This is a deliciously quirky watch that was invented by Severin Wunderman in 2000, the same year that he purchased the brand Corum. He had probably seen the Rolex Deesea Special, an experimental watch with a thick domed watchglass to resist the pressure at the bottom of the Marianas Trench, about 11,000 metres down, and liked the way that the crystal both magnified and distorted the dial. (Below, the Rolex Deepsea Special, courtesy of Rolex):

This year, the Bubble has been reintroduced, and it has acquired some more appealing touches such as the spherical crown with a rubber ring, and the date window in the numeral 6 at the bottom of the dial. It has become even larger, from the 44 mm of the 2000 model to 47 mm today, with a thickness of 18.8 mm. Its short, curved lugs make it comfortable to wear. The watchglass is cut and milled from a solid block of sapphire crystal, and its lens-like distorting effect has been heightened by the dial design inspired by Vasarely, with squares that expand towards the dial centre. All three models have steel cases, with 100 m water resistance.

References and prices

Three models are available, The Heritage Bubble Vintage, reference L082/02424, has a bronze-coloured PVD-coated case, with vintage-style SuperLuminova. This is a limited edition of 350 pieces. Price €3,300.

The Heritage Bubble All Black, reference L082/02587 – 082.300.98/0061 FN30, has a black PVD coating and a black dial. Price €3,300.

The third mode, Heritage Bubble Squelette, reference L082/02595 – 082.400.20/0019 SQ19, l has an exposed, skeletonized movement, the CO 0082 calibre. Price €7,950.

The CO 0082 movement is used in all three. It is an automatic movement, with a power reserve of 42 hours, and an oscillating weight with Corum decoration, visible through the sapphire caseback

The watches have straps with rubber next to the skin and an outer finish in leather, alligator for the skeleton version, and calfskin for the Vintage and All Black.