Corum has remade another iconic model which was originally made in the middle of the last century. This time, the brand revives the legendary Chargé d’Affaires timekeeper with an alarm feature. The third modern classic from the Vintage sub-collection of the Heritage series by Corum includes virtually all of the original features of the archetype model and uses the same historic caliber CO 268. Furthermore, it is made with the use of the period techniques and tools which were utilized when the watch was originally presented. Based on the brand’s historical model from 1956, Corum Chargé d’Affaires watch is issued in a limited series consisting of 200 pieces.
The Rebirth of the Original Caliber with Two Barrels
Previously to this piece, La Chaux-de-Fonds based watchmaker had released several more remakes back in 2010: Golden Tube and Chinese Hat pieces, while the following year saw the launch of Gran Précis watch. This year, Corum is releasing the watch which was included in the company’s first catalog and in a way defined the brand’s visual identity from the very start. It was envisioned by Rene Bannwart who founded the company with his uncle, Gaston Reis, in 1955. The decision to make the watch the same way as it was made almost six decades ago is another cool characteristic of the timekeeper whose main horological value is the presence of the alarm complication. In order to be able to support the function, the hand-wound manufacture caliber C0 286 is equipped with two barrels. While the first one powers the three hands of its timekeeping feature and provides the power reserve of 46 hours, the second barrel is used to supply the energy to the alarm feature, signified with a particularly clear tone which can last for over 12 seconds. Beating at the lower frequency of 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz), the 17-rubied caliber is 11 and a half lignes wide. The movement is decorated with the brand’s logo which is engraved on the bridge.
Just a Bit Bigger than the Original
Since it draws the inspiration from the vintage model, it is unsurprising that the new piece sports a classical refine appearance. Its brass dial is silver toned and coupled with gold-coated applied hour markers. While the hour and minute hands are fashioned in a dauphine shape, the central second hand is in baton style (all three hands are coated with gold), while the alarm pointer is clearly recognizable because of its red arrowed tip. Still quite restrained when compared with the contemporary trends, the watch is made with the diameter of 38mm which is slightly larger than the one of the original piece. This difference is the only one between the historic model and the pieces from the new limited edition.
150 Models in Red Gold and 50 more in White Gold
Besides, the thickness of the case is 13.5mm while the material of the housing is 5N 18K red or white gold, depending on the variations (the latter version is rarer of two, consisting of just 50 copies, as opposed to the red gold versions which are launched in the three times bigger issue). The front of the watch is equipped with an anti-reflective sapphire glass, while the back is screwed in and skeletonized to reveal its manufacture movement. Corum Heritage Chargé d’Affaires is water proof to 30 meters.
The remake of the classic model is joined with a black crocodile leather strap with a tongue buckle which is made in the material of the case and engraved with the watchmaker’s logo. It is also important to note that each of the models from the new limited edition by Corum is individually numbered.
