Guide to Vintage & Pre-Owned Corum Watches
Founded in 1955 in La Chaux-de-Fonds by René Bannwart and Gaston Ries, Corum is the Swiss brand that dared what no other had attempted — a watch carved from a piece of gold, a case made from a pure gold ingot, a linear movement suspended inside a transparent case. From the Coin Watch to the Golden Bridge, from the Admiral's Cup to the Ingot — discover our complete guide.
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Corum: The Creative Boldness of La Chaux-de-Fonds
Since its founding in 1955, Corum has established itself as the maverick of Swiss watchmaking. Under the impetus of René Bannwart, the manufacture disrupted conventions by using unprecedented materials (peacock feathers, meteorites) and creating designs that transcend the simple display of time. It is the brand for those in search of rarity.
Corum Vintage Collections in Detail
Coin Watch: "Time in Money"
- Concept: A genuine gold coin (often the $20 Double Eagle) cut in two to house an ultra-thin movement.
- Heritage: Worn by six American presidents, it is the symbol of discreet power and numismatic elegance.
Ingot Watch: Pure Gold on the Wrist
The Corum Ingot is unique: its case is an ingot of 24-carat gold (999.9/1000) certified by refiners such as Credit Suisse or UBS. Purer than standard 18-carat gold, it offers a richer lustre.
Golden Bridge: The Baguette Movement
Designed by Vincent Calabrese and launched in 1980, the Golden Bridge features a linear movement in which all the components are aligned along a single axis. Suspended inside a sapphire case, it appears to float on the wrist.
Admiral's Cup: The Nautical Icon
- Design: An immediately recognizable dodecagonal case (12 sides).
- Markers: 12 colorful nautical pennants representing the international code of maritime signal flags.
The Value of Rarity
Acquiring a period Corum guarantees a form of exclusivity: the manufacture never produced "generic" models. Pieces such as the Coin Watch or the Ingot retain a floor value secured by the weight of the solid gold.
Expertise and Guarantee Atelier Victor
Inspecting vintage Corum watches requires specific expertise in metal purity and the finesse of the calibres (Piguet, ETA). At Atelier Victor, we verify the authenticity of the coins and the precision of the baguette movements. Each watch is serviced by our expert watchmakers and benefits from a one-year mechanical guarantee as well as guaranteed lifetime authenticity.
Frequently Asked Questions — Corum Vintage Watches
Are the coins used in Coin Watches real?
Yes, Corum uses exclusively genuine gold or silver coins. Each watch therefore has numismatic value as well as intrinsic precious metal value.
What is special about the 24-carat gold of the Ingot?
Unlike 18-carat gold (75% gold), 24-carat gold is 99.9% pure gold. It is more malleable, which gives the Ingot watch a deep luster and a unique density, although it is more sensitive to micro-scratches.
Can a Golden Bridge be worn daily?
It is a high-horology piece that is more delicate than steel. However, its modern sapphire construction perfectly protects the baguette movement for wear on special occasions.
Discover our other luxury watches: Piaget vintage, pre-owned Cartier, Budget +2000€.
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