In speaking of the new Corum Admiral’s Cup Deep Hull 48, my watch friend TLex (OceanicTime) says “Forget the Bubble Diver, now CORUM are in the business of making professional dive watches.”   Can’t say I disagree with him.  Not only delivering high performance pieces, but Corum is delivering pieces that look good (check out their best recent releases here).  This new Corum Admiral’s Cup Chronograph 44 Centro Mono-pusher continues the streak with this cool mono-pusher chronograph.  While not necessarily a hard-core dive watch, the design is solid and the mono-pusher functionality is not something you see every day.  Also I like the “Geneva striped” inner dial.  How about you?  Like it?

Admiral’s Cup Chronograph 44 Centro Mono-Pusher

Limited Edition to 555 pieces (Ref No: 960.101.94/F371 AN12)

44mm titanium case with black PVD treatment, water resistant 100 meters, rubberized bezel, automatic movement, black dial with Geneva striping, small seconds at 9 o’clock, chronograph function (start, stop, reset) operated by one lever-pusher at 2 o’clock, luminous hands/markers (the 60 min. counter is in red Superluminova), comes on rubber strap with matching titanium clasp

Ulysse Nardin is again (2nd year) the official sponsor of the 2010 Monaco Yacht Show, one of UN Chief Rolf Schnyder’s favorite soirees.  This year is the 20^th anniversary of the superyacht show (there’s still time!  September 22-25 at Port Hercules) and so UN decided to put out a limited edition “Monaco” watch based on its Marine collection.

Wide angle view of the 2009 Monaco Yacht Show

At first glance of the images I was a little disappointed in this watch.  Yes, it is a limited and individually numbered series (better than I can seem to say for some of IWC’s LE’s these days), but is this just another color change?  Well, kinda sorta but not exactly.  UN did a bit more — the case is specially treated and coated in vulcanized rubber.  Interesting, but definitely have to see this one in person to get a feel for it, though.  I wonder how something like this would hold up to nicks/dings/bumps that might be encountered while out on the high seas.  UN is not the first to rubberize their cases (Corum and others, if I recall, have similar watches).  Even with this “special” case, the watch really isn’t much more exciting that other Ulysse Nardin Marine watches.  What do you think of it?

Ulysse Nardin Monaco Marine Diver Limited Edition 2010

45.8mm rubberized case, rubber strap with black ceramic folding clasp

specially marked rotor (*yawn*)

UN Chief Rolf Schnyder hanging with HRH Prince Albert II

Celebrating 50 years…

The Admiral’s Cup Challenge 44 you see here is a second new model recently announced by Corum as the brand celebrates the 50 year anniversary of its iconic watch design.  You would be correct in recalling that this watch is very, very similar to the Admiral’s Cup Split Seconds 44 that I showed you in late June 2010 – the main differences being that this model a) lacks the split seconds module and b) has the Corum “key” shape on the short end of the seconds hand (see close-up image below).   Production will be limited to 955 pieces in both white (753.671.20/F371 AA52) and black (753.671.20/F371 AN52) dialed versions.  The movement is an automatic COSC chronograph.  Comes on a rubber strap and is water resistant to 100 meters.  I would guess price is in the $5,000 range.

Black and white with PVD accents…

These are the new Corum Admiral’s Cup Split Seconds watches.  The monochromatic styling (enhanced by some PVD finishing on the case) with just a touch of red via the split-seconds and small seconds hands has these watches looking good.  The watches are 44mm in diameter and part of the case is PVD-treated.  Both models have black vulcanized rubber crown guards, too.  Movement is Corum’s CO986 and is a COSC certified chronometer (ie very accurate).  Water resistant to 100 meters.

Corum Admiral’s Cup Split Seconds 44

Black dial version – limited to 155 pieces

White dial version – limited to 55 pieces

I really like the sub-dial counters on these watches — easy to read and with hints of the nautical theme. 155 black-dials and 55 white-dials will be produced.  Price is unknown, but I would guess it to be between $5,000-$7,000.

More broadly, I must say that Corum is really on a roll lately.  They have introduced several beautifully designed watches since Baselworld and I am really starting to view the brand in a new light.  For example check out the Corum Deep Hull 48 and the Corum Grand Prix Chronograph 48.  I never really (and still don’t) like the multi-colored nautical flags that are often used to decorate the dials.  However, some of their new, more muted color schemes (with fewer overall color in any one particular design) and case shapes have much greater appeal to me.

