While known for unorthodox designs such as the Coin, Bubble and Admiral’s Cup, Corum’s piece de resistance is the Golden Bridge. Devised by independent watchmaker and ACHI co-founder Vincent Calabrese in 1980, the delicate, elongated movement remains a watchmaking feat.

In 2011, Corum debuted the automatic Golden Bridge movement that was wound by an innovative weight that slid on rails. To celebrate the decade since that milestone, Corum has created the 10th Anniversary Golden Bridge Automatic, which puts the movement within a larger case with a wraparound sapphire crystal.

Initial thoughts

I’m not the biggest fan of Corum’s better known designs, which are often oversized and ostentatious. The exception is the Golden Bridge, which is to Corum what the Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges is to Girard-Perregaux – a movement defined by its construction and aesthetics.

I’ve always liked the Golden Bridge – the baguette shape is not only unique, but also a mechanical marvel. The automatic Golden Bridge further stands out for its vertical winding mass, instead of a traditional rotor.

My pick of the collection

Starting at about US$35,000 in titanium, the 10th Anniversary Golden Bridge Automatic is actually rather well-priced, considering the movement. In fact, the new anniversary models are priced lower than their 2011 counterparts.

The watch is available in either titanium or titanium and rose gold, along with diamond-set variants

Smoked Sapphire

Like the original, the 10th Anniversary Golden Bridge Automatic has a tonneau case. However, it now features a one-piece sapphire crystal that wraps around the front and sides, allowing the movement to be admired from all angles.

More contemporary in style than its predecessor, the new Golden Bridge has a minimalist case in either titanium or gold. The titanium version is entirely coated in black diamond-like carbon (DLC), while the gold model has an inner frame coated in DLC.

Taking its name quite literally, the movement has its bridges and main plate in solid 18k gold – either white or rose depending on the case. The bridge are hand-engraved with a pronounced vertical fluting reminiscent of Art Deco.

Although the movement is undoubtedly the highlight, the dial is constructed in an unusual manner. The indices are applied by hand along a rail that frames the movement, which Corum refers to as a “floating harness system”.  Because the watch has no dial, the indices are suspended only by the rail, seemingly appearing to “float”.

Under the smoked sapphire case back is the cal. C0303, with its defining sliding weight visible from both sides of the case.

Comprising of 194 components, the baguette-shaped movement is equipped with a variable-inertia balance promises more stable timekeeping, as well as a slipping spring for the automatic mechanism that prevents overwinding. And despite its miniature size, the calibre still boasts a decent 40 hours of power reserve.

Key facts and price

Corum 10th Anniversary Golden Bridge Automatic
Ref. B313/04278 – 313.200.95/0F01 HS10 (titanium)
Ref. B313/04279 – 313.200.86/0F01 HS15 (titanium and rose gold)
Ref. B313/04280 – 313.200.77/0F01 HS15 (titanium with diamonds)
Ref. B313/04281 – 313.200.87/0F01 HS10 (titanium and rose gold with diamonds)

Diameter: 37.2 mm by 51.8 mm
Height: 13.7 mm
Material: DLC titanium; DLC titanium and rose gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30m

Movement: Cal. CO 313
Functions: Hours and minutes
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 40 hours

Strap: Leather with folding clasp

Limited edition:
50 pieces (titanium)
150 pieces (titanium and rose gold)
25 pieces (titanium with diamonds)
100 pieces (titanium and rose gold with diamonds)

Price:
45,800 Singapore Dollars (titanium)
63,000 Singapore Dollars (rose gold)
57,700 Singapore Dollars (titanium with diamonds)
66,200 Singapore Dollars (titanium and rose gold with diamonds)

For more, visit Corum-watches.com.