Corum Admiral Cup Seafender 47 Tourbillon GMT

Corum combines supreme elegance & intriguing complications in its latest edition to the iconic Admiral Cup Collection.   This model is quite a far cry from previous Admiral Cup models featuring loud and brightly colored nautical flags emblazoned beneath the bezel.  Keeping with the Admiral Cup tradition, nautical flags are featured beneath the bezel; however quite a bit more discrete.  This down playing of the nautical flags seems to be the newer Admiral Cup trend, perhaps because the actual Admiral Cup international sailing regatta has been a no show for almost a decade.  All due respect to Corum, this is one of the finest Admiral Cup Timepieces I have ever seen.  The iconic twelve sided of the bezel has been softened slightly and crafted from glowing rose gold.  The 47mm dial is spacious sporting an exquisite tourbillon complication and a dual time zone.  The key of Corum is incorporated in the tourbillon movement and seems to unlock time with the rotation of the tourbillon within the signature key cage. The diagonal lines across the dial provide the perception of space on a dial which otherwise may seem cluttered.
Since this is a nautical timepiece, a second time zone is a critical especially if one is traveling across longitudes.  A handy pusher at the 4 'o' clock sets the second time zone, which is visible on a sub dial at the 6 'o'clock position, and just in case one is holed in the bowels of a ship, a day night indicator provides clues to the outside. At the 3 'o' clock position, the day of the month is perfectly placed.
Some say the see through case back is as alluring as the dial, since an exceptional large Corum caliber  CO397 automatic movement is entirely visible via a scratch resistant sapphire crystal treated with an anti-reflective coating.
A power reserve of 50 hours ensures the watch remains ticking off the wrist for at least 50 hours.  The timepiece is water resistant to 50 meters thanks to gaskets and a screw in case back, however 50 meters does limits its uses around too much water; however for $70,000 I would be quite careful where and when I wear the watch.
This watch is also available in aluminum for $47,000 in a  truly handsome  matt black.

Corum's Admiral's Cup Seafender 48 Deep Dive to 1000 Feet

Corum adds a watch to the long list of diver's watches which can dive far deeper than man can venture beneath the ocean.  However, venture or not, the new Corum's Admiral Cup Seafender 48 Deep Dive is a impressive Diver's watch equipped with all the necessary diving functions.
  In all serious diving watches I always look for a Helium Valve.  In this case the Corum has one.  A helium valve is crucial in scuba diving scenarios. A helium valve enables divers who operate at great depths and spend prolonged hours under extreme pressure breathing a mix like trimix containing gases such as helium (tiny molecules) or hydrogen (smallest molecules found in nature) to release the helium molecules that have worked their way through the o-rings or other seals. The helium and hydrogen molecules cause no damage when the watch is at great depths under pressure but as soon as the diver resurfaces, a pressure difference occurs between the trapped gas(es) inside the watch case and the surrounding air. This can cause the crystal to pop off damaging the watch thus the helium valve is a crucial edition to diving watches enabling the diver to release the gas build up and restore equilibrium.

Other properties of the Corum Admiral's Cup Seafender 48 deep Dive which makes it a hard core Diver's Watch.  The watch adheres to the strict ISO 6425  guidelines relating to Diver's Watches, which is defined as: "A watch designed to withstand diving in water at depths of at least 100 m and possessing a system to control the time"
The testing of Diving Watches occurs in still water under 125% of rated water pressure.  In other words, a watch claiming a 200 meter water resistance rating has been tested in still water at a depth of 250 meters.
Diving watches are tested in static or still water under 125% of the rated (water)pressure, thus a watch with a 200 meter rating will be water resistant if it is stationary and under 250 meters of static water.
Corum has met the criteria by crafting the watch with a Grade 5 titanium case.  Grade 5 titanium is considered an alloy as it consists of 6% aluminum, 4% vanadium, 0.25% iron, 0.2%  Oxygen and the remaining percentage titanium.  Titanium Grade 5 is utilized extensively in Aerospace, Medical, Marine, and Chemical Processing as it is stronger than commercially pure titanium while maintaining its stiffness and thermal properties. Titanium Grade 5 is heat treatable, strong & corrosion resistance.
Corum has crafted the 48mm case with a thickness of 18.9mm and a screw down crown. An automatic Caliber CO947 with a power reserve of 42 hours is a certified Chronometer as certified by the COSC.

