Corum Watches Embracing Audacity in Horology

Let's set our temporal coordinates to the year 1955, a time marked by the birth of rock and roll, the charm of the post war boom, and a profound sense of curiosity and exploration, particularly in the field of horology. Amidst this vibrant era, in the tranquil town of La Chaux de Fonds in Switzerland, a new entrant tiptoed onto the stage of fine watchmaking: Corum.

Founded by René Bannwart and his uncle Gaston Ries, Corum, in the grand scheme of the horology universe, is a relatively young brand. Despite their late entrance into the game, they didn't allow their youth to be an impediment. Instead, Corum leveraged its freshness, its inherent ability to embrace creativity, and novelty, pushing against the tide of convention that often accompanies an industry steeped in centuries of tradition.



René Bannwart, with his visionary spirit and unquenchable thirst for innovation, had a background working at some of the most prestigious Swiss watch companies. He was well prepared to pioneer his own brand and dreamed of creating timepieces that would shake the horology world with their distinctive designs and technical brilliance. He joined forces with his uncle, Gaston Ries, a businessman equally passionate about watchmaking, and Corum was born.

What set Corum apart from its contemporaries was its audacious creativity from the outset. Many companies require decades, even centuries, to build a reputation for trailblazing, but Corum was not one to take the slow lane. From the start, they were bold, brave, and ready to make waves. They were eager to challenge the norms of watchmaking, not afraid to introduce unusual materials, daring designs, and innovative movements.

Just a year after its inception, in 1956, Corum established its place in the echelons of haute horlogerie with the introduction of the 'Chinese Hat' watch, inspired by the traditional Asian headgear. Its daring dome shaped design, deviating dramatically from the typical watch silhouette, signaled to the world that Corum was a brand unafraid to march to the beat of its drum.



A few years later, Corum's ingenuity was on display once again when they introduced the "Coin Watch" in 1964. By incorporating a genuine $20 American double eagle gold coin into its design, Corum demonstrated its audacity, creativity, and technical prowess. It was a hit, becoming an icon and even gracing the wrist of the 36th American President, Lyndon B. Johnson. The Coin Watch showcased Corum’s strength in marrying aesthetic novelty with horological excellence, a balance that would define the brand's DNA.

Corum's journey of innovation didn’t stop there. 1970 saw the birth of the Admiral's Cup timepiece, named after the legendary yacht race. Its twelve sided case and nautical pennants instead of numbers on the dial made it unique and easily recognizable. It quickly became a cornerstone of Corum's collection, further solidifying its reputation as a watchmaker that marries innovation with a spirit of adventure.



As Corum’s timeline unfolds, we see a brand that has never shied away from risk taking. Rather than falling in line with horological tradition, Corum continually pushed the boundaries of what a watch could be. Its founders, René Bannwart and Gaston Ries, envisaged a brand that would be known for its daring designs and technical prowess. They wanted Corum to be a brand that surprises and delights, a brand that makes the heart of any watch enthusiast beat faster with every new release. As we delve deeper into the story of Corum, it becomes clear they have undoubtedly achieved that goal, and then some.

In the captivating world of Corum, there are no bounds to creativity, and their historical milestones echo this audacious spirit. So buckle up, because as we dive into the heart of Corum's collections in the next segment, we're going to see the remarkable ways this bold spirit manifests in their iconic watch lines. Prepare to be dazzled by the audacious elegance and technical wizardry that defines Corum, a brand that continues to capture our imagination and make our hearts race with anticipation. Get ready for a horological adventure like no other!

Welcome to the treasure chest of Corum's hallmark collections, where each line is a precious gem, radiating the brand's imaginative spirit and technical prowess. Get ready to embark on a journey through four iconic lines that have written Corum's rich and vibrant history.

First off, we have the legendary "Coin Watch." True to its name, this collection embraces the bold incorporation of a genuine $20 gold piece, splitting it in half to serve as the dial and case back. But the Coin Watch is not just a novelty; it is a timepiece that reverberates with historical resonance. It has graced the wrists of influential figures, including multiple U.S. presidents, thereby infusing it with a prestigious aura. But Corum didn’t rest on their laurels with the success of the Coin Watch. They continued to innovate within the collection, introducing versions that incorporate other coins and giving birth to a remarkable family of timepieces that are as much a part of history as they are a wearable piece of art.



Next up, we sail into the Corum armada with the "Admiral's Cup" collection. Introduced in 1960, the Admiral's Cup timepieces evoke a sense of adventure with their nautical themes and dynamic design elements. The distinctive twelve sided bezel and dial embellished with colorful nautical pennants as hour markers give this line its unique identity. Over the years, the Admiral's Cup collection has evolved, embracing modern watchmaking technology, and yet it has never strayed far from its roots, always maintaining its seafaring soul. The modern iterations exhibit Corum's innovative spirit with complicated movements, skeletonized designs, and unique materials, ensuring this storied line remains at the forefront of Corum's creative voyage.



