revolutionary movement.
The first Corum Golden Bridge, with movement parts made of gold, made its debut at the 1980 Basel Fair. The alluring calibre – showcased in all its glory – was an immediate success and captured hearts around the world. Since then, all of the iterations and evolutions – with their minimalist design and gorgeous baguette movement – have left an indelible impression on the watch collecting world.
Naturally, when Corum opted to create an automatic version, it turned to its strong research and design team to develop the complex calibre. The creation was more than four years in the making, as the brand tirelessly pursued a way to showcase a floating linear movement with an oscillating weight on rails. The Corum Golden bridge Automatic, unveiled in 2011, ushered in a new era for this contemporary icon.
Corum 10th Anniversary Golden Bridge Automatic Collection
In honor of the 10th anniversary of the automatic in-line movement, Corum releases the new Golden Bridge Automatic series. Consisting of four models, the tonneau-shaped case offers a dramatic view of the movement thanks to the panoramic sapphire crystal and case back in a larger size. Also, for the first time, Corum creates the sapphire crystal as a single sapphire piece that extends from the top crystal to the sides of the watch – allowing for a 360-degree view inside. Sapphire is one of the most difficult materials to deal with as it is brittle and can break in the manufacturing process. It also requires special attention to corners and metal case connections to render the watch water-resistant. However, Corum’s in-house engineers and watchmakers have mastered the process with this single piece that covers the top and sides.
The new versions feature cases created in polishable Grade 5 titanium with the crown at 6:00 for ergonomic comfort and for aesthetic appeal. They include a titanium and 18-karat gold model in a limited edition of 150 pieces, and a full titanium version in an edition of just 50 pieces. Each of these two materials are also offered with diamonds set on the case. Just 100 pieces of the diamond-set titanium-and-gold version will be produced, and only 25 of the diamond-set titanium watch will be made.
Additionally, Corum has invented a discretely placed floating harness system for its hand-applied indexes, yielding a highly modern and sophisticated flair. The design is actually born out of the need for function. Because there is no dial to affix the indexes to, the harness system links to the movement base so that the markers seem to be floating in space. As indicated in the series name – Golden Bridge – the main plates and bridges of the movement are in 18-karat gold for all versions.
All of the 10th anniversary Golden Bridge Automatic watches boast a sapphire case back made of smoked crystal for an almost mystical look. Additionally, they are all powered by the original automatic movement that remains incredibly advanced even by today’s standards. With all of its 194 parts in one line, the exclusive Corum Caliber C0313 boasts 40 hours of power reserve, a variable inertia balance wheel for long-term precision, a miniaturized barrel and main plate, bridges made of 18-karat gold, and a platinum linear oscillating weight.
Water resistant to 30 meters, the Corum Golden Bridge Automatic 10th anniversary watches are finished with a soft-touch alligator strap and triple folding clasp. If the new case and breathtaking side views aren’t enough, perhaps the best thing about this series is the amazing new entry-level price for the Golden Bridge Automatic.
