With their new Lab collection, Corum aims at taking risks and experimenting. The timepieces of this collection eschew traditional codes and instead provide an off-beat take on watchmaking where the mechanics take precedence. Meet the Heritage Corum Lab 01, a shaped watch with bold design and openworked, micro-rotor movement.
The first two ‘Labs’ are barrel-shaped limited edition watches bringing their architectural, openworked movements at the forefront. The Lab does not have much of a dial, allowing the wearer to admire the watch’s inner workings. 39.85mm x 55.00mm, the barrel-shaped case features soft curves contrasting beautifully against powerful angles. Crafted in black DLC-coated titanium, it features an embossed rubber inlay on the side of the case with the ‘Limited edition’ caption. It is also fitted with a crown unusually positioned at 6 o’clock.
The automatic calibre CO 410 is a ‘shaped-movement’ with micro-rotor. Shape-movements are rare birds because they are made to measure for one specific watch or case only, whereas round movements can be adapted to a variety of models. It is manufactured with Le Cercle des Horlogers, one of the rising movement makers, the motorist of several independent watchmakers and a company working behind the scenes for several big names in the industry.
The three-dimensional skeleton movement looks high-tech, playing on volumes, contrasting materials and colours. The micro-rotor is visible in the top right-hand corner. The mainspring is visible, housed in a propeller-like barrel enhancing the technical look of the watch. Operating at 4Hz. its power reserve is of 50 hours.
The Lab 01 is completed with a rubber strap embossed with the Corum key logo and secured with a triple folding buckle in titanium. Two versions, with either a red or a white décor, are available. Limited to 99 pieces each, these were presented on the occasion of the inauguration of the brand’s boutique in Beijing. Price is set at CHF 13,800. For more information, please visit www.corum-watches.com.
This post first appeared on Monochrome Watches - An online magazine dedicated to fine watches.
