CARACTÉRISTIQUES TECHNIQUES
Elegant Corum reference 165.281.65 aka “Stardust,” with a solid 18K yellow gold and diamond case and dial, Isatronic (ISA) 125 quartz movement, from the 1980s.
18K yellow gold case measuring 22mm x 26.5mm
Set with 114 diamonds
Couronne originale
Cristal original
Original 18K yellow gold buckle with logo
Original black alligator strap
ISA 125 quartz movement
ANALYSE
Corum was born from an ambitious project by Gaston Ries, a Swiss businessman with a passion for watches. In 1955, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, he created the first nucleus of what would soon become the Corum factory. He called upon his nephew, René Bannwart, who had worked for Patek Philippe and especially Omega as head of the design department. Together, they created a completely new vision of luxury watchmaking, focused on the finest materials, imaginative and eclectic design, and obsessive attention to detail. The name “Corum” (derived from the Latin “Quorum”) first appeared in June 1955, associated with the registration of another name, “Seducta.” Only “Corum” was registered on September 29, 1955. The brand’s logo, an upward-pointing key, is instantly recognizable and immediately captured the collective imagination as a symbol of extreme quality and opulent, whimsical luxury.
The ultimate synthesis of these concepts is embodied in this incredible watch in NOS condition.
The entire case-dial structure is made of solid 18K yellow gold, designed by the Calame & Cie SA workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds (hammerhead hallmark no. 357). The overall shape is visually created through the juxtaposition of nine arched, mirror-image elements of varying lengths. At the center of this structure stands a rhomboid-shaped pseudo-bezel, which houses the dial. It blends seamlessly into the case, distinguishing itself only by the Corum logo at 6 o’clock and the small, yellow gold pencil-shaped hands. The entire surface composition was designed to accommodate a storm of diamonds: 64 are set into the case; 28 are housed on the pseudo-bezel; and 22 are set within the dial (114 diamonds in total). The pavé configuration conveys symmetry, compactness, and harmony. Looking at this watch, you feel like you’re gazing at a star-filled night sky.
The watch, in NOS condition, features its original black alligator strap and original 18K yellow gold buckle.
Under the caseback, which is secured to the case with four screws, lies the quartz crystal movement, Isatronic 125. This movement was produced from the late 1970s to the early 1990s by ISA Swiss SA. It has a quadrangular shape, 8 jewels and refined Cote de Genève bridge workmanship.