Two thumbs up to Corum!

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What a fantastic looking new watch from Corum — the Admiral’s Cup Chronograph 48 Grand Prix.  While it is surely to big for my wrist (48mm), the orange/black/grey colors in this watch work  tremendously well together.  Limited to just 25 pieces, the watch was created to commemorate Corum’s sponsorship of the Okalys-Corum team and the Corum Grand Prix, one of 8 races/regattas in the Challenge Julius Baer, which in fact began this weekend with the Grand Prix Beau-Rivage Palace on Lake Geneva.   The watch has a titanium case in Corum’s twelve-sided design.  Water resistant to 300 meters (990 feet).  In the close-up photo below, you can see that the bezel and crown guard are composed of vulcanized rubber.  Comes on a leather strap with textile-looking finish (interesting?!?) with orange stitching — and a matching titanium buckle engraved with the Corum logo.  Available at authorized Corum dealers in June 2010 with a price of about $10,000.

Ref: 753.935.06/0231 AK57

I really like some of the new Admiral’s Cup pieces Corum has come out with this past year!

Photo Credit:  Marc Ninghetto

Corum finds its dive watch credentials…

This year Corum has introduced a phenomenal dive watch – the Admiral’s Cup Deep Hull 48.  Those of you who, like me, don’t get all that much excited about Corum’s Ti Bridge watches, should definitely give this particular watch special consideration.  This watch is in fact Corum’s first dedicated dive watch, perhaps a surprising fact to the casual watch enthusiast.  But to its credit, Corum did everything right to make this watch a legitimate choice in the high-end dive watch segment.  

Corum Admiral’s Cup Deep Hull 48

Limited Edition 500 pieces, Ref 947.950.04/0371 ANI2

48mm titanium case, on a black rubber strap with titanium buckle

The Deep Hull’s specifications demonstrate that it is a serious diver.  The substantially sized 48mm, 12-sided case is forged of high-grade titanium and delivers an impressive 1,000 meter water resistance.  And it also has a decompression valve (aka helium-escape valve) which during ascent evacuates helium that has accumulated inside the case due to the diver’s depth and long periods of time underwater.    Lest the casual observer assume this watch’s depth rating to be for mere mortals, Corum has very boldly stamped the “1000M” depth rating on the edge of the case:

You can also see in the above picture how nicely designed the dial is.  The watch has luminous hands and hour markers, designed in Corum’s signature “nautical pennant” style.  On many if not most Corum watches, these nautical pennants are multi-colored and for me (a non-sailor) a bit too much.  But I really like the monochromatic look of the Deep Hull.  Also as noted on the black dial, the movement is a “certified chronometer” aka a very precise timekeeper.

In summary, I think that this watch is a winner, and in the words of the #1 dive watch blog on the ‘Net, the Corum Admiral’s Cup Deep Hull 48 is ”as suited to the consummate professional at helm of a racing yacht as it is to the deep sea diver“!  Indeed, the timing for the release of the brand’s first ever true dive watch could not be better!

Our Baselworld coverage continues…but first a recap…

As you know Perpetuelle.com has been quite busy these past few days bringing you all of the latest and greatest new watches from the world’s finest independent watchmakers and leading luxury brands.  Thank you all for visiting the site these past few days! My team and I take great pride in quite literally working around the clock to bring you the most comprehensive and the most timely coverage of Baselworld possible.  This is our passion.  It is an event such as Baselworld that we live for, and we hope some of our passion is being transmitted to you!

Now – since “opening weekend” is now behind us, I wanted to give you a quick recap before I move on.  First a quick reminder that here on First In Watches, the official Perpetuelle.com blog, I am almost exclusively highlighting only the most exciting new watches to come out of Baselworld.  I do critique some of the “less than impressive” watches and watch brands because hey, let’s be honest these brands can and should do better.  As an independent voice, I’m not afraid to point out a poorly conceived watch when I see one, but overall I try to remain focused on the positive and write about only the watches that I like or find interesting.  Just remember that you are entitled to your opinion and all are welcome to post a comment (even the brands themselves) for a balanced discussion.

