Like the Bubble and the Coin watch, the Golden Bridge is one of Corum’s central pillars. The original Golden Bridge was presented in 1980 with a long, rectangular case containing a unique baguette movement. Occupying little space in the central vertical section, this manual-winding calibre has all its gear train’s components laid out in a linear fashion along its length. An entire collection has sprung from this initial release, with case designs gradually becoming barrel shaped and executed in both precious and technical materials to please all palates. Decorative elements such as dragon and phoenix figurines carved from gold have also been offered to play with the available space afforded by the movement, but the latter remains the star of the watch.

Corum’s novelties for BaselWorld this year may seem dominated by the numerous Bubble models, but the brand also introduced the Golden Bridge Round watch. This isn’t the first time the Golden Bridge has appeared in a round case; a previous interpretation of the shape has been done at least once before, in a small limited production run for an anniversary occasion.

For 2016, the Golden Bridge is offered in a round case for good, complete with a twist. Instead of leaving the space at the sides of the movement void as in most Golden Bridge watches, the watch’s designer, Dino Modolo, has decided to create a tribute to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge – the 2,727-meter long suspended bridge that served as the inspiration for this watch model in the first place. Rose gold sculptures now flank the movement, and take the form of lattice frameworks mimicking the Golden Gate Bridge. This piece of art can be appreciated at all angles, thanks to the use of a crystalline ring which forms the case’s middle.

Specs

• Dimensions: 43mm
• Functions: Hours, minutes
• Power Reserve: 40 hours
• Movement: Manual-winding Corum Calibre C01133
• Material: Rose gold (sapphire crystal case middle)
• Water resistance: 30 meters
• Strap: Brown alligator with rose gold ardillon buckle

This article was first published in World of Watches.