Back in 2016, we had a chance to go hands-on with the Corum Golden Bridge Round which was a departure from previous Golden Bridge watches by using a round case rather than the angular cases the collection had been known for. For Baselworld 2017, designer Dino Modolo helps return the Golden Bridge to its angular roots with the Corum Golden Bridge Rectangle. Since its initial release in 1980, the Corum Golden Bridge has seen more than a few variations, and this version retains the collection’s hallmark feature – a movement that displays the full transfer of energy from its spring barrel at 6 o’clock to the escapement at 12 o’clock.
The caliber CO113 is what Corum refers to as an “in-line baguette” movement, which has all its parts stacked up in a column-like shape. Like the numerals, the bridge structure that supports the movement is made of 18k gold and decorated with a variety of engravings alongside the brand name. This unique movement layout allows the wearer to view every component in motion as power is transferred from one end of the case to the other. The movement itself operates at 4Hz with a power reserve of 40 hours.
The Corum Golden Bridge Rectangle case measures 29.5mm wide by 42.2mm tall and a mere 9.3mm thick. The detailed execution of the 18-karat gold Roman numeral structures and rivets that surround the movement are very cool to look at it – it feels like something King Midas would approve of.
The rhodium-plated, baton-shaped hands provide a nice contrast with the gold structures, and to keep things simple, the movement only indicates the time with hours and minutes. There’s a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment over the skeletonized dial and a screw-in sapphire case-back that helps maintain the watch’s water-resistance of 30 meters. The crown itself is a distinctive touch and something I can appreciate for the sake of symmetry and balance. Due to the movement’s orientation, it’s located at 6 o’clock and features deep grooves for easy operation.
The Corum Golden Bridge Rectangle is a watch that will be catering to a very specific set of watch enthusiasts, to say the least. An art-deco, gold watch with a skeletonized dial that still feels as solid as, well, a bridge blends together a real masculine view of luxury with a refinement that is abundantly and obviously made clear.
The Corum Golden Bridge Rectangle watch comes on a brown alligator leather strap with an 18k rose gold triple-folding clasp. While there are certainly a great deal of options in the way of timepieces in its price range, the Corum Golden Bridge Rectangle watch offers something unique with its open dial and linear movement display. In a way, it shows the brand’s commitment to continuing the Golden Bridge heritage while exercising restraint that is both tasteful and progressive. The Corum Golden Bridge Rectangle watch will be priced at $36,900. corum.ch