A League of its Own
Corum has consistently delivered surprises and creates art-influenced watches that break conventional rules. Dewi Irma writes
Art on a watch got a new meaning when Corum gave birth to a number of innovations in the world of haute horology, one of which was through its iconic collection known simply as Bubble. It’s little wonder that Bubble has become widely celebrated, because, in the midst of high-end industry watches that employ gemsetting, engraving, or Métiers d’art, Corum has come up with a collection that has instead become a showcase for pop-art and creative collaborations.
Corum is indeed known for fruitful collaborations with extraordinary artists for its Bubble watches. Names such as Matteo Ceccarini, Matt Barnes, Booba, Dani Olivier, and Elisabetta Fantone are some of the artists who have been invited to reimagine their own models and translate them into edgy Bubble watch dials.
At Baselworld 2018, several new Bubble collections were introduced and include collaborations with artists Juliette Jourdain and Nelson De La Nuez, the latter known as the King of Pop Art. Still bearing the distinctive characteristic of Bubble’s domed sapphire glass covering the dial, the collection with Juliette features as a highlight a real blue jay feather set into the artwork. As for Nelson’s collection, he has created four unique
designs in various sizes for both men and women’s watches.
It’s safe to say that Bubble is already smashing serious design principles, making way for fun and artsy watch dials. But the biggest update in the Bubble series this year is in the Bubble 47mm Tourbillon, which will, we hope, mark the beginning of a fine-watch making tradition for Bubble. With the Corum key logo engraved on the top tourbillon bridge, wearers can choose between three different straps or bracelets: a synthetic strap rubber lining, a titanium Milanese-style bracelet, and a black vulcanized rubber strap.
Corum has also extended its artistic partnerships to another brand pillar, the Coin watch, first introduced in 1964. This time, the new Coin watches are reintroduced as the Hobo Coins, which combine the concept of vintage hobo coins and unique engraving to resurrect a 19th Century art form and bring it forward to the 21st Century. This is being revived by the exceptional and talented artist Aleksey Saburov, who also came to Baselworld 2018 where he demonstrated one of his unique pieces for the visitors to see.
Meanwhile, Corum also has something for marine and nautical watch lovers. First unveiled in 1960, the Admiral collection embodies Corum’s idea of maritime watchmaking, and in 2018, the mechanics are now visible for all to see. Available in three different colours—turquoise blue, yellow, and red—the Admiral 45 Squelette infuses colours in the skeleton display on its openworked date disc, which delivers an energetic look and which is water resistant to 300 metres.
Then there’s the new Golden Bridge Round 39mm, one of the most daring high jewellery creations, not only for Corum but for contemporary watchmaking. The Golden Bridge Round 39’s unique architecture features an exquisite interplay of shapes with its horizontal baguette movement and a half-moon on each side of a round 39 mm case. Completing its line-up of new releases, Corum has also brought back Romvlvs, its most Italian of creations, as a limited-edition timepiece. The watch returns with a retroinspired, pink gold on feisty green colour combination, accentuated with a matching rubber bracelet.
At Baselworld, Jérôme Biard, CEO of Corum, shared Corum’s development plans, including continuing to attract watch lovers, especially the younger generation, with bold and edgy innovations. We can see that much of Corum’s collection has noteworthy additions, each an impressive talking piece in its own right. This has made Corum become a disruptive watch brand that takes pride in being in a league of its own.