Nautical Flags fly just below the unidirectional rotating bezel- a signature of all Admiral Cup Corum Watches.  Another crucial aspect of a Diver's Watch is the readout in murky conditions.  Depending on the version, this watch is available in two, the hands and hour markers are coated in either highly luminescent bi-light orange coating (watch image above) or black superluminova.  The dial read out is clear as a result of the bold markings.  Central hours and minutes as well as a small seconds at the 9'o'clock and day and date at the 3 'o'clock provide crucial time tracking.
The Corum Admiral's Cup Seafender 48 Deep Dive is available in two versions, the first which I have described above in bright orange is available in a limited edition of 200 and a PVD blackened version with a Grade 5 titanium case sports a 18 carat gold bezel, which is available in a limited edition of 100.
For a diver serious about diving, a Corum Admiral's Cup Seafender 48 Deep Dive, won't leave you high and dry.

Corum Admiral Cup Challenger 44 Chrono Gets Covered in Rubber

Corum has added color and more rubber to its Admiral Cup Challenger Collection. I must admit this rubbery look seriously works for the Admiral Cup Challenger 44 Chrono. The rubber accentuates the distinctive 12 sided 44mm Admiral Cup case.

Admiral Cup Challenger 44 Chrono Rubber timepieces are a daring collection of watches, unafraid to show their true colors of raging red, vivid blue and snowy white. The strap and bezel are rubber , while the case is steel and covered in rubber. The core collection of Admiral Cup Challenger 44 has a steel bezel and steel lugs and a more demure black or white face.(below).

The new rubber Corum's have only an outline of its nautical flags above the Admiral Cups signature time display. I like this look, as the added color of the nautical flags would cause dial confusion and clutter. I applaud Corum's sense of appeal by scaling back on some color to add more of another.

The crown and crown guard have not escaped the sudden rash of rubber, and are coated in vulcanized rubber. The signature Admiral Cup dial compliments the color scheme and at the same time provides the wearer with a clear legible time display.
The rotor is crafted in matching colors viewable via a scratch resistant sapphire crystal case back.
Inside the watch is a Corum COSC Chronometer certified CO753 automatic chronograph movement making this watch perfect for people who are serious about fun and serious about their watch.

Don't expect to see these babies mass produced, only 100 timepieces of each color will be available; however, Corum expects to release new colors every year.


(right inset - original Corum Admiral Cup Challenger 44 Chrono)

