We explore the new Corum limited edition Golden Bridge introduced recently, and discover the aesthetic of the famous baguette movement suspended by cables within the round case.
The concept of a round case housing the Golden Bridge is not a new one. We have reviewed the Golden Bridge Round in detail here in 2016. And again in our Watchscape here. This latest version with the cable suspension system was released in October 2019.
In this new edition, two versions are proposed, each limited to 188 pieces, with the option in either a rhodium or gold finish movement, cables, crown, on a black vulcanised rubber bracelet. Our photographs show the rhodium finished movement.
Corum Golden Bridge Round 43 Art Deco
The roots of the Golden Bridge, a movement co-developed by Corum in collaboration with Vincent Calabrese, is deeply entrenched within architecture. The original intent was to show the movement in its entirety from the dial side. Corum has continued to explore the idea, originally in a rectangular case, with faceted crystals. But they also pushed the idea with the very successful tonneau shape, and later with the Bridge Steam, Round and a revisit of the Rectangle collections.
And here with the new Golden Bridge Round 43 Art Deco, the vision continues.
Built like a true watchmaker’s watch, the center stage is taken by the movement. The legendary baguette movement is the hero and dominates in its length, vertically. The composition of this aesthetic is an identifying hallmark of Corum. The bridge sits proud in the absence of a dial, the crystal on the face and the crystal back allows one to see directly onto the wrist when worn.
On the mainplate, the name Corum is engraved and finished at 6 o’clock with the crown. And the hand setting and winding mechanism can be seen.
Anchoring the movement to the round case sides are four symmetrical series of cables, and continue the architectural inspiration of the suspension cables holding up a bridge. Corum literature explores this metaphor by suggesting that the cables link the bridge that keeps its gear train in motion for those who travel across cities and rivers to connect with others. An age-old symbol of openness, of encounter, the bridge has always been one of the most complex works of art ever created, a technical prowess capable of defying centuries and the elements.
The cables number 16 in total, and are drawn from the lower part of the insides of the titanium 43mm case and settle higher up under the flange, cris-crossing the case. The construction, suspended in the void left by the movement’s slim baguette design is intended to conjure up the image of the largest bridges ever built: the Millau Viaduct (France), the famous Øresund Bridge that connects Denmark to Sweden, Malaysia’s 13.5km-long Penang Bridge, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan, etc.
The movement remains much the same as the recent examples of the Golden Bridge. The Caliber CO113, now manufactured by Vaucher, is well executed and nicely finished. The cables provide the illusion that it is suspended within the case, though in reality, the movement is securely attached to the case by screws.
Corum Golden Bridge Round 43 Art Deco Specifications
Movement
Movement number: CO 113
Winding system: Manual
Functions: Hour & Minute
Power reserve: 40 hours
Frequency: 4 Hz, 28’800 vph
Dimension: 14 3/4”’ x 5”’
Rubies: 19
Movement finishes: Bridges and plate in 18kt gold •
CORUM logo engraved on the bridge
Dial
Distinctive features: Cables in 5N golden-coated brass or Cables in rhodium-plated brass
Case
Shape: Round
Dimension: 43 mm
Thickness: 8.80 mm
Case material: Titanium grade 5 with black DLC
treatment
Case material: Sapphire band
Crown material: 5N 18kt rose gold or 18kt white gold
Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective
treatment
Back type: Open back cover in titanium grade 5
with black DLC treatment and with
glare proof sapphire crystal
Water-resistance: 30 meters / 3 ATM
Hands
Baton • Faceted • 5N Golden or Rhodium-coated
Bracelet
Material: Vulcanized rubber
Colours: Black
Interhorn/Buckle: 22/18 mm
Buckle type: Triple folding clasp
Buckle material: Titanium grade 5
Buckle distinctive
features:
Black DLC treatment
