The Bubble was born in 2000, the brainchild of Severin Wunderman, an American entrepreneur of Belgian origin who had recently acquired Corum. With a passion for bold and innovative designs, Wunderman created this unique timepiece by drawing inspiration from a 1960s diving watch that had a domed crystal designed to withstand underwater pressure. This striking watch quickly established itself as one of the house’s main creative pillars, instantly recognisable by its extremely prominent domed sapphire crystal.
Often likened to a magnifying glass or globe, this crystal creates a unique optical distortion that enlarges the dial and imparts a sense of depth. This distinctive feature has become the signature of the Bubble line, captivating enthusiasts of unconventional watches. Hailed as avant-garde and futuristic, the Bubble broke with traditional watchmaking conventions.
The watch’s initial success was remarkable, with over 38,000 units sold in its first year of production, peaking at 20,000 in 2001. Sales then stabilised at an average of 8,000 pieces annually until Severin Wunderman’s death in 2007, when production of the Bubble ceased. The reasons for this halt remain unclear – perhaps it was due to concerns about market saturation or the loss of its creator’s guiding vision. Regardless, the Bubble left an indelible mark on the world of horology.
Between 2000 and 2007, the Bubble was produced in numerous limited editions and variations, often drawing inspiration from art and popular culture. These iterations featured dials inspired by young contemporary artists, comic book characters, skeleton motifs, and a wide variety of other creative designs.
It wasn’t until 2015 that this iconic timepiece was relaunched in an updated 47 mm diameter version, available exclusively with an automatic calibre.
The Bubble, with its distinctive globe-like domed crystal, remains one of the most iconic pieces in Corum’s portfolio, exemplifying the brand’s bold creative vision. As it continues to evolve with the times, constantly reinventing itself, the Bubble seems set to maintain its iconic status for many years to come.
