Watchatlas

Corum

La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland · Est. 1955

Founded by Gaston Ries, René Bannwart

Corum was founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1955 and is best known for its unconventional designs, particularly the Coin Watch (made from genuine gold coins), the Admiral's Cup with its 12-sided case, and the Bubble with its oversized domed crystal. The brand is now owned by China Haidian Holdings.

Founded
1955
Headquarters
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
Group
Other
Price Segment
Luxury
Status
Active

Key Collections

  • Admiral (1960) — CORUM’s Admiral is the house’s nautical sport-chic icon, defined by its dodecagonal case, maritime pennant hour markers, and a 2026 refresh that adds new case architecture, redesigned dials, reimagined pennants, an integrated interchangeable bracelet, and an in-house caliber. Key references: A39.231.AG0.0G, A39.232.TZ0.1G, A36.231.AE0.0G.
  • Golden Bridge (1980) — CORUM’s Golden Bridge is the maison’s transparent, architecture-first icon, built around the linear baguette movement that became a defining signature in 1980 and remains central to the collection’s modern sapphire, titanium, and classic gold interpretations. Key references: B34.113.TZ0.7B, B34.113.SZ0.7G, B113.01042.
  • Bubble (2000) — CORUM Bubble is the maison's oversized, domed-crystal cult watch family, launched in 2000 under Severin Wunderman and known for its magnifying sapphire crystal, 47 mm cases, and graphic limited-edition dials. Key references: Bubble 2000, Bubble 47 Dragon, Bubble x Label Noir.
  • Coin Watch — Corum’s Coin Watch is the maison’s emblematic heritage concept: a timepiece built from a genuine coin, combining collectible numismatic material, ultra-thin watchmaking, and a long-running identity linked to exclusivity and prestige. Key references: Heritage Coin, Coin Watch, C36.082.MY0.4N.

Timeline

  • 1955 — Gaston Ries and René Bannwart found Corum in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
  • 1964 — Introduces the Coin Watch, crafted from a US gold coin, becoming a brand icon.
  • 1960 — Launches the Admiral's Cup collection with nautical signal flag markers.
  • 1980 — Unveils the Golden Bridge, featuring a linear baguette movement visible through sapphire.
  • 2000 — Introduces the Bubble collection with its oversized domed crystal.
  • 2013 — Acquired by China Haidian Holdings, entering a new era of ownership.
  • 2025 — Management buyout on 70th anniversary returned brand to Swiss ownership, ending Citychamp era. Led by Haso Mehmedovic.
  • 2026 — Debuted at Watches & Wonders 2026 with revamped Admiral collection. Reduced distribution to approx 70 points of sale.

Frequently Asked Questions about Corum

What is Corum most famous for?
Corum is best known for the Golden Bridge (a linear movement in a transparent case), the Admiral with nautical flag markers, and the Coin Watch made from real gold coins.
Where is Corum based?
Corum is headquartered in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, where it has been producing watches since 1955.
Who owns Corum today?
Corum was acquired by China Haidian Holdings in 2013, which provides financial backing while maintaining Swiss manufacturing.

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