Picture it: The Basel Fair, 1965, where the world was first introduced to the Corum coin watch, along with the slogan “Time is money.” Eventually, the slogan transformed into “Time in money.” While some pocket watches were already using coins in their designs, a Corum watch for sale meant getting something uniquely crafted.
Other watch manufacturers developed a protective cover for their pieces and even tried to turn coins into wristwatches. In doing so, they only knew how to use one side for a retractable cover. This left the system fragile and easily damaged.
Corum’s owner, RenĂ© Bannwart, came up with another way to make this style work. The pocket watch cover was eliminated and the face of the coin replaced the dial with the use of sapphire crystal. By placing the ultra-thin movement between two faces of one cut out coin, an enclosed circular case prevented the damage other designs had endured. The result was a patented model in 1964.
In the 1930s, the $20 American Double Eagle and the $10 American Eagle coins were taken from circulation. This put both rare coins in the collector’s item category, where they were not expected to be seen again. However, Corum decided that using these coins was good for their brand. This decision made Corum America’s watch icon.
Believe it or not, this innovative coin watch almost did not come to fruition because of a law in the United States, which prohibited the mutilation of coins. However, Corum remained true to its belief in its invention. Corum succeeded in getting an exemption to the law after months-long complicated negotiations.
The watch manufacturer made a successful case that the coins were being cut in Switzerland instead of the United States.
Years of interruption kept this unique timekeeper off the market. Now, consumers can find a Corum watch for sale due to its current technical prowess with the latest model differing slightly from the original. Corum stands by its watch-making approach to look for ways to combine originality with technology and creativity.
Read a similar blog about branded luxury watches here at this page.