Its radical look and whopping dimensions made Corum Bubble a stunner when introduced at Baselworld 2000. The edgy 21st century timepiece stood out with an imposing sapphire crystal dome that alluringly drew eyes to the underlying dial, which would later provide endless possibilities for new renditions.
“The dome, made of an oversized sapphire crystal, which magnifies the dial and boggles the mind, makes the watch instantly recognisable. You can spot a Bubble from across the room, on any wrist, or on any photo,” said Soipetch Resanond, managing director of Baechtold, distributor of the Swiss brand in Thailand.
Soipetch Resanond. Baechtold
Last year, Bubble’s 15th anniversary was marked by reinterpretations, with the revival placing the model alongside other icons in Corum’s watchmaking heritage.
Recently unveiled at Central Chidlom, the new variations, according to Soipetch, continue to be cool, creative and colourful, in attracting young and trendy wearers aged 17 to 70-something collectors, who appreciate playful designs and timekeeping performance.
“Bubbles create excitement and anticipation, and transcend age,” she said. “As Corum brings on board artists and celebrities in designing their own versions, this further drives the Bubble movement.”
Two nude portraits by Dani Olivier have been reproduced using high resolution printing on Bubbles housed in black PVD-treated stainless steel cases to match the background of the images.
The Paris-based photographer specialises in “abstract and psychedelic nudes”, with human bodies covered in striations of coloured light. Not a digital manipulation, the effect is achieved by projecting light patterns onto nude bodies set against a jet-black background, creating completely surreal forms.
The Corum logo at 3 o’clock is applied in the same vivid colours of the images while the rhodium-plated hands have been filled with matte black lacquer, allowing them to stand out legibly, but not distracting from the artwork on the brass blackened dial.
Five other 2016 novelties come under the Heritage Bubble Gaming series, which revives original themes like Roulette and Joker. The collection additionally includes Bubble 8 Ball, Bubble Casino Chip, and Bubble Dice.
Playing with the figure eight, the Bubble 8 Ball features a relief eight-ball rising from the surface of the dial while the Bubble Joker whimsically replaces the 3 o’clock marker with an oversized “8” — just to add luck.
Housed in 47mm cases, Heritage Bubble Gaming and Dani Olivier limited editions are available in 88 pieces — doubling the lucky number for the Swiss brand based in La Chaux de Fonds.
Back in 2000, the original Bubble was 44mm in diameter. Fitting smaller wrists, 42mm models have now been released in some of the same themes with identical dials as their larger versions.
However, 42mm-only models such as the green Python, and mother of pearl in steel or diamond-set cases, are also limited editions of 88 pieces.
“Size doesn’t matter! The 42mm may be too big, and the 47mm may be too small. Like its unlimited design potential, size is to be explored,” Soipetch said.
Allowing everyone to be a part of the Bubble movement, Corum initiated the campaign #customizeyourbubble, to challenge creativity in redesigning the dial.
“Corum is thereby entering into an interactive relationship with customers, that goes to the core of the brands philosophy. This is a highly avant-garde step in a basically traditional industry,” she added.
The 42mm green python Bubble.
Bubble Gaming.
Bubble Dani Olivier. Corum
This source first appeared on Bangkok Post Lifestyle.