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.
Corum Sterling Silver Erotic "Ball" Desk Clock with Enamel Dial Limited Edition
By Corum
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Corum Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Erotic Ball Desk Clock METAL / MATERIAL: Sterling Silver and Semi Precious Stones CIRCA / YEAR:...
Vintage 1939 Birks Sterling silver Desk Clock
By Birks
Located in Montreal, QC
1939 Birks sterling silver desk clock stamped on the back. Movement was made in Switzerland, case was made in Canada. With a white dial and arabic numerals, family monogram on the fr...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Art Deco Sterling Silver and Enamel Miniature Desk Timepiece circa 1920s
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful miniature desk timepiece, rectangular case with blue enamel, accented by silver bands, centering a circular brushed silvered dial with gilt Arabic numerals, dial signed Cartier, case signed European Watch and Clock...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Desk & Travel Clock Cathay Pacific Pilot Edition 1980s
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Rare Cartier Desk & Travel Clock Cathay Pacific Pilot Edition 1980s This rare Cartier foldable desk and travel clock has a unique aviation history. Issued by Cathay Pacific Airways to its long-haul pilots, this clock was designed to serve as a bedside or desk companion during overnight stopovers. Stamped with the airline’s logo on the back, it not only looks stunning but also holds historical significance. Key Features: ✔ 50mm x 50mm brass case – Classic and compact travel design. ✔ Signed Cartier Paris dial...
$37,985
W 1.85 in D 1.57 in L 2.75 in
Cartier Paris London 1905 Belle Epoque Enamel Clock 18kt Gold Platinum & Silver
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Belle epoque desk clock designed by Cartier. An impressive and magnificent "mignonette" desk clock, created in Paris France by the house of Cartier,...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Silver, Enamel
$695
H 0.13 in W 0.75 in L 7 in
Antique David Andersen Sterling Silver & Plique a Jour Enamel Letter Opener
By David Andersen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique letter opener or knife by David Andersen. In sterling silver with plique a jour enamel decoration to the handle. Simply a wonder...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
$37,500
W 2.72 in D 1.77 in L 3.07 in
Cartier Paris 1920 Art Deco Chinoiserie Desk Clock Nephrite Enamel & 18Kt Gold
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A desk clock designed by Cartier. An impressive and beautiful desk clock, created in Paris France by the house of Cartier, during the art deco per...
Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Alex Jona Black Enamel Clock Dial Sterling Silver Cufflinks
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver black enamel clock dial cufflinks. Marked "Alex Jona 925". Alex J...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Cartier Antique Sterling Silver Desk Travel Clock
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Antique Cartier sterling silver desk/travel clock with original key winder and box. Clock measures 1.75" x 1" x 6/8". Weight of the piece - 75...
Sterling Silver
$4,012Sale Price|25% Off
H 2.16 in W 1.1 in L 0.79 in
Edwardian 1908 Miniature Travel Clock With Guilloché Enamel In Sterling With Box
Located in Miami, FL
An Edwardian miniature travel clock designed by Valmé. Stunning and rare miniature travel-carriage clock, made in Geneva Switzerland by the Valmé Swiss Co. and the Concord Watch Co. This little antique...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Cartier Colisee Gold Plated White Dial Quartz Desk Alarm Clock
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Inspired by Cartier’s 1920s Art Deco style, this Colisée desk clock features a white enamel dial displays black Roman numerals, a minute track, black sword hands, and a white alarm h...
Base Metal, Brass
David Webb Gold Monkey Desk Clock
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Monkey Desk Clock An 18 karat yellow gold desk clock designed in the shape of a walnut, adorned with round and marquise cut diamonds. The...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Colisee Gold Plated White Dial Quartz Desk Alarm Clock
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Inspired by Cartier’s 1920s Art Deco style, this Colisée desk clock features a white enamel dial displaying black Roman numerals, a minute track, black sword hands, and a white alarm...
Gold Plate