Corum Rolls Royce 'Spirit of Ecstasy'

Extravagant, striking, and so bad they’re great — all ways we've used to describe our affection for Corum! 

Any vintage hand wound gold watch can be cool, but when Corum puts their spin on things, we’re generally treated to interesting, elevated timepieces such as the Golden Bridge and 'Double Eagle' Coin Watch. Then there’s this thing - the Corum 'Rolls Royce'. It not only checks all the boxes in terms of the bizarre X-factor we come to expect with vintage Corum, but the indelible automotive connection that makes this watch all the more absurd, wonderful and luxurious.

This piece, a Reference 55 79 256, features a 30.5mm 18k yellow gold case made in likeness to the radiator grille of a Rolls Royce. Flanked by a set of stylized lugs, the case displays the double ‘R’ Rolls Royce emblem and a miniatured ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ mascot perched atop the case which integrates seamlessly into the special cut alligator strap. The gold tone dial features the Rolls Royce vertical grille patterning and a matching gold dauphine handset mechanized by a hand-finished manual-winding movement made visible by a sapphire aperture on its caseback. 

This limited edition model dates to 1995 and features its individual number engraved along its case side, and comes complete with its inner and outer box set and serialized hangtag. In great condition throughout with deep hallmarks and tons of style, this piece is sure to stand out in a room full of sports watches the way a Rolls Royce Phantom would stand out in a car park full of JDM mini trucks!

Established in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland in 1955 by Gaston Ries and his nephew René Bannwart, Corum makes unique and innovative timepieces such as the Golden Bridge and the Admiral, designs that put the watches’ movement front and center via innovative, transparent dials.

Perhaps the most well known of Corum’s collections, however, is the Heritage Coin, a design that uses a U.S. gold coin such as a ‘Double Eagle’ as a substitute for a traditional watch case. U.S. Presidents George Bush Sr, Ronald Reagan, Lyndon B. Johnson, Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton have all worn this special timepiece — as has artist Andy Warhol.

The Golden Bridge, meanwhile, dates to 1980. Arranged in a linear fashion, the watch’s movement forms both the caliber as well as the bulk of the ‘dial,’ which is visible via a unique sapphire crystal. It’s watches like these that have kept Corum in the mind of collectors searching for unique horological experiences for over 70 years and counting.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.