The Unique Jungle-Inspired Corum Golden Bridge Serpent

Based on the principle of celebrating the aesthetic value of a mechanical movement, Corum’s iconic Golden Bridge collection finds its origin in a mechanical watch created and patented by Vincent Calabrese in 1977. Corum quickly acquired the patent and collaborated with Vincent Calabrese to put the watch into production. At the height of the quartz crisis, this was quite a daring move, however, it would prove to be a successful one. The Golden Bridge became an emblematic piece not only in Corum’s history but in watchmaking history as well. The Corum Golden Bridge stood the test of time and is still a pillar in the brand’s portfolio. The latest to join the collection is a unique piece with a handcrafted jungle theme called the Golden Bridge Classic Serpent.

Although round and pure rectangular editions of the iconic Golden Bridge exist, Corum has opted for the tonneau-shaped Golden Bridge Classic as the canvas for this one-off. Measuring 34.00mm in width, with a length of 51.00mm and a height of 10.90mm, it’s an oddly shaped watch on paper. In reality though, thanks to the curve in the case and the short integrated lug sections, it wears very nicely. The crown is integrated into the bottom lug section, freeing up space for sapphire crystal windows on the side. This enables you to enjoy the spectacle inside the case as much as possible.

The Golden Bridge Serpent does not have a traditional dial, that much is obvious. Corum regularly plays around with the negative space surrounding the movement, for instance with trellises or suspension cables inspired by bridge construction methods. This time around, the movement is flanked, and partially covered, by a decorative jungle theme. On both sides, you can see hand-made floral patterns, with a hand-made snake slithering its way up and down the movement. It adds a surprising amount of volume and depth to what is otherwise empty space. Time is indicated by a pair of centrally mounted openworked sword-shaped hands in rose gold.

The movement, known as calibre CO 113, is a manually wound movement based on the patented construction once developed by Vincent Calabrese in the late 1970s. Made up of 190 parts, the linear baguette-shaped movement is mounted vertically inside the case. It runs at a rate of 28,800vph and delivers a power reserve of 40 hours. The bridges and plates are made out of 18k rose gold, with the top bridge being engraved with the brand’s name and decorative floral elements. The balance wheel, positioned at noon, is ’embraced’ by the snake curving back over the movement, with the barrel at the opposite end.

The Corum Golden Bridge Classic Serpent comes on a brown alligator leather strap with a 5N 18k rose gold triple-folding clasp. Being a true one-off, the price is not all that relevant. Plus, it’s not communicated either. To put things in perspective, however, the regular Golden Bridge Classic in rose gold without diamonds costs CHF 43,300.

For more information, please visit Corum-Watches.com.