Though legibility may be somewhat affected by the distortions brought about by the heavily domed crystal, Corum addresses that by providing the Bubble 47 Flying Tourbillon large leaf-shaped hands painted with white Super-LumiNova. It’s an automated movement which relies on a micro-rotor for twisting. The micro-rotor features the Corum key in 18k gold. Power reserve is a really commendable 72 hours, and also the motion beats at 3Hz. After all, the Corum Bubble 47 Flying Tourbillon is a fairly unusual watch. But, Corum’s boldness to go against the grain and its almost reckless attitude toward design also makes it rather cool, particularly for watch lovers who appreciate a few quirkiness and individualism. The fact it is a unique piece is just the cherry on the cake. The Corum Bubble 47 Flying Tourbillon watch is priced at 103,000 Swiss francs (approximately US $100,500). Although Corum has done some fascinating work with their Bridge collection throughout time, it’s the Admiral’s Cup which marks the newest most powerful and most recognizable design language. For 2016, Corum has launched the Corum Admiral Legend 42 Automobile and Admiral Legend 42 Chronograph watches which function as a great counterpart to some of the more unusual pieces such as the Bubble watch which has been reintroduced annually. We have got four interesting watches to cover here, so let us get started.

Originally planned as a unique piece resulting from Corum’s unique crowdsourcing design project “Customise Your Bubble”, the new Bubble Stop is being launched as a limited edition of 88 watches, all of which have a reflective dial. 

The Bubble Stop is features a design by brand aficionado, Jérôme Barbier and Corum Watches Admirals Cup Replica has taken the bold step of making the dial out of the same reflective material as  Swiss traffic signs. 

The three models are available in a 42 mm, 47 mm or 52 mm titanium case covered by the characteristis domed sapphire crystal of the Corum Bubble, giving it a strong identity that is in tune with its “STOP” dial yet remaining lightweight thanks to the use of titanium. The Bubble Stop has a sapphire case back through which the CO403 movement can be admired, with its 65-hour power reserve.

The initial Bubble has been 44mm broad, which made it an outlier in those days. In addition to that, the design was fairly uncommon. Watch collectors weren’t so used to risks as they are today, but nevertheless, the Corum Bubble found favour among a committed demographic. It will be interesting to see how the re-release of this Corum Bubble is greeted by a consumer base that is much savvier than it was in the turn of this century. The profile of this watch is still unusually towering, with one of the highest-domed crystals I have ever seen. The effect this has on the dial is not possible to dismiss. That is appropriate in terms of design fidelity, as it totally adheres to the usage of spheres throughout the view — most clearly on the rubber-ringed crown at 3 o’clock. Furthermore, it manages to stay true to Wunderman’s unique vision, which was inspired by a 1960s dive watch that comprised a huge crystal to hold out against the pressure of deep-sea exploration. But is this view just an homage, or have Corum upgraded it significantly to appeal to a modern audience?