On the heels of launching its dynamic “Risk is the Reward” campaign, Corum takes the concept of daring innovation to all new heights with the Corum LAB 02 timepiece. Defying all watchmaking convention, the technically advanced watch boasts a new movement that was two years in the research and development stages. Revolutionary in its design, the new caliber is equipped with a flying gear train, and a host of other firsts for the brand.

The New Corum LAB 02
Corum LAB 02

The Corum LAB 02 is a perfect example of aesthetic perfection and extraordinary craftsmanship. The highly complicated manual movement stretches the imagination as well as the physical constraints of watchmaking.  In its creation, Corum’s development team’s members challenged themselves to offer not only a flying tourbillon, but also a flying gear train of sorts. The question they posed: “What if the movement doesn’t have bridges?” They then tirelessly pursued their unconventional quest.

Corum LAB 02 Tourbillon Watch
Corum LAB 02

Two years later, Corum unleashes the LAB 02. Its caliber CO 300 consists of an impressive 416 individual components, each meticulously skeletonized and finely finished. Each piece is hand assembled in a unique format with a flying tourbillon at 6:00, with flying wheels that track the hours, minutes and seconds, and with the bridge set directly onto the mainplate.

Corum LAB 02 Watch Movement
Corum LAB 02

Additionally, building a movement that is not sandwiched between the mainplate and bridge was a technical challenge that had to be overcome. The Corum LAB02 required a much longer axis for the gear train, and, without having a top bridge, needed ball bearings instead of rubies on the mainplate to add strength and stability. The single mainplate has also been highly skeletonized. The entire movement is then placed on a fully transparent sapphire plate that allows for magnificent visibility and gives the appearance that the elements are all floating in space.

Corum LAB 02 In House Movement
Corum LAB 02

Corum LAB 02 is further equipped with a grand date function at 4:00 and its power reserve indicator (55 hours) is unusually placed so that it is visible via a sapphire glass on the side of the case at 8:00. Because of the extremely complicated nature of this 45mm watch, just 10 pieces will be made, each identified by a specific plate number on the barrel.

Coum Men Watches
Corum LAB 02

Each LAB 02 can be customized, as well, enabling personal selection of the color of gold, the choice of diamond cuts and settings, or even of colored gemstones.  The starting price of the watch, in gold, without diamonds, is CHF 180,000.  

Hodinkee Watch
Corum LAB 02

Staying true to its founding philosophy of always being Avant Garde in order to preserve its future, Corum developed the LAB series to showcase its unprecedented foray into distinctive and fearless watchmaking. The LAB 02 is the second laboratory watch to make its debut, with LAB 01 released in early 2019 (please read more about here). This new pillar of the Corum family pays tribute to the brand’s founders who were always risk takers and nonconformists. The entire premise of the LAB series is to break the mold by thinking outside of the proverbial box. LAB 02 certainly delivers.

Corum LAB 02 Watch Review
Corum LAB 02

Corum LAB 02

Technical specifications:

Reference: Z300/04076 - 300.100.59/0F01 0020; Z300/04111 - 300.100.85/0F02 0010; Z300/04112 - 300.100.69/0F01 0020

Movement

·      Movement number: CO 300

·      Winding system: Manual

·      Functions: Hour & Minute • Date • Flying tourbillon • Power reserve

·      Power reserve: 3 Hz, 21'600 vph

·      Frequency: 3 Hz, 21'600 vph

·      Dimension: 16 1/2'''

·      Rubies: 33

Dial:

·      Material: No dial

Case:

·      Shape: Round

·      Dimension: 45 mm

·      Thickness: 13.45 mm

·      Case material: 18 kt white gold or 5N 18kt rose gold

·      Crown material: 18 kt white gold or 5N 18kt rose gold with 1 Round diamonds of ~ 0.03 ct

·      Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment

·      Back type: Open screw back, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment

·      Water-resistance: 30 meters / 3 ATM

Hands:

·      Hour and minute: Baton • Rhodium-coated • Faceted

Bracelet:

·      Material: Alligator leather

·      Colours: Black or Brown

·      Interhorn/Buckle: 22/18 mm

·      Buckle type: Triple folding clasp

·      Buckle material: White gold 18ct or 5N 18kt rose gold

The price for the Corum LAB 02 starts from CHF 180,000 and is limited edition to 10 pieces for each reference.

For more information please visit Corum Watches Online.