GMT XXL - Summer 2009
Right from the time of its creation in 1955 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Corum displayed a determination to position itself in the forefront of the Swiss watch industry. Since 2007 Corum has been headed by CEO Antonio Calce. A firmly product-oriented, entrepreneurial and unifying figure, Antonio Calce is pursuing the long-term implementation of the product strategy initiated in 2005 with Severin Wunderman. At Baselworld 2009 he raised the curtain on a contemporary line for a new era: the new classically elegant and resolutely contemporary Ti-Bridge model: “Our customers are increasingly well informed. While design is important, content has become absolutely indispensable. 2009 is definitely the year that has seen Corum take a decisive step in terms of both product creativity and continuity.”
This powerful and technical watch houses Corum's second mechanical movement, the new Caliber CO 007. Stemming from Corum's well-established expertise in the field of exceptional movements, this timepiece houses a new and exclusive caliber designed, developed and assembled in-house; and is writing a new chapter in the company's rich history. The CO 007 movement is clearly inspired by the legendary Golden Bridge caliber, while giving a whole new twist to the original concept. Whereas the shape is immediately recognizable, the dimensions, the components and the technical characteristics are all completely different and testify to the resolutely contemporary spirit of the CO 007. As the first model to house this new caliber, the Ti-Bridge heralds the advent of a new line of Corum collections. Understated elegance and modern design meet and merge to create a perfect balance between design and technology. Built around the new linear CO 007 movement, the Ti-Bridge reveals its style through taut lines and a resolutely dynamic character.
In both its movement and case, the Ti-Bridge gives pride of place to titanium, a material known for its lightness and the difficulties involved in machining it. The bridges and plates of the Caliber CO 007 are cut from this ultra-modern material. The meticulous finishing on all movements is typified by the upper bridge engraved with the “Corum” brand name. The bridges are satin-finished, while the generously sized barrel features a snailed finish.
Topped on the upper part by a large convex sapphire crystal, the grade 5 titanium case has a satin-finished case-back enhanced by a central rectangular sapphire window revealing the movement. This crystal subtly filters the view of the movement, offering tantalizing glimpses of the interlacing pattern of its inner workings. Comfortably cambered, the case is graced with alternating surface finishes – polished on top and satin-finished on the side.
The movement is secured inside the case by a set of two titanium “cross bars”. Screwed to the flange, which is itself integrated within the case, they contribute to consolidating the whole construction and to enhancing the aesthetic quality of this model. The openworked Superluminova coated hands guarantee optimal nocturnal visibility. The Ti-Bridge is teamed with a crocodile strap equipped with a titanium-capped triple folding clasp. A truly precious and exclusive model, the Ti-Bridge will be issued in a limited production run of 750 only in 2009.
The Admiral's Cup line is the face of Corum's sporty side. Since 1960 it has been attracting watchmaking enthusiasts with the iconic shape of its twelvesided case and the nautical pennants displayed on its flange. Named after an international regatta, the collection is regularly enriched with models as sleek as they are technically advanced.
Official Watch of the 2009 Corum Grand Prix on the Geneva Lake, raced on high-tech 35 feet catamarans, the Admiral's Cup Black Hull 48 houses Caliber CO 753. This self-winding mechanical chronograph movement is chronometer-certified by the COSC, the ultimate sign of reliability and accuracy. The 12-sided case is made of titanium, chosen for its lightness and hardness, and covered with black PVD. It has locking pushbuttons thanks to an exclusive lockout system. These buttons frame a crown made of the same material and engraved with the Corum key. A black rubber bezel surrounding the convex glareproofed sapphire crystal protects the upper part of the dial, while the screw-down case back, also of black titanium, is decorated with the symbol of the Corum Grand Prix.
Assertively placed at the center of the dial, with the Corum key as a counterweight, the chronograph second-hand is covered with deep black lacquer. The small chronograph minute and hour counters and the small seconds display at 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00 have hands that are polished to a taper. They are made more visible using relief. On the flange, another symbol characteristic of the collection, nautical pennants mark the hours. The winding rotor is engraved with the brand's name, a reminder that Corum cares as much about the technical quality of its timepieces as about their esthetics. The black vulcanized rubber strap has a pin buckle made of titanium treated with black PVD and engraved with the brand name. A monochrome esthetic for the brand's iconic model.
