Corum (watchmakers)
Montres Corum Sàrl, commonly referred to as Corum, is a Swiss watchmaker based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Canton of Neuchâtel. Founded in 1955, it makes high-price watches, many of which are limited editions. The benchmark watch series for Corum is its "Admiral's Cup" series. The company is owned by Hong Kong–based Citychamp Watch & Jewellery Group Limited together with Eterna. Both of these Swiss watch companies are managed by a management committee composed of Yeznig Magdhessian, Soon Boon Chong & Maxime Ranzoni.
Corum was also the maker of the World Series of Poker watches that accompanied the World Series of Poker bracelet in 2007 and became the maker of the bracelets themselves in 2007.
History
Corum was founded in 1955 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, by Gaston Ries and his nephew, René Bannwart. The first Corum watches were produced one year later.Soon after its establishment,Corum introduced a watch made out of a $20 gold coin, which was an instant best-seller. This became one of its signature pieces. Corum is also known for its "World Premiers". Each year, it has produced a limited number of limited edition pieces.
In January 2000, Corum was acquired by a new owner and President, Severin Wunderman. Following the Wundermans’ purchase of Corum, Severin and Michael Wunderman introduced twelve new models for the 2000 Basel Watch Fair. On 25 June 2008, Severin Wunderman died at the age of 69.
In 2013, Michael Wunderman sold the company to China Haidian Group, acquiring partial ownership in the process.
In January 2010 its founder René Bannwart, died aged 95.
In April 2013, Corum was purchased by the "China Haidian Holdings Limited group", which the group was later rebranded to "Citychamp Watch & Jewellery Group" in year 2014.
Models
Admiral's Cup
The Corum Admiral's Cup watch was introduced in 1960 in homage to the Admiral's Cup race, first held in 1957. This first watch was square, water resistant, and had a sailboat engraved on the back. It had little resemblance to the current Corum Admiral's Cup watches with their twelve-sided case design and brightly colored nautical pennants decorating the face.Bubble
Created by the owner of the brand at the time, Severin Wunderman, the Bubble had an unusual huge sapphire glass face. The line was available in three sizes - mini, midsize and XXL. It was produced from the beginning of the 2000s to the end of the decade. In 2015 this line was reintroduced with different materials.The XXL had limited edition versions including Lucifer, Baron Samedi, Bats, Joker and Royal Flush.