It was during the celebrated Basel watch exhibition in the year 2000 that Corum first unveiled its now-legendary Bubble watch. With an oversized case and huge domed crystal, the Bubble was the brainchild of Severin Wunderman, then owner of the brand. This timepiece soon developed a cult-like following. Now, to mark the 21st anniversary of the Bubble watch, Corum is launching the new limited edition Bubble X Ray, inspired by early designs.
Among the first Corum Bubble watches to make their debut in 2000, was a watch with a stylized skull on the dial. Wunderman, who had just bought the brand, was also obsessed with life, death and the concept of Dia de Muertos, a celebration where friends and family gather to honor the dead in a festive manner.
When the 44mm Bubble was released, Wunderman said he was inspired by an experimental diving watch from the 1960’s that had an enormous, curved glass. He paired that domed look, which also had some distorting effects, with creative themed dials. The Bubble fast became an icon, with a variety of intriguing renditions released over the years.
They included playful, sometimes mischievous themes that ranged from the Bubble Jolly Roger, to Bubble Lucifer, Bats, Nightflyer and more. Intermittently, throughout the past six years, Corum also entered into collaborations with various renowned artists for Bubble watches.
Now, Corum releases a limited-edition watch with the same signature elements that made the Bubble famous, but with a contemporary and creative touch.
The Bubble X Ray pays tribute to the line’s roots with a highly stylized yet realistic looking skull taking center stage on the dial. While the huge domed sapphire crystal slightly distorts the image, it is fully visible in the dark because it is totally luminescent: disruptive in day and at night.
In the dark, the skull glows green. Bringing the luminescence full circle, Corum adds fluorescent green stitching to the synthetic alligator-like strap that is lined with rubber.
The watch is powered by an automatic movement (CO 082) that beats at 4Hz and offers 42 hours of power reserve. The stainless steel case with a black PVD treatment features a sapphire case back for viewing of the movement.
Both the domed front crystal and the back crystal are coated with an anti-reflective treatment. Water resistant to 100 meters, this 47mmm watch indicates hours, minutes and seconds.
It is available in a limited edition of just 88 pieces.
Technical details
Model: Corum Bubble X Ray Limited Edition
L082/04270 – 082.310.98/0601 SX01
Case
Dimension: 47 mm
Thickness: 18.50 mm
Case shape: Round
Case and bezel material: Stainless steel with black PVD treatment
Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with anti reflective treatment
Screwed in open back cover in stainless steel with black PVD treatment with glare proof sapphire crystal
Water resistance: 100 meters / 10 ATM
Movement
CO 082 automatic
Power reserve: 42 hours
Frequency: 4 Hz, 28’800 vph
Dimension: 11 1/2’’’
Rubies: 25
Functions
Hour, Minute and Second
Dial
Black dial
Material: Brass + sapphire discs
Luminescent skull pattern
Hour and minute hands: Leaf • Rhodium-coated • Skeleton
Strap
Colours: Black with fluorescent green stitching
Material: Synthetic, rubber lining
Buckle type: Tongue buckle
Buckle material: Stainless steel with black PVD treatment
Interhorn/Buckle: 24/20 mm
Availability
Limited edition of 88 pieces
