Feathers are typically used to extravagantly decorate stage costumes, adorn the fashions on haute couture runways or to embellish hats with a touch of panache. But now the feather glamorizes the dials of Corum’s new Heritage Artisan Feather Collection. These feathered timepieces reflect the feel of 1970s design while also bringing to life Corum’s watchmaking traditions and expert artistry. The firm utilizes a long-term relationship it has with artisans, suppliers and schools such as the l’Ecole des Arts in La Chaux-de-Fonds or ECAL, a renowned artistic school in Lausanne.
Artistic Vision
Corum emphasizes the innate beauty of birds by adorning the dials of three models in the collection with the vibrant plumes of peacocks or blue jays. The firm’s artisans create their miniature masterpieces using only genuine feathers that were naturally shed and gathered from either zoos or bird farms.
Each feather is hand selected, with close attention paid to the color, density and finesse of each example before being gently cleaned, steam-stabilized and carefully re-cut by hand. In the one-week process, artisans create beautiful motifs using plumasserie, a feather art technique that requires great dexterity and concentration. Each feather needs to be individually positioned on the pieces. Each is a one-of-a-kind feathered dial.
Blue Jay
This model displays a lively diamonds and blue jay feathers. Within the small canvas of the 39mm stainless steel case, the contrasting hues of blue fashion an alluring dial while the distinct qualities of the feather intensify the depth. Enhancing the femininity of this watch is the bezel glittering with fifty-four round diamonds totaling 1.63 carats and complementing the marquetry work of the blue jay feathers.
In addition, Corum includes two 39mm models featuring lustrous peacock feathers cased in a rich red gold, yellow gold or steel case. Perfectly and painstakingly placed on the dial, the peacock feathers are framed by shimmering diamonds along the bezel and dial. A total of 2.21 carats of sparkling diamonds embellish the red gold version and radiates elegance and grace. The stainless steel version focuses on the rich tones of the peacock feathers and accented with 1.69 carats around the bezel. Together the diamonds and iridescent peacock feathers offer a rare aesthetic one can admire endlessly.
Beyond the Feathers
Below these dials Corum has placed an automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve. All the details of the movement (along with the Corum-embellished rotor) are visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. Each watch arrives with two straps, a white satin strap with a tang buckle and alligator leather strap depending on your outfit or mode. This collection is ready for flight!