On to the "Romvlvs" collection, we delve into a showcase of Corum's commitment to the balance of aesthetic finesse and technical complexity. The Romvlvs series debuted in 1966 with a bold design concept: engraved hour markers on the bezel, replacing the traditional dial indications. This not only lends a distinct look to the watches but also subtly enhances legibility. The collection has expanded over the years, embracing varying designs and complications, yet the unique hour display remains a defining characteristic of the Romvlvs line, marking it as an unmistakable Corum creation.



Last but not least, we have the spectacular "Bubble" collection, arguably Corum’s most daring and avant garde offering. Born in the new millennium, the Bubble watches immediately caused a sensation with their oversized, domed sapphire crystal that magnifies and distorts the dial, lending the watches an otherworldly, surreal aesthetic. Beneath this distinct crystal dome, Corum has allowed its imagination to run wild, producing dial designs ranging from vibrant colors to artistic patterns, and even using the space to showcase miniature works of art. The Bubble collection is a playground for Corum's boundless creativity, and it embodies the brand's audacious and playful spirit like no other.



As we traverse the landscape of Corum's impressive collections, we get a sense of the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. Whether it’s the Coin Watch with its history laden charm, the Admiral's Cup and its seafaring soul, the Romvlvs line with its innovative time display, or the Bubble collection and its sheer creative audacity, Corum demonstrates an unwavering devotion to originality and technical brilliance. With this line up of iconic collections, Corum continues to write its unique story in the annals of horological history, and we can't wait to see where the journey takes them next. Stay tuned as we continue to explore Corum’s fascinating world.

As we draw our Corum expedition to a close, it’s time to delve into the very heart of what makes this brand truly special. It’s not just about the innovative designs or the historical significance – it’s about the soul that beats within every timepiece and the journey Corum invites you on with each watch.



Corum’s spirit thrives on the courage to be different, to swim against the current, and to make a bold statement. It isn’t just about telling time; it’s about telling a story. Each collection, each watch, stands as a testament to this mantra, an epitome of Corum's audacity and flair. Corum doesn't merely create watches; it creates wearable narratives that ignite conversation, provoke thought, and inspire admiration.

Corum’s ability to constantly reinvent itself while maintaining its signature style is something to marvel at. For instance, how many brands can boast a watch featuring a genuine gold coin, or a timepiece inspired by a prestigious yachting event, or a watch with the numerals artistically engraved on the bezel, or a timepiece that embraces the concept of wearable art with a magnifying dome? That's Corum for you, a brand that prides itself on defying the ordinary and embracing the extraordinary.

It’s this audacious spirit that has won Corum numerous accolades, such as the "Special Jury Prize" at the 1976 Baden Baden design competition for the Feather Watch and the 2016 Good Design Awards for the Bubble Spookies collection. But beyond the awards, it's the recognition and respect of watch connoisseurs worldwide that truly underscores Corum's achievements.



In an industry where tradition often rules, Corum has dared to innovate, to push the envelope, and to challenge the status quo. Yet, it has managed to strike a balance, crafting timepieces that, while groundbreaking, still exude a timeless elegance and appeal. Corum watches are not just for today; they are for the future, designed to withstand the test of time and trends, standing as a testament to Corum's vision and prowess.

Moreover, the brand's dedication to horological excellence is evident in their in house calibers and high complications, marrying design ingenuity with mechanical brilliance. From the Coin Watch’s ultra thin automatic movement to the Romvlvs Tourbillon's mesmerizing mechanism, Corum has consistently showcased its technical mastery.

As we step back from our deep dive into Corum's world, we gain a new appreciation for this trailblazing brand. Corum’s journey isn't just about creating timepieces; it's about reimagining what a watch can be, about pushing the boundaries of design, about continually setting new benchmarks, and about creating unique experiences for its wearers.



Corum is a beacon for those who value originality and expressiveness, for those who aren't afraid to stand out, for those who dare to be different. If you appreciate audacious designs, if you seek out the unconventional, if you love stories, then Corum might just be the brand for you.

As we conclude our journey, we find ourselves not at the end, but rather at a new beginning, eagerly anticipating what Corum will conjure up next. We look forward to their future creations, assured that they will continue to enchant us, to surprise us, and to remind us of the beauty of thinking outside the box. After all, that's the Corum way! Time, they show us, is not just to be kept, but to be celebrated, to be savored, to be adorned, and most importantly, to be enjoyed. So, let's raise a toast to Corum, a brand that doesn't just tell time, but tells a tale worth listening to.