ReviewThe Corum Golden Bridge Round—Showcasing Beauty That Lies Within
An 18k rose-gold, see-through, open-design case that offers a 360-degree view of the uniquely designed in-line baguette movement
May We Recommend
Forty years ago, Corum introduced the first Golden Bridge watch to the world. A first of its kind watch, the Golden Bridge featured a delicate hand-engraved, vertical baguette movement and a barrel-shaped transparent case. The revolutionary timepiece was an instant hit and a roaring success among watch connoisseurs and collectors alike. Since its launch in 1980, the Golden Bridge has set a true example of Corum’s expert craftsmanship and fine watchmaking abilities. The year 2016 saw the emergence of Corum’s flagship complication model in a brand new avatar—the Corum Golden Bridge Round.
Before we move to the details of the latest addition to the iconic collection, let us first understand what makes the Golden Bridge so special.
An Introduction to the History of the Golden Bridge:
The principle of the Golden Bridge was conceived when a young Vincent Calabrese, a self-taught watchmaker, realised that people mainly bought watches for their appearance. He wanted to change this concept and decided to take on the task of creating a timepiece ‘where the movement, and not the case or design, is the star’. After many technical challenges, he created a movement that could be showcased as a work of art. The patented, 45-component movement was presented at the 1977 edition of the Geneva International Inventor’s Show. It was here that René Bannwart—founder of Corum—discovered and realised the potential of the unique movement and immediately acquired the patent. Three years later, Baselworld 1980 saw the unveiling of the Corum Golden Bridge. And the rest, as they say, is history.
A Brand New Avatar Of An Icon
The Golden Bridge, with its vertical ‘baguette’ movement and see-through, barrel-shaped case, was a masterpiece. However, not everyone could wrap their heads around the ‘barrel-shaped’ or tonneau cases. Thus, in 2016, Corum introduced the Golden Bridge in a round case—a shape that enjoys wider appeal than its predecessor. A first for the Golden Bridge collection, this version certainly brings together a wider customer base for the revolutionary watch.
Inspired By San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge
The cases of the early Golden Bridge watches did not have enough space to incorporate additional decorative elements. However, the recently released Corum Golden Bridge Round features a miniature of the suspension structure of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco—a perfect representation of the engineering marvel that connects the Pacific Ocean to the San Francisco Bay Area. It is not only an additional aesthetic feature, but holds and connects the movement to the sides of the case. Inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge structure, the latticework pattern on the dial symbolises the link between watchmaking and architecture. Representing a bridge that unites cultures and civilisations, the timepiece drives home the idea of the world coming together in this age of technology and social media.
The case: An Open-Worked Spectacle
The Corum Golden Bridge Round case brings home the idea that Calabrese had envisioned back in 1977. Keeping the focus on the movement of the watch, the inventive round case in 18-karat rose gold, has a 43mm diameter and an 8.8mm thickness. The see-through, sapphire crystal, open-design case offers a 360-degree view of the movement. It allows light to penetrate the case and aids in bringing to life the innovative movement within. The man behind this spectacular structure is renowned designer, Dino Modolo. Inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Modolo has created an exclusive and delicately designed movement featuring a hand-crafted ‘bridge’ decoration. Nothing less than a work of art!
Another interesting aspect of the Corum Golden Bridge Round is the placement of the crown. The crown is uniquely placed at six o’clock, and allows an uninterrupted view of the entire case. With respect to this detail, the lugs on the lower side of the case are elongated to accommodate smooth operation of the crown. Despite having a case size of 43mm, which is otherwise quite large, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist.
The Dial: In Sun-Kissed Gold And Brass
The transparent dial features an inner flange ring in yellow gold-toned brass. The difference in colour helps in creating a clear distinction between the outer bezel (which is crafted in 18-karat rose gold) and the inner bezel. The flange or inner bezel ring has raised, gold toned hour appliques. The ring also features brand name at the 12 o’clock position framed between the brand’s key emblem. The centrally raised baton-shaped hour and minute hands, again in gold-toned brass, are faceted with a diamond-polished finish.
The Movement: A Mechanical Marvel
The emblematic baguette movement, first developed by Calabrese, is the heart and soul of the Golden Bridge collection. While it has been enhanced with additional features in certain editions, such as a tourbillon for the 30th anniversary, the movement at heart remains the same. Corum has also extended their in-line baguette movement to the modern Ti-Bridge collection. However, in the Ti-Bridge, the placement of the movement is horizontal as opposed to the vertical placement in this Golden Bridge.
The watch is powered by the calibre CO113, wherein the different parts are uniquely put together by stacking them up in a linear structure. Shaped liked a column, the movement is rightly called the in-line baguette movement. It uses a gold mainplate decorated with hand-engraved elements that include the brand name as well. The finish of the movement is tastefully executed with textured hand engravings and visually stunning decorative elements. Crafted to perfection, the movement shines through and declares Corum’s promise of delivering horological masterpieces.
The manually-wound mechanical movement houses a balance with variable inertia and a barrel with a slipping spring. The movement provides a 40-hour power reserve when fully wound and beats at a frequency of 28,800vph (vibrations per hour). This further proves that despite the compact size of the movement, it doesn’t shy away from exploring its full potential. Offering simple functions of just the hours and minutes, the watch focuses more on the visual appeal of the movement rather than the complexity of complications.
Strap It On
The Corum Golden Bridge Round features a glossy reddish-brown alligator leather strap. It is reminiscent of the reddish tinge of the Golden Gate Bridge. Moreover, the strap perfectly complements the two gold tones present on the case and dial. Leather shoes in the right hue could enhance your look significantly. The finishing touch of the strap is a triple-blade folding clasp that features the Corum emblem.
The Corum Golden Bridge Round is exclusively available at Ethos Watch Boutiques
Wish to have this watch Soon..