Corum, the Swiss watchmaker with a rich history and a penchant for the maritime world, has unveiled a captivating addition to its Admiral collection – the Admiral 38 Aventurine. This exquisite timepiece seamlessly blends heritage with modern design, resulting in a wristwatch that is both sophisticated and captivating. In this first part of a two-part series, we delve into the illustrious history of
Corum and the Admiral collection, setting the stage for a closer look at the Admiral 38 Aventurine's captivating features in the next part.
Corum's story began in the frontier town of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland in 1955. The company's founder, Gaston Bandian, possessed a unique vision for cultivating a brand that transcended the boundaries of conventional watchmaking. His creations were known for their audacious designs and unconventional materials, a characteristic that continues to define the Corum brand today.
Courtesy of Corum
The Admiral collection, a cornerstone of Corum's legacy, first set sail in 1960. Inspired by the nautical world and the prestigious Admiral's Cup yachting race, these timepieces were designed to be as reliable and robust as the high-seas themselves. The Admiral collection quickly garnered a reputation for its distinctive 12-sided case shape, reminiscent of the portholes found on a ship. These watches were crafted to withstand the rigors of maritime life, becoming a favorite among seasoned sailors and yachting enthusiasts.
Over the decades, the Admiral collection has evolved, embracing contemporary tastes while staying true to its nautical heritage. The introduction of the Admiral 38 in 2016 marked a significant chapter in this evolution. This series introduced a smaller case size, catering to those who preferred a more refined and contemporary wrist presence. However, the Admiral 38 preserved the essence of the collection's DNA – the dodecagonal case and the nautical pennant indexes remained, ensuring a recognizable connection to the Admiral's illustrious past.
The Corum Admiral 38 Aventurine, the latest addition to this lineage, showcases a captivating interplay of heritage and modern innovation. The watch retains the classic 38mm dodecagonal case, crafted from 18k rose gold. A keen eye for detail will appreciate the interplay of polished and satin-brushed finishes on the case, adding a touch of visual intrigue. The case back is crafted from sapphire crystal, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of the watch – a testament to Corum's commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
The real star of the Admiral 38 Aventurine, however, is its captivating dial. Crafted from aventurine, a type of gemstone known for its
Deep Blue color and mesmerizing flecks that resemble a starry night sky, the dial imbues the watch with an otherworldly beauty. Aventurine is a relatively rare material in watchmaking, and its inclusion in the Admiral 38 Aventurine elevates this timepiece to a level of exclusivity.
The watch's hands and hour markers are crafted from 18k rose gold, echoing the warmth of the case. The hands are skeletonized and filled with white SuperLumiNova, ensuring optimal legibility in low-light conditions. The hour markers are adorned with ten sparkling diamonds, adding a touch of subtle luxury.
The Admiral 38 Aventurine is secured to the wrist with a sleek white vulcanized rubber strap. This unexpected pairing of the luxurious 18k rose gold case with a sporty rubber strap lends the watch a refreshing and contemporary feel. The rubber strap is not only stylish but also comfortable and practical, ensuring the watch can be worn with confidence in a variety of settings.
Courtesy of Corum
The Corum Admiral 38 Aventurine's allure lies at its heart – the mesmerizing aventurine dial. This naturally occurring gemstone gets its name from the Italian word "a ventura," which means "by chance," reflecting the way its shimmering flecks were discovered accidentally during the glassmaking process in 17th-century Venice. Aventurine's deep blue hue and its shimmering inclusions, which resemble a star sprinkled night sky, have captivated gem enthusiasts and watchmakers alike.
Each aventurine dial is unique, possessing its own pattern of shimmering specks known as aventurescence. This ensures that no two Corum Admiral 38 Aventurine watches are exactly alike. The dial's captivating beauty transports the wearer on a celestial voyage with every glance at their wrist.
At the heart of the Admiral 38 Aventurine beats the CO 082, a reliable automatic movement manufactured by Corum. Automatic movements offer a fascinating blend of mechanical ingenuity and wearer convenience. They wind themselves through the natural movement of the wearer's wrist, eliminating the need for manual winding.
With a frequency of 4 Hz and a power reserve of 42 hours, the CO 082 caliber is designed for precision and reliability. Although hidden beneath the case back, this meticulous movement ensures that the watch keeps impeccable time, furthering the Admiral collection's legacy of being dependable companions both on land and at sea.
The Corum Admiral 38 Aventurine excels in both form and function. Despite its focus on captivating aesthetics, the watch offers practical features for everyday wear. It features a central hour, minute, and second hand, along with a date window subtly positioned at 3 o'clock. The hour markers and hands are treated with SuperLumiNova, ensuring optimal readability even in dimly lit environments – a feature that harkens back to the collection's nautical roots.
Courtesy of Corum
The watch offers a respectable water resistance of 100 meters (10 ATM). This means you can confidently wear it during everyday activities including swimming and snorkeling, without worrying about damaging the delicate movement inside.
The Admiral 38 Aventurine showcases an unwavering attention to detail, a hallmark of Corum's watchmaking philosophy. The 38mm diameter case, crafted from 18k rose gold, strikes a perfect balance between a strong wrist presence and contemporary sensibilities. It exudes a warmth and allure that complements the mesmerizing aventurine dial. The bezel is adorned with 72 meticulously set round diamonds, adding a touch of brilliance without being overly ostentatious.
The dial features 12 colorful nautical pennants, a historic hallmark of the Admiral collection. These pennants serve as hour markers, adding a playful touch and reminding the wearer of the watch's connection to the high seas. Ten of these hour markers are further adorned with glistening diamonds, creating a harmonious interplay of color, form, and sparkle.
The watch's vulcanized rubber strap, while a surprising design choice at first glance, offers both comfort and contemporary refinement. Its white color creates a bold contrast against the warm tones of the rose gold case and the depth of the blue dial. Rubber is highly resistant to wear, tear, and the elements, making it an ideal choice for those with an active lifestyle. The triple-blade folding clasp, also crafted from 18k rose gold, provides a secure and sophisticated closure.
Courtesy of Corum
The Corum Admiral 38 Aventurine embodies the continuous evolution of an iconic collection. It skillfully blends Corum's rich watchmaking heritage, an unwavering commitment to innovation, and the captivating beauty of natural materials. With its 38mm size and alluring design elements, it appeals to a diverse range of watch enthusiasts who appreciate both form and function.
Whether you're a seasoned collector, a lover of maritime-inspired timepieces, or simply someone seeking a watch that exudes a celestial charm, the Admiral 38 Aventurine is sure to leave a lasting impression. As the Admiral collection continues to sail forth, it's clear that Corum remains at the forefront of watchmaking, where boldness, creativity, and the pursuit of beauty reign supreme.