Baselworld 2016 kicks off this week, taking place in Switzerland from March 17—24. All this week and next Whitewall will be showcasing highlights from watchmakers and their newest and most novel timepieces. Next up are offerings from Corum and Harry Winston.
Corum
After its debut in 2000, subsequent retirement, and celebrated revival in 2015, the “Bubble” collection from Swiss watchmaker Corum has been bedazzled anew in its Baselworld re-release: the Bubble High Jewellery Skeleton collection. This trio of timepieces features baguette-cut rubies, blue sapphires, and black sapphires marking the hours on diamond-paved dials, magnified under Bubble’s signature 8mm-thick sapphire crystal domes. Ultra-thin bridges engraved with acanthus motifs match the 47mm white gold case, while black open-work hands are accentuated by the slight distortion from the lense. Each of these elaborate watches, set on an iridescent alligator leather strap finished to match the precious stones on its dial, is a one-of-a-kind timepiece, with 185 gemstones in total adorning every spectacular piece.
Harry Winston Project Z10. Courtesy of Harry Winston.
Harry Winston
Harry Winston debuted the 10th edition of its high-tech “Project Z” collection: the Harry Winston Project Z10. A focus on technical excellence drove the development of this Manhattan Bridge-inspired edition, with an industrialized skeleton dial, composed of blue anodized aluminum Warren trusses, exposing the intricate processes behind this exceptional timepiece. Two indicators at four and eight o’clock display the day of the week and seconds respectively, both hands traveling only 120 degrees before springing back to the beginning of their paths, while a black grid bears the hours and minutes with indigo rhodium markers. The 42mm case was carved from a block of Zalium, the company’s patented alloy of zirconium and aluminum known for its lightness, strength, and gunmetal grey sheen. Sitting on a blue alligator strap, this limited edition wristwatch will have only 300 pieces made available.
Baselworld 2016 takes place from March 17—24.
Bubble High Jewellery Skeleton. Courtesy of Corum.
