Corum Bridges Golden Bridge “Dragon”. Introduced in 2014 at the annual BaselWorld watch fair, the hand-engraved oriental dragon is encased in a black PVD-coated titanium case that also houses the Calibre C0 113 manual-winding movement. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. BaselWorld 2014
When is a dragon not an oriental dragon? Simple, the answer is: when it is an occidental dragon.
Generally speaking, unlike the oriental species, the dragon in western culture has wings.
The wyvern, defined as a winged, two-legged dragon with a barbed tail by the Oxford Dictionary, is therefore a western breed.
As for the Corum Bridges Golden Bridge, the hand-engraved dragon artwork is obviously an oriental version. Not having any wings is one hint, the other clue being the pearl set at its tail.
Another important detail will be the five-claws on each “arm” and “feet”. This is important especially for Asian clients due to the history of dragon symbols.
During the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC to 256 BC), the five-clawed dragon was the exclusive symbol of the Chinese Emperor.
The five-clawed dragon therefore represented imperial majesty and power; moreover, anyone who misused this symbol in China during that period would have unceremoniously received the death sentence.
Noblemen used the four-clawed dragon while commoners could have the three-clawed species.
Today, the Chinese will naturally prefer a five-clawed dragon on their furniture, artwork or precious objects. Not surprisingly, observe and you would understand why the hand-engraved artwork featured in Corum’s Golden Bridge “Dragon” is five-clawed.
How long does it take to produce such a hand-engraved dragon? From what we understand, two weeks will be required to produce one dragon. That sounds like a long time but considering the fine detailing and the long dragon body, it is two weeks of well-spent artistic production time.
Speaking of a long dragon, it is also worth noting that dragon is pronounced lóng in Chinese.
If there is any opportunity to view this timepiece, our advice is to check out the hand-engraved dragon and to carefully admire it for it does not make any contact with the Calibre C0 113 manual-winding movement.
The Corum Golden Bridges Golden Bridge “Dragon” is a powerful statement piece on the wrist. It is appropriate for those who appreciate the mythical dragon and longing a long life (pun intended).
How can one have a long life? “Always keep your smile. That’s how I explain my long life,” super centenarian Jeanne Calment (1875 to 1997) once remarked.
Given the artistic approach and fine handcrafted details, we give the Corum Bridges Golden Bridge “Dragon” a five-claws up rating.