Corum Heritage Corum LAB 01 watches
For those who know the luxury Swiss watch brand Corum, you know the brand likes to do things a bit differently. From the legendary Golden Bridge to the iconic Admiral’s Cup watches and the cult-like Bubble, Corum has a unique perspective on timepieces. As such, it comes as no surprise that the brand now launches an all-new collection called Heritage Corum “Lab 01.” The collection begins with just two models — each in a different color way — and pays absolute homage to mechanics as well as contemporary design and spirit.
Just 99 pieces each version of the Corum Heritage Corum LAB 01 watches will be made
Barrel-shaped and crafted in titanium with black DLC (Diamond Like Carbon), the watches are being created in a limited edition of just 99 pieces each: one with white accents and one with red accents. The timepieces are bold and beautiful at the same time, and feature a new movement that is shaped and made exactly to fit this new case perfectly. Thanks to the open-worked dial, the movement, CO 410 skeleton caliber, is visible from both the front and the back of the watch. The automatic caliber with Cote de Geenve finishing, offers hours and minutes indication and 50 hours of power reserve. Beating at 4 Hz (28,800vph), the movement houses 27 jewels and is features a small rmicro-rotor with a contemporary spiral pattern.
THe Corum Heritage Corum LAB 01 watches are designed to reflect history and the future in watchmaking.
The charcoal gray dial of each Heritage Corum “Lab 01” — as mentioned — is open-worked to allow for viewing of the movement. One version features red movement parts, red transferred logo and red SuperLumiNova hands, while the other features the same parts in white. Additionally, each watch has either a red or white rubber crown, and red or white rubber case=side inserts.
The case sides of the Corum Heritage Corum LAB 01 watches feature red or white rubber inserts with the words Limited Edition on them.
Interestingly enough, the tonneau-shaped case is harmoniously balanced — with the crown being moved from the typical 3:00 position to 6:00 for grand symmetry. The case measures 39.89mmin diameter x 55mm in height and is just 11.75 mm thick– making it a perfect fit under a dress shirt or suit jacket. The sapphire crystal is treated with anti-refelctive materials. The Tonneau Heritage Corum Lab 01 is water resistant to 50 meters. Each watch is finished with a black rubber strap with a triple folding clasp.
Personally, I was not expecting a tonneau-shaped “Lab” series from Corum. However, if you think about it, it makes sense. The Golden Bridge watches feature tonneau-shaped cases and are spectacular timepieces. They are avant-garde classics, however, whereas the Heritage Corum Lab 01 watches are — as the brand’s CEO Jerome Biard indicates — a deft blend of the past and today. I love the size of these two new pieces — they are perfect even for a woman who loves a large watch. I also love the matte finish on the case and lugs — nothing shimmering here — just brute beauty. While the white version is a monotone black-and-white look that will match everything, I prefer the in-your-face red accented version. It screams a new Corum. The watch retails for $13,800.
Corum Heritage Corum LAB 01 watches
According to Corum CEO Jerome Biard, “These two models embody our disruptive approach to watchmaking, as evidenced by the juxtaposition of ‘Heritage’ and ‘Lab’. In traditional Fine Watchmaking, the two concepts are never associated with one another. Heritage looks to the past, the lab to the future. The underlying principle that we are establishing with the Heritage Corum Lab 01 is precisely to create a dialogue between these two. What would René Bannwart or Severin Wunderman have made of Corum heritage today? Progressives, even avant-gardists, [they] certainly wouldn’t simply have just reissued pieces. The Heritage Corum Lab 01 is our response to this vision which drives us, today more than ever.” Corum unveiled the “Lab 01” watches at its new boutique in Beijing, China last week.
Technical Specs of the Heritage Corum Lab 01
HERITAGE CORUM LAB 01 Limited Edition : 99 piece(s)
Movement: CO 410 Automatic, Frequency: 4 Hz, 28’800 vph, dimensions: 38, 30 x 32mm, rubies: 27, finisihes: Cote de Genève decoration • Small rotor (~ 36.42mm)
Functions: Hour & Minute
Power Reserve: 50 hours
Dial: Charcoal grey and red or charcoal gray and white, CORUM logo transferred on the dial
Case: Tonneau-shape, 39.89 x 55.00 mm x 11.75 mm thick, Titanium grade 5 with black DLC treatment •
Case sides in rubber; Crown: Titanium grade 5 with black DLC treatment with red or white rubber cap
Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
Open back cover in titanium grade 5 with black DLC treatment and with glare proof sapphire crystal
Water Resistance: 50 meters / 5 ATM
Price: $13,800
