Unique Watch Collection Overview

MTR, a seasoned collector, challenges conventional wisdom by showcasing his latest acquisition: the Corum Bubble X-Ray. This article delves into MTR's philosophy of collecting what truly fascinates him, even if it deviates from traditional 'grails.' His candid exploration of this unique timepiece offers a refreshing perspective on the emotional connection collectors forge with their watches.

This Corum Bubble X-Ray for sure is my strangest and craziest acquisition so far, I have to confess.

And it is really far away from my “usual” grails (PC, MR and now a GP Three Bridges which I am hunting). 

But I simply couldn't resist. 

Because my watch philosophy has always been to buy what fascinates me and makes my heart beat faster, but not what would be "appropriate" or "opportune" for any collector and / or investment reasons.

And this very special (and well built!) piece of art (yes it is as piece of art), which is limited to 88 pieces worldwide, made my heart beat faster from the start.

1. Because it is so completely different from all the other watches in my collection.

2. Because the topic and the philosophy behind it interests and fascinates me. The Bubble X-Ray plays with life and death, an important reminder, that life is short and time should not be wasted. 

Incidentally, I am a very cheerful person and actually not turned towards the morbid. I try to enjoy my life and live it consciously despite an enormous workload. But I find this awareness of the actual finitude motivating and stimulating, to concentrate on the essential things in life and to do that and express what you want to do and express.

3. Because it was released to celebrate an anniversary of the Corum Bubble, an iconic design.

4. Because the whole idea and concept of this watch is consistent.

The Bubble watch goes back to the second owner of Corum, Severin Wunderman, who combined a huge case with a massively domed crystal comprising different creative and artful dials. His goal with the Bubble was to disrupt the watch world and make a new statement. And the idea of a limited life that has to be lived consciously and not to be wasted occupied Wunderman a lot.

5. Because of its iconic design:

• 47 mm case (stainless steel with black PVD treatment

• domed crystal coated with an anti-refelctive treatment

• a lumiscent skull pattern floating over the dial as a 3D image (the skull is fully visible in the dark because it is highly luminescent and glows green)

• 100m WR

• good readability

• a synthetic alligator-like strap that is lined with rubber and has a fluorescent green stitching

• And above all: no date window ruins this special dial. ;-)

Finally: I didn't expect this quality. The whole watch feels massive and well built. 

Ok, it has a standard automatic movement (not in-house), but after some stories we had learned in the last months about "in-house movements" and their flaws, that might not be the worst. ;-)

And here it is, the Corum Bubble X-Ray: