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Premium Artcurial
65
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CORUM ‘Union Bank of Switzerland’
Ref.
See original version (French)
65
-
CORUM ‘Union Bank of Switzerland’
Ref.
See original version (French)
Estimate €3,000 - €5,000
Voluntary lot
Description
CORUM ‘Union Bank of Switzerland’
Ref. 46300V40
No. 347637
Circa 1980
Ladies’ wristwatch in 18k two-tone gold (750)
Case: rectangular, winding crown set with a faceted diamond, screw-down clasp, signed
Dial: featuring a 5 g gold bar, signed UBS and Corum, numbered 3809
Movement: quartz
Bracelet: gold
Folding clasp, signed
Wrist circumference: approx. 15 cm
Dimensions: 27 x 17 mm
Gross weight: 61.20 g.
An 18k gold ladies’ two-tone quartz wristwatch, with a gold bracelet and signed clasp.
In 1971, when the United States ended the convertibility of the dollar into gold, the price of the precious metal skyrocketed and gold once again became, more than ever, a symbol of power and security. Switzerland, then at the height of its influence in the banking sector, capitalised fully on this image of stability and safe-haven status. At the same time, the quartz revolution was shaking up the watchmaking industry: the watch gradually ceased to be a mere timekeeping instrument and became a status symbol, a marker of social standing, and sometimes even a means of communication.
It was against this unique backdrop that Corum unveiled its spectacular ‘Lingot Watch’ collection – watches incorporating genuine mini gold bars and co-branded with iconic banking institutions such as UBS and Credit Suisse. Available with ingots weighing 5, 10 or 15 grams, these creations embody all the financial and aesthetic exuberance of the 1980s: ostentatious, unapologetic watchmaking, where gold becomes as much a selling point as a symbol of success.
Our example, produced for UBS, was probably presented to a privileged client, a partner or a key employee of the bank. More than just a watch, this object is a distillation of the Swiss imagination: it single-handedly brings together two industries that have shaped the country’s power: private banking and luxury watchmaking.
In 1971, when the United States ended the dollar’s convertibility into gold, the price of the precious metal soared, and gold once again became, more than ever, a symbol of power and security. Switzerland, then at the height of its banking influence, fully capitalised on this image of stability and safe-haven value. At the same time, the quartz revolution profoundly transformed the watch industry: the watch gradually ceased to be merely an instrument for measuring time and became a symbol of status and identity.
It was against this unique backdrop that Corum unveiled its spectacular “Lingot Watch” models, timepieces incorporating genuine miniature gold ingots and co-branded with major banking institutions such as UBS and Crédit Suisse. Produced with 5, 10 or 15-gram gold ingots, these creations perfectly embodied the financial and aesthetic exuberance of the 1980s: bold, unapologetically ostentatious watchmaking in which gold served both as a selling point and a symbol of success.
Our example, produced for UBS, was most likely presented to a privileged client, partner, or important collaborator of the bank. More than just a watch, this object encapsulates the very essence of Swiss savoir-faire and financial culture, bringing together two industries that helped shape the country’s power and prestige: private banking and luxury watchmaking.
CONDITION REPORT:
Movement operational at the time of catalogue compilation. Good overall condition, few signs of wear. Slight visible oxidation of the gold (discolouration).
Please note that all watches are sold as is. No guarantee is given as to their working condition. Most watches have been opened to identify the type and quality of the movement, including water-resistant watches. Buyers are advised to consult a watchmaker to check the watch’s water resistance. Any information provided regarding restoration, damage or the condition of the item remains subject to the buyer’s own judgement. The absence of any mention of replacement parts, restoration or damage does not in any way imply that an item is free from any existing defects. All items presented may have undergone previous servicing and may contain non-original parts. The dimensions and weight of the items are given as approximate figures.
CONDITION REPORT:
Movement operational at the time of cataloguing. Good overall condition, minor signs of wear. Visible oxidation and discolouration.
Please note that all watches are sold as is. No warranty is provided regarding the working condition. Most watches have been opened to identify the type and quality of the movement, including water-resistant watches. Buyers are advised to consult a watchmaker to have the water resistance checked. Any information regarding restoration, accidents or condition remains subject to the personal assessment of prospective buyers. The absence of any mention of replacement parts, restoration or accidents does not imply that a lot is free from defects. All items offered for sale may have undergone previous servicing and may contain non-original parts. Dimensions and weights are provided for guidance only and should be considered approximate.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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