Baselworld 2016: Bet On Bubble at Basel

Baselworld 2016: Bet On Bubble at Basel

Corum has a full house with the Bubble Gaming limited editions, a series of five timepieces dedicated to games of chance. Each limited to just 88 pieces – with the final, 88th wristwatch a pièce unique – the Bubble Gaming brings the excitement of gaming to the wrist.

Lady Luck smiled on Corum when it first introduced the iconic Bubble in the year 2000. A runaway bestseller, the Bubble made its surprising return last year. Corum continues to celebrate its emblematic timepiece with Bubble Gaming, a series that is a nod to the first Bubble, reviving themes that became a signature of the original, like the roulette wheel and joker.

The Bubble Gaming series is made up of five limited edition timepieces: Bubble 8 Ball, Bubble Casino Chip, Bubble Dice, Bubble Joker and Bubble Roulette. Each is limited to just 88 pieces – “8” is phonetically similar to “luck” in many Chinese dialects – in a 47 mm stainless steel case topped by a massive, domed sapphire crystal. But the very last watch of each edition – the 88th timepiece and perhaps the luckiest – is a one-of-a-kind creation in steel complemented by red gold bezel.

Both the Bubble 8 Ball and Roulette are distinguished by their specially constructed, three-dimensional dials. The Bubble 8 Ball features a relief eight-ball, rising from the surface of the dial and echoing the curve of the sapphire crystal. Even more intricate is the dial of the Bubble Roulette, which takes the form of a roulette table, complete with tiny frets and a ball at the tip of the seconds hand.

The Bubble Dice, on the other hand, is a gambler’s fantasy, featuring twin dice on the dial, each covered with sixes on every face – meaning losing is impossible. And just for reassurance: an oversized “6” is found at its usual position on the dial, but also repeated at three o’clock.

More artistic is the Bubble Joker, which features a black PVD coated steel case. It depicts a soulful and slightly menacing jester inspired by some of pop culture’s most famous villains. On the dial of the Bubble Joker, an oversized “8” replaces the conventional three o’clock marker for a little bit more luck.

And rounding up the series is the Bubble Casino, similarly treated with black PVD. The dial takes the form of a high-stakes gaming chip that’s a gambler’s fantasy. On the wrist, it feels like a million dollars.