The world of luxury watches has always been one of perpetual innovation, where time-honored traditions meet cutting-edge design. In this dynamic landscape, Corum has established itself as a brand that masterfully blends creativity with technical prowess. This year, the brand’s Admiral Collection takes center stage once again, introducing four remarkable timepieces that showcase its commitment to artistry and watchmaking excellence. These new models, featuring dials crafted from ancient meteorite or exquisite stone, not only exemplify Corum’s innovative spirit but also highlight the rarity and uniqueness that discerning collectors crave.
The Admiral Collection has long been synonymous with Corum’s adventurous ethos and distinctive design language. Known for its nautical-inspired aesthetics, the collection was first introduced decades ago to celebrate the sailing world and has evolved over the years while maintaining its core identity. With the latest additions, Corum pushes the boundaries of conventional watchmaking by incorporating rare materials that are as intriguing as they are beautiful.
Corum Admiral 42 Meteorite: A Celestial Masterpiece
In 1986, CORUM made headlines by introducing its first Meteorite watches—a bold move that captured the imagination of watch enthusiasts and collectors alike. This year, the Maison revisits this celestial theme with the Admiral 42 Meteorite models, a pair of timepieces that are as timeless as the material from which they are crafted.
The dials of these watches are cut from a meteorite that is over 4 billion years old, originating from a remote region in Sweden. The meteorite’s Widmanstätten patterns, formed by the slow cooling of the metal over millions of years, are unique to each piece, making every dial one-of-a-kind. The natural gray or tinted blue hues of the meteorite are preserved through advanced technology, adding a contemporary touch to this ancient material. Housed in a 42mm case with the Admiral Collection’s signature dodecagonal bezel, the watches are powered by an automatic movement, CO395, that offers hours, minutes, small seconds and date, as well as a 40-hour power reserve.
For those who prefer a touch of earthly elegance, the Admiral 38 18-karat rose gold models are a stunning alternative. These timepieces feature dials made from malachite slabs or blue aventurine, two stones that have been prized for their beauty and rarity for centuries.
Malachite, with its rich green hues and banded patterns, exudes a sense of natural luxury. Aventurine, on the other hand, is known for its sparkling inclusions reminiscent of the night sky. Both watches are enhanced by the bezel set with 72 diamonds and an additional 10 diamonds on the dial. These watches are powered by an automatic movement visible through the sapphire crystal case back. Both versions are water resistant to 100 meters.
Meteorite and stone dials are not just about aesthetics; they represent a connection to the cosmos and the earth that few materials can offer. The rarity of meteorite, in particular, cannot be overstated. With only a limited amount available for use in watchmaking, each piece is a fragment of history, a piece of the universe captured on your wrist.
Stone dials, while more common, are equally prized for their natural beauty and the skill required to craft them into watch dials. The intricate patterns and colors of malachite and aventurine are the result of geological processes that have taken millions of years, making each dial a unique work of art.