Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie

Corum

• History
• Philosophy
• Emblematic Models
• New products

History

Corum’s history

The adventure began with René Bannwart, who was called upon by his uncle, Gaston Ries, to assume joint management of the watchmaking workshop he had been running since 1924 in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Together they transformed it into a watch company with its own proprietary brand: Corum.

Particularly fascinated by the word “quorum” which means “the minimum number of persons present, required to enable a meeting, to hold discussions and take valid decisions”, they simplified the spelling.

Right from the time of its creation in 1955 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Corum displayed a determination to position itself in the forefront of the Swiss watch industry.

The emblem, a key pointing skywards, is a symbol of the mystery to be fathomed, the enigma to be resolved, of new territories to be explored, and of innovation. It also alludes to the inventiveness, tenacity and bold spirit required in order to attain the total mastery of time.

In 1956 the first Corum watches appears on the market and the brand launches a veritable cascade of new ideas with great success. It is even recognized by its peers as one of the most creative in the industry.

1958 Creation of the “Chinese hat” watch for woman whose bezel recalls the famous head covering worn by the people of China.

1960 First interpretation of the Admiral’s Cup model with a square case. The first ever water-resistant square watch.

1964 The Coin Watch is created around an authentic $20 Double Eagle Coin, a symbol evoking the spirit of free enterprise and, a model worn by numerous U.S. Presidents and prominent civilians alike.

1965 Launch of the “Buckingham model” with its oversize proportions, something of a revolution in its day.

1966 The Romulus watch is created with an hourless dial and hour markings on the bezel.

1970 Creation of watches with a “Feather” dial made using genuine bird feathers. Beginning of the use by the brand of materials of extreme delicacy.

1976 The “Rolls-Royce” watch created in an avant-garde partnership with the most famous and prestigious automobile marque of the day.

1980 The “Golden Bridge” with its delicately hand-engraved baguette movement reveals, behind the perfect transparency of its sapphire surround, the very summit of technical mastery of watchmaking style.

1983 The famous Admiral’s Cup design is reinterpreted in a contemporary spirit. It features nautical pennants that correspond to the international maritime code and a twelve-sided bezel

1986 The Meteorite model features a dial cut from authentic meteorites

1992 Launch of the Admiral’s Cup “Tides” watch fitted with an exclusive CORUM movement indicating the current state of the tide and also enabling the height of the water and strength of the currents to be estimated.

2000 In January 2000, with the arrival of a new owner and President – Severin Wunderman, an internationally renowned icon of the watchmaking industry – the “Bubble” watch is introduced. Fitted with an 11mm thick sapphire crystal, it creates a magnifying-glass effect which becomes the model’s signature feature.

With the “Trapèze” watch in 2001, Corum creates a new style evoking subtle grace. Its shape reflects in its name and its large size lends it a truly timeless design.

2005 The “Classical Vanitas” marks the world premiere of marquetry-work as applied to watch dials. The stone and marble parts are meticulously cut to fit together like a mosaic.
In celebration of Corum’s 50th Anniversary, the “Golden Bridge” is reinterpreted in a contemporary vein, imbuing the original 1980s model with the spirit of the 21st century.
At Severin Wunderman’s request, Antonio Calce joins Corum.

2007 The legendary “Romvlvs” is reborn in an elegant and contemporary spirit, interpreting the classical codes of the brand. Its new design perpetuates the distinctive nature of its Roman numerals engraved on the bezel and is distinguished both by its double-curving case creating an elliptical effect on the bezel, and by its domed sapphire crystal.

2008 Severin Wunderman passes away. Corum appoints Serge Weinberg – a personal friend and financial advisor of Severin Wunderman – as Chairman of the Board.

Thanks to a repositioning driven by a determination to achieve consistency, along with the launch of several emblematic models, all confirming its remarkable expertise in the field of Haute Horlogerie – most notably the Admiral’s Cup Tourbillon 48 and the Romvlvs Perpetual Calendar – Corum experiences a remarkable year.

2009 Corum unveils his second in-house movement: conceived, developed and put together in the workshops of the brand. The CO 007 Caliber has its bridges and bottom plates carved in titanium.