The Corum Golden Bridge Automatic 10th Anniversary Editions

I think most watch lovers will agree that the Golden Bridge, Corum’s fascinating linear movement mounted in a transparent case, merits iconic status in the pantheon of innovative movement designs. Introduced in 1980 with a manual-winding movement, the Golden Bridge was equipped with an automatic movement in 2011. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the automatic Golden Bridge, Corum presents four new iterations in titanium cases and plenty of viewing room thanks to the incorporation of a single sapphire crystal piece that extends from the dial to the sides of the case. 

Golden Bridge

We have Italian watchmaker Vincent Calabrese to thank for the ingenious linear movement mounted on a vertical axis that is the heart and soul of the Golden Bridge watch. Calabrese wanted his original movement design to be the star of the show and introduced his prototype at the 1977 Geneva International Inventor’s Show. Corum was quick to spot the potential of Calabrese´s innovative movement, bought the patent and invited Calabrese to develop the movement for the brand. Three years later, during the 1980 Basel Fair, the first Corum Golden Bridge with gold movement parts was unveiled.

The vertical bar with three overlapping gold bridges was only attached to the case at 12 and 6 o’clock. Suspended in mid-air, the movement was exposed on both sides in a revolutionary rectangular-shaped glass case. Many consider the Golden Bridge the precursor to the sapphire cases that abound on the market today.  Since then, the Golden Bridge has appeared in many guises, including a 2010 tourbillon model, women’s models in diminutive cases, lavishly gem-set models, and even a Golden Bridge in a round case. Thirty-one years after its debut, the Golden Bridge was fitted with an automatic movement, the same movement that powers these four 10^th-anniversary models.

10^th–ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION

All four models are housed in black DLC grade 5 titanium tonneau-shaped cases (in combinations of red gold, polished titanium and diamonds) with slightly larger dimensions than those currently in collection. However, with a diameter of 37.2mm, a length of 51.8mm and a thickness of 13.7mm, the fact that the cases are made from black DLC titanium does make them look slightly smaller than the dimensions suggest. Another novelty is the incorporation of a single sapphire piece that extends from the crystal over the dial to the sides of the watch offering a panoramic view of the movement. The caseback is also sapphire but smoked for a more contemporary look.

Corum introduces four models: black DLC titanium; black DLC titanium and 18k rose gold; black DLC titanium and 18k rose gold with diamonds; and black DLC titanium and polished titanium with diamonds. The bridges and plates of the movement are made in either 18k white gold or rose gold. The indices – with black galvanic treatment and rhodium-plated or gold-toned, depending on the model – are hand-applied to a floating black harness system that links to the movement base. The discreet black rail that supports the indices creates the illusion of them being suspended in space. The baton-style hour and minute hands are skeletonised to consolidate the ethereal spirit of the Golden Bridge.

Automatic movement calibre C0313

Four years in the making, the automatic movement designed for the Golden Bridge relies on an ingenious platinum oscillating weight that slides up and down rails (visible from both sides of the case). The calibre C0313 is the same calibre used in the first 2011 automatic Golden Bridge. All 194 parts of the movement are arranged in one line with the main plates and bridges crafted in 18k gold. The miniaturised barrel can store 40 hours of power reserve. The movement is equipped with a variable inertia balance wheel and beats at a frequency of 4Hz/28,800vph.

All four models are fitted with a soft-touch alligator leather strap and a triple folding clasp. Although the brand is keen to pitch these newcomers as ‘entry-level’ Golden Bridge models, we are waiting to receive the prices. The limitations are as follows: the black DLC titanium model is limited to 50 pieces; the two-tone black DLC titanium and rose gold to 150 pieces; the two-tone black DLC and rose gold with diamonds to 100 pieces; and the black DLC titanium with polished titanium and diamonds to 25 pieces.

For more information, please visit Corum watches.