There are certain things in life that epitomize legendary luxury. In 1980, Corum first presented to the world their historical and innovative Golden Bridge movement. It signaled a new era in watchmaking and set the standard with its exceptional baguette movement. Now, more than 30 years later, Corum is premiering the automatic variation of this legendary piece. Presented in either a red or white gold case, it will only be produced in limited quantities.
The first Golden Bridge from 1980 had an incredible impact on horological history and has since then proved not only to be of the utmost quality, but also as timelessly appealing and highly coveted. This impressive baguette movement has graced some of the most marvelous timepieces made by La Chaux-de-Fonds and, in 2009, the Golden Bridge was the inspiration for the sophisticated Ti-Bridge Model. In 2010, the first Golden Bridge tourbillon movement was revealed and now, in 2011, Corum’s self-winding Golden Bridge movement with a linear oscillating weight is revolutionizing timepieces yet again.
The exclusive new Corum Caliber CO313 took more than four years of development and testing to perfect. Along with a slipping spring mechanism, it features the new automatic linear-winding baguette movement using a platinum oscillating weight, which can be seen from both sides of the case. While the Corum name has been synonymous with luxury at its highest quality, it is its mechanics that make the piece phenomenal. The Golden Bridge movement beats at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and boasts a 40-hour power reserve. The 194-part caliber is also fitted with a variable-inertia balance, which guarantees long-term precision as well as a barrel that is miniaturized to avoid breaking the smooth vertical lines of the mechanism. The use of precious and dense platinum for the linear oscillating weight prevents it from being slowed down or “damped” by a system of gaskets that send it swinging back in the other direction, thus ensuring continuous movement. A weight that floats on rails, its steel counterpart coated with PTFE Teflon, beryllium copper contact zones between the chariot and rails, and a reverser system equipped with ceramic ball bearings ensure optimized performance and allows for the piece to go without lubrication.
As if such sterling quality wasn’t enough, the Corum Caliber CO313 is aesthetically magnificent. The mainplate and bridges are made of 18kt gold to match the case color and are adorned with a new vertical guilloché motif to match the linear design of the oscillating weight. This new piece differs from its predecessors in that it has taken on a new, slightly larger tonneau-shaped case in red or white gold and has been very slightly curved to ensure optimal comfort on the wrist. It features alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces and provides superb views of the Golden Bridge self-winding movement from all angles. The case itself is made of no less than four anti-glare sapphire crystals, resulting in a luxurious showcase-like quality. The two-part dial in black or white, depending on the version, offers observers full view to admire the linear oscillating weight in motion. Completed with a crocodile leather strap fitted with a gold buckle, it is of no wonder why this extraordinary piece would be of limited production. With a grand total of 130 red gold pieces and only 70 in white gold, the exceptional quality and exclusivity emulates the nature of the exalted Golden Bridge movement.
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