Corum Chronograph 44 Centro Mono-Pusher – Staying True To Form
We have always maintained the long-held belief that the key to success is consistency; find something you do well, and then keep on doing it. It would seem that the team at Corum also subscribe to this same principle, producing timepieces that are of exceptional quality whilst at the same time remaining true to the brand’s core principles of quality and innovation. To demonstrate, we present to you the latest addition to the Admiral’s Cup collection, the Chronograph 44 Centro Mono-pusher.
A Cause For Celebration
This year marks not only the 55th anniversary of the company’s founding by René Bannwart, but also the 50th anniversary of its iconic Admiral Cup collection. In celebration of this event the brand has introduced a number of new models to the collection, including a Minute Repeater Tourbillon, as well as its first diver’s watch.
Now the latest piece to join the line-up is this superb new chronograph, equipped with a mono-pusher complication as opposed to the more traditional twin-pusher. Although the twin-pusher chronograph is arguably the most popular sports-watch complication Corum’s intention was to create something more refined and unique, and to be perfectly honest, less common. As the name suggests the timepiece only features one pusher, which is used to stop, start and reset the chronograph.
Subtle Differences
However, there is a subtle difference between this particular mono-pusher chronograph and the others that have come before it. Whilst it may only be a minor detail to some, it is yet another illustration of Corum’s dedication to innovation and adds an extra element to what is already a very cool watch. You see, whilst the chronograph minute hand is typically placed in its own dedicated sub-dial Corum have decided to buck convention using their exclusive CO961 movement. As such the minute hand has instead been mounted on the same axis as the conventional hour and minute hands, hence the name Centro Mono-pusher.
Not only does this give the timepiece a clever point of differentiation it also helps the dial remain as uncluttered, and therefore as legible, as possible and let’s face it, legibility is key. A sport’s watch becomes all but useless if it cannot be read quickly and accurately, which is exactly why the minute hand has been especially designed with a slender black base and a wider red tip and the dial features Corum’s trademark large, clear numerals.
Yes this is a timepiece that has been designed to look good, but it is also one that has been designed to be worn.
Presented in a 44 mm case made from ultra-light grade 5 titanium, the characteristic Admiral’s Cup twelve-sided design is covered with an extremely resistant matt black PVD coating with an impressive hardness of 1300 Vickers. The bezel is also black PVD-coated and features softened angles. The chronograph function is activated by a lever placed at 2 o’clock on the case middle, which according to Corum is a particularly ergonomic position.
The multi-level dial, of which the center is adorned with Côtes de Genève – a decorative motif traditionally reserved for movements – is dominated by shades of dark grey and black, including the lacquered nautical pennants arranged around the inner bezel ring to indicate the hours, the black luminescent coating of the facetted hands, the “30” and “60” numbers, and the applied chevrons.
Providing understated yet sufficient (perhaps even mildly aggressive) contrast is the sprinkling of red accents throughout the dial, including the index indicating the date in the large window, the minute-circle index and the chronograph minute hand. Even the mechanical self-winding movement visible through the sapphire crystal is enhanced by a specific finish, since the oscillating weight is also black PVD-coated. The chronograph is chronometer-certified by the COSC, guaranteeing quality and reliability.
Water-resistant to 100 meters, the Corum Admiral’s Cup Chronograph 44 Centro Mono-pusher is fitted with a black vulcanized rubber strap and a titanium-capped steel folding clasp and will be issued in a limited series of 555.
The Final Word
Corum is a brand which has really re-captured our attention over the last twelve months or so, after almost fading into obscurity in the preceding decade. Adherence to strict standards of quality and re-focusing on the brand’s core strengths have resulted in the introduction of several exceptional timepieces, of which the new Centro Mono-pusher is most definitely one. Aggressive yet understated, this timepiece has been created for the more sophisticated consumer who isn’t afraid to still get their hands dirty every now and then.
This timepiece is definitely a winner for us, it’s not overly complicated or flashy and that’s why we like it. Find what you do well and keep on doing it.
To learn more and to locate a retailer near you check out Corum’s official website at: www.corum.ch
Category: Watch Reviews
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Tom is the founder and editor of The Watch Lounge. Together with his team he is dedicated to bringing you the best, original content you won't find anywhere else on the net.Subscribe
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