On the heels of launching its dynamic “Risk is the Reward” campaign, Corum takes the concept of daring innovation to all new heights with the Corum LAB 02 timepiece. Defying all watchmaking convention, the technically advanced watch boasts a new movement that was two years in the research and development stages. Revolutionary in its design, the new caliber is equipped with a flying gear train, and a host of other firsts for the brand.
The LAB 02 is a perfect example of aesthetic perfection and extraordinary craftsmanship. The highly complicated manual movement stretches the imagination as well as the physical constraints of watchmaking. In its creation, Corum’s development team’s members challenged themselves to offer not only a flying tourbillon, but also a flying gear train of sorts. The question they posed: “What if the movement doesn’t have bridges?” They then tirelessly pursued their unconventional quest.
Two years later, Corum unleashes the LAB 02. Its caliber CO 300 consists of an impressive 416 individual components, each meticulously skeletonized and finely finished. Each piece is hand assembled in a unique format with a flying tourbillon at 6:00, with flying wheels that track the hours, minutes and seconds, and with the bridge set directly onto the mainplate.
Additionally, building a movement that is not sandwiched between the mainplate and bridge was a technical challenge that had to be overcome. The LAB02 required a much longer axis for the gear train, and, without having a top bridge, needed ball bearings instead of rubies on the mainplate to add strength and stability. The single mainplate has also been highly skeletonized. The entire movement is then placed on a fully transparent sapphire plate that allows for magnificent visibility and gives the appearance that the elements are all floating in space.
LAB 02 is further equipped with a grand date function at 4:00 and its power reserve indicator (55 hours) is unusually placed so that it is visible via a sapphire glass on the side of the case at 8:00. Because of the extremely complicated nature of this 45mm watch, just 10 pieces will be made, each identified by a specific plate number on the barrel.
Each LAB 02 can be customized, as well, enabling personal selection of the color of gold, the choice of diamond cuts and settings, or even of colored gemstones. The starting price of the watch, in gold, without diamonds, is CHF 180,000.
Staying true to its founding philosophy of always being Avant Garde in order to preserve its future, Corum developed the LAB series to showcase its unprecedented foray into distinctive and fearless watchmaking. The LAB 02 is the second laboratory watch to make its debut, with LAB 01 released in early 2019. This new pillar of the Corum family pays tribute to the brand’s founders who were always risk takers and nonconformists. The entire premise of the LAB series is to break the mold by thinking outside of the proverbial box. LAB 02 certainly delivers.
About CORUM
Founded in 1955, Corum represents creative and daring watchmaking. Corum uses an approach free of dogmas that enables a reconceptualisation of movement construction, its casing, and the artistic crafts that brighten the dial. Behind the many technical achievements (baguette movement) and aesthetic achievements (Coin Watch, Feather, Bubble), Corum continues the tradition of high-quality watchmaking that is ahead of its time.
Corum, established in La Chaux-de-Fonds, is opening itself up to the contemporary, street art, and classical art worlds, and in doing so attracting the attention of various trendsetters. At once disruptive yet respectful of its watchmaking heritage, Corum maintains its status of a niche brand aimed at demanding collectors of unconventional timepieces. Corum is currently based on five collections that embody its vision of 21st-century watchmaking: Admiral, Golden Bridge, Heritage, Lab, and Bubble.
Corum Lab 02 Technical Specifications
MOVEMENT
- Movement number: CO 300
- Winding system: Manual
- Functions:
- Hour & Minute
- Date
- Flying tourbillon
- Power reserve
- Power reserve: 55 hours
- Frequency: 3 Hz, 21’600 vph
- Dimension: 16 1/2”’
- Rubies: 33
DIAL
- Material: No dial
HANDS
- Hour and minute
- Baton
- Rhodium-coated
- Faceted
CASE
- Shape: Round
- Dimension: 45 mm
- Thickness: 13.40 mm
- Case material: 5N 18kt rose gold
- Crown material: 5N 18kt rose gold
- Horns material: 5N 18kt rose gold
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Back type: Open screw back, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Water-resistance: 30 meters / 3 ATM
BRACELET
- Material: Alligator leather
- Colours: Brown
- Interhorn/Buckle: 22/18 mm
- Buckle type: Triple folding clasp
- Buckle material: 5N 18kt rose gold
Additional information regarding Corum Lab 02
The recommended retail price starts at CHF 180K (SGD 288,900) for the Rose Gold version. There are available for order Corum Lab 02 in white gold and variants with diamond-setting in white and rose gold.
The Corum Lab 02 is a customizable watch. It will be produced on demand with the customer’s wishes. A client can choose between white or rose gold calibre and case variations as mentioned above. The production is limited to 10 pieces worldwide.
The RG version (a unique piece) is already available for delivery. The watches are available, by order, in 6-8 weeks (excluding summer holidays) upon receipt of orders.
