Corum has added blackened Damascus steel cases to two of its contemporary Heritage Corum Lab 01 models. These new models, the first from Corum to feature wave-patterned Damascus steel, expand the options for collectors who enjoy the modernistic look of the Lab 01 collection, with its specially made openwork movement and tonneau-shaped case.
Ironically, the use of Damascus steel is hardly a contemporary design method. Those who also collect knives or swords are familiar with the process, which results in a wavy pattern within the steel. The process, which will actually harden the steel, dates to the 4th century A.D. when the city of Damascus was then well known for its weapon-makers and metallurgical prowess.
For the new Heritage Corum Lab 01, Corum is using Damascus steel “as a nod to history,” within the modernistic design, which Corum debuted last year. Corum has however updated the Damascus waves with a black DLC treatment as a clear contrast to the initial brushed titanium-case Corum Lab 01 collection.
On both watches, the hour and minute hands are filled with SuperLuminova in the same color as the rubber inserts.
Each case utilizing Damascus steel is unique, and thus each watch in these two 99-piece limited editions features a slightly different set of waves. Two color options, blue and green, are available, with either color used to tint hands, markers, Corum logo and rubber inserts on both sides of the case. On both watches, the hour and minute hands are filled with SuperLuminova in the same color as the rubber inserts.
The two new Heritage Corum Lab 01 models are driven by Corum’s caliber CO 410, a barrel-shaped skeleton movement that has been designed specifically to fit the 39.89mm by 55mm case.
Perhaps to complement the blackened Damascus steel framing, Corum has added interesting design flourishes to the openwork movement itself. Particularly notable is the finish atop the micro-rotor, which has been given spiral pattern. Corum has finished the rest of the movement with a Cotes de Genève pattern. Price: $16,800.
Alongside the Damascus debuts, Corum adds two additional Heritage Corum Lab 01 models (pictured below), each with a black DLC titanium case, to the Heritage Corum Lab 01 collection. Each is priced at $13,800.
Corum adds two additional Heritage Corum Lab 01 models, each with a black DLC titanium case, to the Heritage Corum Lab 01 collection. Pictured is the model with white accents.
Corum adds two additional Heritage Corum Lab 01 models, each with a black DLC titanium case, to the Heritage Corum Lab 01 collection. Above is the model with red accents.