Chargé d’Affaires
An alarm to wake up time spent
Heritage, the third pillar of the Corum brand after Admiral’s Cup and Corum Bridges, brings together the historic models that make up its rich heritage. Launched in 1956, the Chargé d’Affaires returns more contemporary than ever. This alarm watch will delight mechanical enthusiasts as well as lovers of the heritage of the past. Corum’s heritage is extraordinarily rich. Founded in 1955, the brand is responsible for some of the most legendary models in watchmaking history. As long ago as 2010, it brought two iconic timepieces back to life: the Golden Tube and the Chinese Hat. In the same spirit, the following year it presented a re-edition of the Grand Précis. Today, it’s the Chargé d’Affaires model that graces the Vintage collection. Launched in 1956 and featured in Corum’s very first catalog, this alarm watch has been reissued in virtually identical form, to the delight of lovers of aesthetic codes directly inherited from the past.
With a power reserve of 46 hours, this Chargé d’Affaires is equipped with an exceptional movement. It’s the same caliber that drove the original 1956 Chargé d’Affaires. This historic movement has been entirely restored using the tools and techniques of the time, but to today’s high standards of quality and finish. This CO 286 hand-wound mechanical movement features two barrels, each with its own winding crown: one for the hands, the other for the alarm. In addition to the central hours, minutes and seconds functions, this device provides a particularly clear striking tone lasting over twelve seconds. This mechanical gem is visible through the open caseback, revealing the sound bar engraved with the words “1956 – Chargé d’Affaires – 2012”.
The face of this wonderfully understated timepiece pays homage to the aesthetic perfection of the watches of yesteryear. The silver dial is punctuated by applied hour markers, while the minute markers are delicately transferred, as is the inscription “Chargé d’Affaires”. Dauphine-shaped hour and minute hands, and baton-shaped seconds hands dominate the dial. The alarm hand is easily recognized by its red arrowhead.
The only departure from the original model is the case, slightly larger at 38 mm in diameter. The Chargé d’Affaires is a limited, numbered edition of 200: 150 in 5N 18 ct red gold on a black alligator leather strap with pin buckle, and 50 in 18 ct white gold on an identical strap. This alarm watch is water-resistant to 30 meters.
Cette publication est également disponible en :
