The La Chaux-de-Fonds-based watchmaker signs a new partnership with Vincent Calabrese, creator of Corum's iconic movement, Golden Bridge. Vincent Calabrese is a self-taught, non-conformist, and has been inventing and making watches that have repeatedly defied convention since 1975. In the 1980s, he conceived the idea of creating an in-line baguette movement, isolated in space and with no visible connection around it. Calabrese accomplished this tour de force and his patented creation was awarded a prize at the 1977 International Inventors' Show in Geneva. René Bannwart, founder of Corum and himself a creative talent with a passionate interest in watchmaking, realised the true potential of this idea and acquired the patent. Then, in 1980, the first Golden Bridge with a finely hand-engraved baguette movement was presented. It was an immediate success among connoisseurs and collectors of high-end watches. Thirty years later, this now legendary movement remains a concentrate of Haute Horlogerie and a unique expression of the art of watchmaking. For Antonio Calce, managing director and partner of the brand, it would have been inconceivable not to capitalise, through the development of new products, on the only movement built in the line: the Golden Bridge. This determination led to the creation of a complete product line with four movement functions, to the point of extending the concept to a contemporary version presented in 2009, the TI-Bridge. Speaking about the partnership, Antonio Calce said: 'The Golden Bridge is an emblematic model for the brand and a fundamental pillar for our collection. This is an incredible opportunity to renew ties with the inventor of an idea that allowed Corum to create and develop the iconic movement, which continues to appeal to fans and connoisseurs of Haute Horlogerie thirty years after its creation." The partnership will also serve as a platform for the global promotion of the Golden Bridge through a special spokesperson and as a legitimate means of conveying the historical message of this creation. In addition, Vincent Calabrese will contribute his creative ideas to the Research & Development Department of the Corum movement, led by Laurent Besse.
