The Corum Ti-Bridge Automatic Dual Winder
Last week I wrote an article about how Corum's CEO has firmed up the foundations of his brand for the future, using not just his business acumen, but also his resourcefulness by attracting two highly talented individuals to come and work with him to help to develop his brand - Vincent Calabrese, the man who conceived the linear system which would become the Golden Bridge, and Laurent Besse who developed the Ti-Bridge.
As promised by Antonio Calce a few years ago, development of the Ti-Bridge continues, for 2013 comes a new model, a new calibre and a unique new winding system.
Few watches showcase watchmaking in a scientific and methodical manner whilst retaining horological exquisteness, the Ti-Bridge achieves both with aplomb. Unmistakeable at a glance, its horizontal line-up of barrel, gear train and escapement is both technical and beautiful.
That such a unique timepiece should gain its energy from an ordiary rotor simply would not do. The new calibre, the CO 207 has its power fed from twin interconnected circular rotors which move together in a most business-like manner.
Viewable through rear sapphire they offer a starkness and an air of practicality, as if to declare that their purpose of the provision of power to the barrel is a most solemn and serious affair, and their appearance which is bereft of embellishment is wholly suitable for the industrialised aesthetics of the Ti-Bridge collection.
The curvature of its tonneau case contradicts the modernistic nature of the Ti-Bridge. It has a softness and a tactile quality which opposes its titanium cross-bars, its rugged hands and its spiked-toothed innards. This one measures 42mm x 52mm but will wrap around even a diminutive wrist.
