SPECIFICATIONS
Amazing Corum Spartacus 2000, with a slate-linen dial, oversized steel case, and ETA 2824-2H self-winding movement inside, from 70s.
Steel case measuring 35.7mm x 38.3mm
Original crown with sapphire chabochon
Original crystal
Original logo buckle
ETA 2824-2H automatic movement inside
ANALYSIS
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, centered 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 “Spartacus 2000” model, launched in 1971, follows this philosophy and is today one of the brand’s most instantly recognizable watches, making it among the most sought-after and coveted.
The rectangular dial features a linen-textured surface, which, combined with the slate gray color, creates soft, silent reflections of light. The hour markers are in white and elegant italics, graphically enriched with baroque elements. The Corum signature and logo are located at 12 o’clock; the date window (quickset) is located at 6 o’clock, perfectly integrated into the layout. The hour and minute hands are simple, baton-shaped. The entire composition is minimalist yet opulent. What may seem like an oxymoron here materializes in a unique design.
The oversized stainless steel case (a smaller, narrower 32mm x 37mm version was also produced) is cushion-shaped and its surface is finely brushed. Its profile is classic, with a pronounced bevel that lends personality to the overall construction. Adding to this incredible piece’s beauty is the crown, which features a vibrant and luminous blue sapphire cabochon.
Under the snap-on case back signed “Spartacus 2000,” lies the self-winding ETA 2924 movement, in the version with the date display at 6 o’clock (ETA 2824-2H). This caliber features a Corum-designed bidirectional rotor, oscillates at 28,800 A/h, has 25 jewels, and maintains a 40-hour power reserve.
