Since both coins and watches are often considered “collectibles,” it makes a certain amount of sense to combine the two and entice aficionados of both hobbies. Or so the train of thought went back in 1964 for La Chaux-de-Fonds-based maison Corum, when they produced their first Coin watch based on the American $20 Double Eagle. The model was a huge success for Corum, who have released numerous versions over the years including the Corum replica 50th Anniversary Edition we covered previously. This year, a new trio of Corum Heritage Artisans Coin Watches have been announced, making use of American coins as well as a much rarer (for the brand) commemorative coin from Israel.
Corum were founded in 1955, making them relatively young by Swiss watchmaker standards. Their early success was defined by gold watches in the Art Nouveau style, such as the Chinese Hat and Admiral models. The first Coin watch combined the brand’s styling with an ultra-thin movement fitted within a sliced-in-two American gold coin, creating a unique dress watch with both exclusivity and patriotic appeal.
As a naturally patriotic symbol, Corum fake watches point out that several American presidents have worn Corum Heritage Artisans Coin Watches, including George Bush Sr, Ronald Reagan, Lyndon Johnson, Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton, as well as artists such as Andy Warhol.
As a naturally patriotic symbol, Corum points out that several American presidents have worn Corum Heritage Artisans Coin Watches, including George Bush Sr, Ronald Reagan, Lyndon Johnson, Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton, as well as artists such as Andy Warhol.
This version bears the strongest resemblance to the original from 1964, but with the addition of an inner bezel in matching gold around the coin to increase the dial diameter to a more modern 43mm. This in turn provided space for the company branding to be etched near 12 o’clock without modifying the coin face itself, omitting the floating logo used on the other models in this year’s Corum Heritage Artisans Coin Watches lineup. The hour indices are extended from the outer bezel into the gold inner bezel, making this the most legible of the three models.
The gold model is also notable for using 3N or 22ct yellow gold Corum copy watches, which is unusual for a watch case. This grade of gold is 91.6% pure, rather than the more common 18ct grade which uses 75% gold and 25% alloying metals. As a result, the case of this Corum Heritage Artisans Coin Watch is a richer hue of yellow than most other gold watches on the market, but it is also significantly softer and more prone to scratching. The crown is likewise made of 22ct gold and is set with a 0.17 carat diamond. Gem-setting in such a soft alloy could prove somewhat precarious, and I would avoid heavy use of the crown to avoid deforming the metal and potentially losing the diamond.
The hour and minute hands on this watch are thin, baton-shaped, and black lacquered, providing good legibility without obscuring the view of the coin face. The matching black alligator leather strap completes the attractive black-on-gold vintage aesthetic, and includes a more durable 18ct yellow gold tongue buckle. All three watches feature a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment and a thin 7.60mm case, making them well-suited for dress watch duties. The cases are rated to 1 ATM / 10m water-resistance, so wearers should take care to avoid any exposure to water beyond a light sprinkle.