So, in alphabetical order, here is what I have featured since last Wednesday.  Be sure to check out any that you missed!

• Bell & Ross Instrument BR03-92 Military Ceramic
• Bell & Ross Vintage BR 123 Carbon and BR 126 Carbon
• Blancpain Fifty Fathoms blah blah
• Breguet Type XXII 3880 ST
• Breitling Bentley Supersports
• Chronoswiss Opus Black Magic
• Corum Ti Bridge Tourbillon
• Frédéric Jouvenot Hélios
• Glashütte Original PanoMatic Counter XL
• Glashütte Original Senator Diary
• Grand Seiko Going International
• Green dial green bezel Rolex Submariner
• Harry Winston Opus X
• Hublot “Liberty” Bullets, by the Confrérie Horlogère
• Hublot King Power Tourbillon Manufacture
• Jean Dunand Palace
• Linde Werdelin Oktopus Tattoo
• Maîtres du Temps Chapter One Round
• Maurice Lacroix “Square Wheel”
• New Rolex Explorer
• OMEGA Seamaster PloProf white dial (new variation)
• OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Apollo-Soyuz 35th anniversary
• Patek Philippe Chronograph Ref 5170
• Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Split-Seconds Chronograph (Ref 5961P)
• Patek Philippe Steel Split-Seconds Chronograph (Ref 5950A)
• Perrelet Diamond Flower Ceramic
• Recommended Reading: “Masters of Contemporary Watchmaking”, by Michael Clerizo
• Rolex Explorer 214270
• Rolex Teaser
• Tag Heuer Carrera 1887 Chronograph
• TAG Heuer Pendulum Watch
• Tudor Heritage Chrono (with Video)

Finally, don’t forget that the FULL lineup of new watches (complete with specs and info) for each brand is available on our official Baselworld 2010 Forum. Perpetuelle’s Forum Moderator James Bond is doing an excellent job keeping the forum current, however if we are missing something feel free to let us know (contact us tab is above).

Looking forward to tomorrow – well, it is a new day and Baselworld continues – believe me there are still MANY new and exciting watches yet to come!

Liking the “Corum Key” accent on the tourbillon…

You can also check out the Corum “Deep Hull 48″ and the rest of the new Corum models on our Official Baselworld 2010 Forum.

Already?  Yes, already.

While Baselworld 2010 is not officially “on” until March 18, what is on are the Baselworld pre-releases.  Yes, yes, SIHH and Geneva Time Exhibition just ended (did you miss our coverage?) but don’t blame me for this breakneck pace!  In fact in what I can best describe as a “steal their thunder” moment, it was no sooner than SIHH had started did the Baselworld “pre-releases” starting coming out.  I had to laugh because of the all too convenient timing of these pre-releases, but hey, it’s a competitive world out there, and I would be doing the same thing to if I had a brand to market.  It’s all about the share of mind, and any little thing a watch brand can do to distract from their competitor’s message in favor of their own, well….that translates into $$$ when it is all said and done.

So….you can expect to start seeing the Baselworld 2010 previews here on First In Watches starting now and continuing over the next couple months.  I, and perhaps some of my esteemed colleagues, will be bringing you new watches from famous (and hoping to be famous) brands in what is to be a small taste of what is to come the week of March 18, 2010.

Anyway, stay tuned – the good times will continue to roll here on First In Watches and eventually the Perpetuelle.com World Watch Forum where we will bring you all the new 2010 releases from Baselworld just like we did for SIHH.  Come to think of it, I already shared a Baselworld 2010 pre-release with you way back in December – do you remember the Corum Admiral’s Cup Minute Repeater Tourbillon 45?  If not then click through and have a look.

This watch will officially be unveiled at ”Baselworld 2010″, but why wait until then to enjoy a few pics – we always a few good “previews”, especially this early! 

“In 2010 Corum celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the creation of its Admiral’s Cup collection. To mark this occasion, the brand pays tribute to sea- and high end horology-enthusiasts and offers an exceptional timepiece combining two complications; the minute repeater and tourbillon.”

See the full press release and more pictures here in the Perpetuelle Watch News Room.

Admiral’s Cup Minute Repeater Tourbillon 45