1973 Corum 51116 – 18K YG Champagne Linen Dial
The Good Humor Corporate Gift
Corum was the king of unconventional luxury in the 1970s, and this Ref. 51116 is a perfect example of why the brand mattered. It is an 18K yellow gold dress watch featuring a sharp champagne linen dial that provides a texture most modern watches cannot replicate. What makes this specific piece a standout is its history as a corporate gift from the Good Humor ice cream company to Charles G. Quabeck in 1973. It is a strange, charming intersection of mid-century Swiss horology and iconic American corporate culture.
Champagne Linen And Gold
The linen dial is the primary draw here. It catches the light in a way that gives the watch depth without relying on high-polish surfaces. The 18K gold case wears with a slim, intentional elegance that defines the dress watch standards of the era. This is not a loud piece of jewelry, but rather a focused, textured object that feels increasingly relevant as collectors move toward character-driven vintage pieces. The original strap and buckle anchor the watch to its original delivery state, which is a detail often lost with 50-year-old gold pieces.
Condition And Reality
The watch is in excellent overall condition, appearing to have spent most of its life in a drawer. The case edges remain crisp and the champagne linen dial is free of any spotting or degradation. It comes on its original strap and buckle, though the original owner did poke extra holes at the tail end of the strap for fit. While the strap shows this modification, the watch itself shows very little wear. Mechanically, the manual wind movement is running strong after passing our test bench. This piece comes as a full set with box and papers.
A Conversation Piece In Gold
This is a watch for the collector who wants a story to tell. It works because it combines the high-end material of solid 18K gold with a quirky, individual provenance that separates it from every other vintage dress watch on the market. It is a reliable, manual-wind timepiece that functions as both a serious horological item and a piece of social history. Whether you are interested in the linen dial or the Good Humor connection, it is a rare find that remains perfectly wearable today.
Reference: 51116
Model: Classic 18K Dress Watch
Year: 1973
Movement: Manual Wind
Case Size: 34mm
Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold (Integrated Aesthetic)
Strap: Original Corum Leather & 18K Buckle
Dial: Champagne Linen
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold
Includes: Box and Papers
SKU: 702
At Danny's Vintage Watches, we rigorously authenticate and inspect every watch to guarantee both its authenticity and exceptional quality. Your complete satisfaction is our utmost priority. We are dedicated to guiding you to the ideal timepiece that meets your desires. Should you have any inquiries, our team is ready to provide swift and comprehensive assistance.
Our Guarantee:
- Each timepiece is thoroughly evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our expert team before it is offered for sale.
- We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise stated.
- The authenticity of each watch is guaranteed in perpetuity.
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What Our Clients Say About Us
I knew I was gonna like Danny, based on his name, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how great of an experience this was. He had the most beautiful 70s Seamaster Cosmic on his website and I was set to be married 2 days later - I arranged to buy it but before leaving we both realized it needed to be serviced. I panicked, because I was literally buying this for my wedding, and Danny being the legend he is, loaned me a nearly identical Seamaster to make sure I could get through the event Never have I had someone go so above and beyond for me, especially while purchasing one of the lesser priced items in their inventory. He serviced my watch and exchanged it with me after the wedding on a super fast turnaround timeline. I would sincerely recommend you visit this guy, you will not be disappointed Edit: adding a pic of the loaner (two tone) and the owner (crosshair)
Great service and shop. Danny and his team were incredibly accommodating, professional, and kind. Great selection of vintage watches. Their store is the hidden gem in the diamond district.
This was my first real luxury watch purchase, a Rolex 15200 Date 34mm, I own Tissots and a Laco, but those are entry level luxury watches. I found Danny’s Vintage Watches online, and had great feedback both on Google, Chrono24 and the Reddit watch community. So decided to give him a shot as buying online can be a crap shoot. Ordered Monday night, was at my doorstep Friday morning. Despite the watch being over 30 years old, serial number says it’s from 91, the watch looked new. Didn’t come with box or papers, and was shipped in a plastic sleeve wrapped in bubble wrap. Danny was always available to answer questions. I’ll be buying from Danny again for the next purchase…saw a couple of Speedmasters on his site I liked….
Can't recommend Danny's vintage watches enough!!! My first Omega ever and im in love have been wearing every day since I purchased it. Danny's shop is a must visit if you are in NYC looking for a watch!!!