Corum Sponsers Bol d'Or Mirabaud Inland Sailing Regatta

Corum Admiral's Cup Chronograph 48 Bol d'Or Mirabaud

This shimmering beauty sports a dial so vivid blue, it is as though an entire miniature ocean washes against the bezel making soft foamy splashes. Of course its all in the mind, but doesn't our mind interpret what it perceives. A 48mm titanium and rubber case protects a COSC certified Corum automatic movement. A COSC certified movement is tested individually for 15 days, in 5 different positions at 3 different temperatures ensuring the watch can withstand varying conditions like those experienced in a regatta.
The Corum Admiral's Cup Chronograph 48 Bol d'Or Mirabaud is fusing its name to the world’s most important regatta on an inland lake by becoming Presenting Sponsor of the Bol d’Or Mirabaud, commencing on June 12 thus Corum is expanding its presence in the sailing sponsorship arena.
The Bol d’Or Mirabaud, is in its 72nd year. This prestigious race is a place where sailing stars are mixed with non-professional sailors, and the event is the pride of the Lake Geneva region and delights sailing enthusiasts.
However, there is another regatta linked to Corum - The Admiral's Cup. You are probably wondering what happened to that. Year after year, Corum has unveiled new additions to Admiral's Cup collection; the collection growing in popularity and the races future uncertain. To understand this one must understand a bit about the race.
The Admiral's Cup is an international yachting regatta. It was organized in 1957 by the Royal Ocean Racing Club based at Cowes, on the Isle of Wright in England. It was a biennial event, happening every odd-numbered years. From 1957 to 1999 the cup was competed between national teams, each having three boats. In the beginning only USA and Great Britain took part, but later other countries competed. The race was highly regarded and in 1971, British Prime Minister ,Edward Heath, captained one of the winning boats. The Admiral's Cup watches are being introduced year after year, growing in popularity. But what happened to the actual Admiral's Cup race? The race has not taken place in five years. It was canceled in 2001, 2005 ,2007, 2009.
In 2003 the competition was moved from Ireland to Australia for unknown reasons, and instead of being between different countries, it was watered down to a competition between different yacht clubs.
Yet, in 2011, the Admiral's Cup Regatta may be racing again. The Royal Ocean Racing Club is consulting with yacht clubs, boat owners and sailors from around the globe to to get their perspectives of holding the race, once again, in the summer of 2011. The RORC has secured support from Skandia, a UK leader of long-term investments and long time sponsorship of yachting, to research the feasibility of reviving the Admiral's Cup and restoring the the Admiral's Cup to prominence.

Corum's Admiral's Cup Gypsy Moth IV

Corum Admirals Cup Gypsy Moth IV

Corum is a master of its trade. Watchmaking genius encompassing a wide range of watch creations. Corum's Admiral Cup Collection is one of Corum's most successful watch lines. The Watch depicted to the left of the text is the Corum Admiral's Cup Gipsy Moth IV 44. This watch represents the adventure of the human spirit.

Gypsy Moth IV

Inspired by the famous yacht, the Gipsy Moth, in which Sir Francis Chichester sailed around the world in record time. The Dial of the watch highlights the route taken by Sir Francis Chichester. Just gazing at the the dial fills one with a sense of wonder and amazement at the incredible achievement of Sir Francis. The wonder is further increased by the silhouette of his Gypsy Moth 1V at the 12 'o clock position. The seemingly flimsy yacht sailed below Australia, around the Southern tip of Africa and South America and in the treacherous warm waters off Africa where Hurricanes are spawned.

The Corum Admiral's Cup Gipsy Moth IV 44 Watch is crafted in warm 18K rose gold, 18K white gold or 18K yellow gold. The case is 44mm in diameter with its 12- sided bezel (characteristic of the Admiral Watch Collection) and fluted case. Depicted on the bezel is the 12 nautical pennants. The watch is water resistant to 100 meters and so if you wish to follow sailing dreams, this watch will be an excellent must. The Admiral's Cup Gipsy Moth movement is self winding and has central sweep seconds, rapid adjustable date display which can be easily changed by unscrewing the crown and pulling it out to the intermediate date-setting position. This watch is a Certified Chronometer as a result of 15 days of rigorous examinations and testing by Switzerland's Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometer (C.O.S.C) To gain the distinction of a Chronometer, the watch is subjected to extreme temperatures and position changes.

Corum Admiral Cup watches are one of the finest collection of watches. The Admiral watches are based on the an international yachting regatta known as the Admiral Cup. The Regatta was organized in 1957 by the Royal Ocean Riding Club our of Cowes, on the Isle of Wright in England. It was a biennial event, occurring every odd-numbered year. The period from 1957 to 1999 the cup was completed between national teams with three boats each. In the early years only England and United States took part in the race, but later other countries joined hence the colourful nautical flags on the bezel and dial of many Admiral Cup Corum Watches. This was a prestigious race fit for royalty and in 1971, British Prime Minister, Edwar Heath, captioned one of the winning boats. However it seems the Admiral Cup Race has seen its heyday and the Regatta seems to be winding down. I hope I am mistaken; however, there has not been an Admiral Cup race in 5 years. The race was cancelled in 2001, 2005 and 2007. In 2003 the competition was moved from Ireland to Australia for unknown reasons, and instead of being a competition among countries, it was a competition between various yacht clubs.

