Corum's avant-garde approach is expressed in the "Risk Is The Reward" campaign. Its daring watchmaking is epitomised by the Lab collection, whose second timepiece is equipped with an innovative movement that took two years in the making.
Based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the Swiss brand launched the first "laboratory" limited-editions in late 2018. In developing Lab 02, members of its development team questioned: "What if the movement doesn't have bridges?"
They answered this with the unconventional calibre CO 300 featuring meticulously skeletonised and finely-finished components. The 416 parts are hand-assembled in a unique format, with the flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock and the bridge set directly onto the mainplate.
One of the technical challenges was to build a movement that is not sandwiched between the mainplate and bridge. Hence, the Lab 02 required a much longer axis for the gear train. Without having a top bridge, ball bearings were needed instead of rubies on the mainplate, to add strength and stability.
The single mainplate has also been highly skeletonised. The entire movement is then placed on a transparent sapphire plate that allows a view of the components that appear like floating within the watch.
The grand date function is positioned at 4 o'clock and power reserve indicator unusually placed on the side of the case at 8 o'clock.
Lab O2's caliber CO 300 consists of 416 components, each meticulously skeletonised and finely finished.
The complicated nature of the 45mm watch makes it an exclusive edition of only 10 pieces that can be customised, such as the colour of the gold for the case, diamond cuts and settings, or even of coloured gemstones.
The Lab series pays tribute to nonconformist Gaston Ries and his nephew, René Bannwart, who founded Corum in 1955.
The brand is notable for the Admiral Watch with a 12-sided case as well as Coin Watch and Golden Bridge, respectively equipped with an ultra-thin and linear movement.
The futuristic Lab 01 features a made-to-measure CO 410 movement that fits with its barrel-shaped case. Visible beneath the sapphire crystal, the signature Corum micro-rotor has been finished with a contemporary spiral effect, which in itself is visually stunning when it begins to rotate.
With blue or green accent on the dial and rubber insert, new limited-edition Lab 01 models are presented in a Damascus steel case, each with a unique wavy pattern that results from the forging process.
The steel is named after Syria's ancient city, historically famous for its weapon-making and metallurgical prowess. Blades made from this hard and resistant material are sharper, stronger and more flexible than other metals
The art of producing this legendary alloy remained a secret closely guarded by its craftsmen. However, technological advancements have enabled metallurgists to reproduce modern-day Damascus steel with similar characteristics.
The employment of Damascus steel, which has been given a black DLC treatment, serves as a nod to history, while the futuristic design of the Lab 01 embraces Corum's experimental and modernistic haute horlogerie.
A curved, barrel-shaped skeleton movement has been designed specifically to fit the case of the Lab 01.
Lab 01 Damascus Steel with a blue or green accent.
Lab 01 Damascus Steel with a blue or green accent.
