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Corum Onyx Tank - 18K Yellow Gold

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Details

Stone, Gold, And Classic Form

During the 1970s, Corum carved out a niche by focusing on expressive design and the use of unconventional materials. This watch is a perfect product of that era, combining the timeless elegance of a yellow gold tank case with the deep, uniform black of a natural onyx dial. It is a piece that prioritizes aesthetic purity and material contrast over complex mechanics, representing a more artistic approach to watchmaking.

A Study In Restrained Detail

What sets this example apart is its clean execution and thoughtful details. The onyx dial serves as a minimalist canvas, punctuated only by four corner-set diamonds that act as hour markers. Simple gold dauphine hands track the time without disrupting the dial's clean surface. Paired with its original leather strap and signed 18k gold buckle, this watch presents as a complete and correct piece, showcasing the design as it was originally intended.

Untouched And Well Preserved

This watch is in great cosmetic and untouched condition. The onyx dial is clean and flawless, free from any scratches or marks. The crystal is similarly clear. All parts of the watch are original, including the crown, caseback, dial, and movement, and the caseback retains its factory hallmark. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear.

The Ritual Of Winding

This is a watch for someone who appreciates the quiet confidence of a design-forward vintage piece. As a manual-wind watch, it requires a daily interaction that creates a unique bond between the owner and the object. The ritual of winding the crown each morning is a physical connection to the art of traditional watchmaking. It wears elegantly on the wrist, offering a sophisticated alternative to more common brands, and works for anyone who values classic form and rare materials.

Key Specs

Reference: 27538

Model: Onyx Tank

Year: 1970s

Movement: Manual Wind

Case Size: 26x28mm

Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold

Strap: Original Leather Strap

Dial: Onyx with Diamonds

Metal: 18K Yellow Gold

SKU: 117

History

Corum was founded in 1955 in La Chaux‑de‑Fonds by René Bannwart and his uncle Gaston Ries, who chose the name from the Latin “quorum” to signify decision‑making power .  The first Corum watches appeared in 1956, and in 1966 René’s son Jean‑René joined the firm, steering it toward avant‑garde designs .  From the beginning, Corum distinguished itself by producing distinctive watches that combined technical ingenuity with visual flair.  Notable early models include the Golden Tube of 1957, which used a sliding gold case , and the Chinese Hat of 1958.  The brand also gained attention with the first Admiral’s Cup watch in 1960, featuring a square case and engraved sailboat .

Over the following decades Corum continued to innovate.  The Coin Watch of 1964 placed a movement inside a hollowed‑out $20 gold coin .  In 1980 Corum introduced the Golden Bridge, a watch whose baguette‑shaped movement was suspended within a transparent case, showcasing its hand‑engraved bridges .  The Admiral’s Cup was redesigned in 1983 with a dodecagonal bezel and nautical pennant hour markers .  These and other creations have given Corum a reputation for originality and have secured its place among independent Swiss watchmakers.