Corum this week debuts the latest version of its always eye-catching Golden Bridge, an open-air linear movement initially devised more than three decades ago by AHCI co-founder Vincent Calabrese. In recent years Corum has displayed this capsule-shaped movement, fully upgraded to modern specifications by watchmaker Laurent Besse, hosted in a range of case metals and with or without an equally fascinating linear winding mechanism.
You may recall last year’s first-ever round cased version, the Golden Bridge Round, which for the first drew the movement out of its long-time tonneau-shaped stage.
This year Corum again puts the corners back on the Golden Bridge with this Golden Bridge Rectangle, a handsome iteration that places the in-line manual-wind Caliber CO113 inside a smooth-edged rectangular rose gold case that measures 29.50mm x 42.20mm. The caliber is attached to the case at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions while clinging to a beautifully engraved –yes – golden bridge.
Six Art Deco-influenced Roman numerals, attached to two additional gold bridges, surround the open caliber, though they never touch it. Rivets reminiscent of real bridge construction serve as markers on each of these bridges.
As with all Corum’s Golden Bridge watches replica, this new example again invites the wearer to follow the transfer of energy from the bottom of the case, where the spring barrel is seen, to the top, where the escapement controls its release. Watching this mechanical ballet play out in such an unusual arrangement has always been key to the Golden Bridge’s success, regardless of the particular stage Corum employs to highlight it. With this latest example, the show continues to draw rave reviews.
Corum’s Golden Bridge Rectangle will officially debut at Baselworld 2017. Price: $36,900.
Specifications:
Corum Golden Bridge Rectangle
MOVEMENT
Movement number: Manual-wind CO 113
Functions: Hour & Minut
Power reserve: 40 hours
Frequency: 4 Hz, 28’800 vph
Dimension: 14 3/4”’ x 5”
Movement finishes: Bridges and plate in 18kt gold
DIAL
Distinctive features: Structures in 18kt gold
CASE
Shape: Rectangular
Dimension: 29.50 x 42.20
Thickness: 9.30 mm
Case material: 5N 18kt rose gold
Crown material: 5N 18kt rose gold
Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
Back type: Screwed in open back cover in 5N 18k rose gold with glare proof sapphire crystal
Water-resistance: 30 meters / 3 ATM
HANDS
Hour and minute: Baton • Rhodium-coated • Faceted
BRACELET
Material: Alligator leather
Colors: Brown
Interhorn/Buckle: 22/18 mm
Buckle type: Triple folding clasp
Buckle material: 5N 18kt rose gold