In keeping with Fantone’s singular style, her work references and reimagines a face that is recognizable to all, the Mona Lisa. “In my latest work I was stimulated by some of the world’s greatest artists of yesterday and today,” Fantone writes.
The artist’s inspiration aligns well with Corum Bubble’s modern twist of vintage fashion. First introduced in 2000, the Bubble was modeled after the 1960 Rolex Deep Sea Special, an experimental dive watch which kept ticking from the bottom of the ocean and back. Out of this striking innovation, a new style was born with a thick sapphire crystal enclosing and magnifying the center dial. This creates an optical illusion through the gem-like lens which encapsulates the uniquely original designs.
Although Fantone often finds fuel for her work in the pop art of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, for this piece, she traveled deeper in time to find the face that would fit the frame. Looking out from a pane of crystal, the tilted head and the familiar smile of Mona Lisa is counterbalanced by a white chest shrouded in a tapestry of colorful collage. The option of a silver or vibrant purple watchcase playfully compliment the image, while the silver curve of the hands delicately trace the design.
There’s a great deal of debate on the subject of watches as artwork. Although a watch needn’t be art to be of notice, I’m a firm believer in their capability to straddle the boundaries of purpose, shape, and philosophy where appropriate. In the case of those Corum Bubble watches, it is apparently a brand’s attempt at creating a pure objet d’art. It is true, the Corum Bubble watches are not love anything else the brand makes (or much like anything anyone leaves, for that matter), however they’re intended to be beautiful items, that is something that they have in common with other timepieces bearing the Corum logo.The dedication to the sphere in these bits is staggeringly unwavering. In my opinion, this group works only because it is so unconcerned with anything but the most loyal realisation of its own unique idea. To take advantage of this re-release chance, Corum has partnered with famous cymbal producer Paiste. Paiste have been enlisted to create a exceptional dial for the Corum Bubble Paiste special edition watch. The dial of this Corum Bubble Paiste is a very small cymbal created by Paiste at precisely the same way they would make a full size cymbal. I am quietly confident it would work as intended were it removed from the home and attached to some kit, but even if it’s only for show, it looks great.