Corum $20 Gold Coin Mechanical Watch

With its integration of unconventional forms and design elements, Corum epitomizes modern Swiss watchmaking. Since its mid-century-era beginnings, Corum has been known for its meticulously crafted watches featuring hand-engraved details, luxe materials and often unusual case shapes. Corum has never shied away from avant-garde designs and techniques, even incorporating bird feathers into its contemporary pieces.

Corum was established in 1955 by watchmaker Gaston Ries and his nephew René Bannwart — an alum of Patek Philippe and Omega — in the Swiss city of La Chaux-de-Fonds. The company soon adopted an adventurous spirit of exploration, helping to redefine the modern hand-crafted watch. 

Corum introduced its first timepieces in 1956. The vintage watch collectors of the world — particularly those fond of shaped watches — are likely familiar with the Golden Tube model that debuted in 1957 as well as the Rolls Royce models that followed decades later. The maker is best known, however, for its Admiral watches, favored by yachting enthusiasts, and its Coin watches, worn by captains of industry and presidents ranging from Lyndon B. Johnson to George H. W. Bush. Corum even introduced a series of book-themed watches in the 1980s and ‘90s.

In 2000, Belgian watchmaker and entrepreneur Severin Wunderman acquired Corum. Wunderman was the exclusive designer and manufacturer of Gucci watches for 25 years and brought skill and aesthetic flair to Corum, leading it into a new era of innovative design.

Wundermann died in 2008. In 2013, China Haidian Holdings Limited Group purchased Corum. The brand's parent company was later renamed Citychamp Watch Jewelry Group.

Find vintage Corum watches for sale on 1stDibs.