Corum, “Golden Bridge”
This rectilinear movement, called the “Golden Bridge In-Line” movement, was invented by Vincent Calabrese in 1977. The invention was then sold to Corum, who improved and patented it. All the wheels and pinions are arranged in a straight line. The “Golden Bridge” was officially launched by Corum in 1980.
In 2006, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the brand, a new “Golden Bridge” is launched, in different versions:
· 18K yellow gold, Ref. 113.750.56.
· 18K pink gold, Ref. 113.750.55.
· 18K white gold, Ref. 113.750.59.
· 18K yellow gold, Ref. 113.750.53, set with 66 round Top Wesselton diamonds (total weight: 1.26 carats).
· 18K pink gold, Ref. 113.750.55, set with 66 round Top Wesselton diamonds (total weight: 1.26 carats).
· 18K pink gold, Ref. 113.760.55, “Golden Bridge Adam and Eve”, limited edition of 50 pieces.
· 18K white gold, Ref. 113.763.69, “Golden Bridge Napoleon”, limited edition of 50 pieces.
It’s a modern interpretation of this iconic classic with an entirely re-engineered movement. Just before, in 2005, a unique piece was especially made for the first edition of Only Watch, an 18K white gold with a hand painted miniature of two posturing stallions after the original by Hans Erni (see: Antiquorum, Monaco, September 22, 2005, lot 08, sold for € 50 000.-).
Founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1955, Corum has been from its conception associated with avant-garde design. What has separated Corum from other watch brands is their constant desire to produce extravagant watches which can not be ignored. Their name is an excellent indicator of their ethos, taken from the Latin word “quorum”, a select group, their watches are not made with the mass market in mind. Since the beginning Corum have created watches which have become part of the horological vernacular such as coin wristwatches, the Admiral’s Cup, the first of many watches aimed at the yacht owners of the world and the “Golden Bridge”, probably the greatest example of minimalism in the watch world. In 2000, Severin Wunderman took over the company and almost overnight changed the fate of Corum with the launch of the “CORUM Bubble” watch. Seen as very large at the time with a diameter of 45 mm., this dimension is now much the standard for fashion watches. The year 2005 marks the 50th anniversary of the brand and as such Corum are launching a series of limited edition watches with hand made marketry or hand painted dials as well of the reintroduction to the line of several of the Corum classics.
At fifty years old, the firm maintains a fresh and avant-garde outlook and will no doubt launch many new and conversation evoking watches in the coming years.