The Admiral Cup was a race of incredible endurance, stamina and sheer driving force. The will to win, to succeed, to triumph. I hope we have not seen the last of the Admiral Cup Race. In the regatta's absence (temporary I hope), Corum continues to manufacture exquisite Admiral Cup Watches. Watches that exude a keen sense of the competition, horological competition. Corum unveils new Admiral Cup watches every year, and the response is remarkable and Admiral Cup Luxury Watches are becoming more popular.


The Admiral's Cup Solid Gold Watch is a spectacular example of Corum's fine craftsmanship. The nautical flags are embossed on the Bezel. The nautical flags almost flutter in the gentle breeze as their skippers, in anticipated urgency, wait to embark on their competitive journey. The bright red second hand counts down the seconds. This watch is a Certified Chronometer as a result of rigorous high endurance testing by the C.O.S.C. The wearer can view the mechanical movements of the Admiral's Cup Watch through a sapphire crystal case back.

Corum's Admiral's Cup Collection still in the race!

The first luxury watch that ever caught my attention was a Corum Admiral's Cup watch. I remember being almost hypnotized by the nautical colored flags in place of the hour markers. It looked so "United Nations". I still love the look and a Corum Admiral's Cup Watch holds a very special place in my heart, like an old familiar friend. I eagerly anticipate the new Admiral Cup styles Corum releases each year.
Last year the Admiral's Cup Challenge 44 Regatta, a vision in red gold and rubber surfaced. Even though this is an older model than the 2008 Admiral's Cup Tides 48, I have chosen this one because this luxury timepiece is particularly striking. This timepiece is one of the strongest Corum has produced, inspired by the tough sport of sailing.

Corum has fused 18kt red gold with extremely resilient vulcanized rubber and to titanium accomplished using advanced technological methods. This sporty luxury watch boasts the best fully integrated chronograph movement available with a split-second function. With this incredible complication the Regatta can measure simultaneous events that commence at the same time but are of different durations such as in sailing races.
This Admiral's Cup Solid Gold Watch exudes a definite sense of Royalty. With this spectacular timepiece the nautical flags are embossed on the Bezel. The nautical flags seem to flutter in the gentle breeze as their skippers wait to embark on their competitive journey. The bright red second hand imparts a sense of urgency,in anxious anticipation for the race to begin. Having undergone the rigorous testing of the C.O.S.C this watch can proudly bare the label of a Certified Chronometer. This is a highly regarded certification only extended to the very best of movements.

The Admiral's Cup watches are being introduced year after year, growing in popularity. But what happened to the actual Admiral's Cup race? The race has not taken place in five years. It was canceled in 2001, 2005 and 2007. In 2003 the race took place in Australia, but not since then and no word about 2009. The actual Admiral's Cup is an international yachting regatta. It was organized in 1957 by the Royal Ocean Racing Club based at Cowes, on the Isle of Wright in England. It was a biennial event, happening every odd-numbered years. From 1957 to 1999 the cup was competed between national teams, each having three boats. In the beginning only USA and Great Britain took part, but later other countries competed. The race was highly regarded and in 1971, British Prime Minister ,Edward Heath, captained one of the winning boats.

In 2003 the competition was moved from Ireland to Australia for unknown reasons, and instead of being between different countries, it was watered down to a competition between different yacht clubs. Then the Admiral's Cup fizzled until ...

The Admiral's Cup is a truly inspirational race of endurance and strength and I sincerely hope we have not seen the last of the race. Indeed we do have Corum's Admiral Cup Collection which is a constant reminder of the Admiral's Cup race, as well as being an icon of Corum's success in its own right.

By: Van Halem