ReviewThe Perfect Patina: Introducing The Corum Admiral 42 Bronze

The Admiral collection is one of the long-standing pillars in Corum’s portfolio. First unveiled in 1960, just five short years after the brand’s creation, the Admiral’s Cup perfectly embodied a Swiss watchmaker’s idea of maritime-inspired watchmaking. Named after the eponymous yachting regatta, which began in 1957, the watch was released as the first square-shaped water resistant watch. It retained the same silhouette until the early 1980s, after which Corum made the first significant change to the design of the Admiral’s Cup. This spelt the birth of the famous dodecagonal case shape. Interestingly enough, the iconic collection managed to outlive the regatta itself, which ended in 2003. Corum renamed the collection to the more concise ‘Admiral’, and continued modernising the watch with frequent updates to the design, including the upsizing of the case. Although the brand has always been loyal to its nautical DNA, it has never been afraid to experiment with designs, colours, materials, and exquisite Swiss movements. With the Admiral 42 Bronze, however, Corum has shown an uncharacteristic amount of restraint, and we surely aren’t complaining.  

The case and bezel are cast with a special alloy of bronze that will evolve over time to create a unique patina, giving the watches a vintage look. And in order to create a more even finish across the board, the entire case has been satin-brushed. The use of bronze is a great look for the Admiral silhouette and is sure to grab the attention of many. In its 42mm sized form, the Admiral 42 Bronze caters to most wrists, making it more desirable for newcomers to the horological world. 

The case and bezel are cast with a special alloy of bronze that will evolve over time to create a vintage patina, and to keep the patina uniform, the case has been satin-brushed

The nautical theme continues in its colourway, with the option of a dark blue or green dial and a matching alligator strap, both of which pair wonderfully with the bronze case. The Admiral’s trademark pennant-shaped indexes have also been given the restrained treatment by the designers, wherein they have opted for minimalistic black lines to show off the details on the flags. Powered by the Calibre CO 395 that beats at 28,800vph, the movement powers the date window at three o’clock and a small seconds complication at six, and offers a 42-hour power reserve. The movement is visible through a sapphire crystal caseback. 

The nautical theme continues to its colourway, with the option of a dark blue or green dial and a matching alligator strap, both of which pair wonderfully with bronze

₹5,10,000

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The Admiral’s trademark pennant-shaped indexes have also been given the restrained treatment by the designers, who have opted for minimalistic black lines to show off the detail

₹5,10,000

Check Our Selling Price

Now this isn’t a groundbreaking haute horlogerie timepiece by Corum like the Golden Bridge, nor is it an art-heavy masterpiece like the Bubble. Instead, the Admiral 42 Bronze is a well-rounded timepiece with a brilliantly captivating look that will appeal to anyone who appreciates a good-looking watch, especially alluring for those who harbour a love for sailing and the open seas. What makes things more interesting is that the watch has the added advantage of a special metal; one that, because of its unique patina, will make it truly yours. 

The Corum Admiral 42 Bronze is a restrained yet elegant all-rounder of a timepiece that would be appreciated by anyone with an eye for good watches