Corum was founded in 1955. Two years later it released the Grand Précis, a watch in 18k gold and limited to 100 pieces. In 2010, Corum wished to honour their heritage with a re-edition of the Grand Précis, retaining the original design and movement inside. Corum found enough of the original CO162 components in its archive to build every watch in the new run, 100 in rose gold and 50 in white gold.

What's On Offer

Here we have a particularly elegant Corum Grand Précis Limited Re-Edition, dating from 2010, beautifully presented in 18ct rose gold with a champagne dial and the fascinating hand-wound Calibre CO162 movement.

This is a watch that celebrates Corum's early watchmaking heritage, taking its inspiration from the original Grand Précis introduced in 1957, just two years after the company was founded.

Created as a limited re-edition, the modern Grand Précis retains the restrained elegance of its predecessor while offering proportions more suited to contemporary tastes.

The 38.5mm case is crafted from 18ct 5N rose gold, with beautifully shaped lugs, a slim polished bezel and a traditional crown. Its understated design allows the warmth of the precious metal and the exceptional dial to take centre stage.

And what a lovely dial it is.

Finished in a soft champagne tone with delicate vertical brushing, the dial features fine black crosshair lines running through its centre, creating a beautifully balanced, almost architectural appearance.

Elegant applied rose-gold baton hour markers surround the dial, accompanied by a finely printed minute track. The matching dauphine-style hands feature slender luminous inserts, offering a subtle contrast against the warm champagne background.

At 12 o'clock sits Corum's distinctive key emblem, with the CORUM GRAND PRÉCIS signature positioned neatly beneath it.

A small subsidiary seconds display at 6 o'clock completes the design, its understated presentation perfectly in keeping with the watch's refined character.

Turn the watch over and the real horological interest begins.

Visible through the sapphire exhibition caseback is the Corum Calibre CO162, a hand-wound mechanical movement closely associated with the original Grand Précis design.

Operating at 18,000 vibrations per hour, the movement features a notably large balance wheel and a traditional construction that reflects the precision-focused philosophy behind the Grand Précis name.

The movement is attractively finished, with satin-brushed bridges and decorative detailing that can be appreciated through the transparent caseback.

With a power reserve of approximately 36 hours, the CO162 offers the traditional pleasure of winding a mechanical watch by hand.

Completing the watch is a black crocodile leather strap with an 18ct gold buckle, providing an elegant finishing touch to the rose-gold case.

This particular example is presented in near-mint condition, with very little evidence of wear, and is reported to be running very well.

Importantly, it is accompanied by its original Corum presentation box and papers, making it an especially appealing proposition for collectors.

With its beautifully proportioned rose-gold case, restrained champagne dial and historically inspired mechanical movement, this Grand Précis is a wonderful celebration of traditional Swiss watchmaking.

An elegant and rather unusual addition to any collection, particularly for someone who appreciates the charm of mid-century design combined with the craftsmanship of a modern limited-edition timepiece.

Condition Report:

Crystal: Mint

Dial: Mint

Bezel: Excellent

Case: Excellent

Movement: Serviced +19s/d 271°

Overall: Excellent