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 — Nautical-inspired collection featuring the iconic twelve-sided case with maritime signal flag hour markers.
- Golden Bridge — Iconic transparent watch with a linear baguette movement visible through a sapphire case.
- Bubble — Bold, oversized watch with a dramatically domed sapphire crystal creating a magnifying effect on the dial.
- Coin Watch — Timepieces crafted from genuine gold coins, a Corum signature since the 1960s.
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.