Introduction
Founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1955, Corum quickly established a reputation for unconventional watchmaking, combining traditional Swiss mechanical expertise with an imaginative approach to design. Among its most recognisable creations was the Coin Watch, introduced in 1964, which transformed genuine gold coins into remarkably discreet wristwatches. The concept was both ingenious and technically demanding, requiring the coin to be carefully hollowed out to accommodate a miniature movement while preserving its familiar appearance. Corum's use of American gold coins became a signature of the collection, and these unusual watches attracted a following among collectors who appreciated their combination of horology, precious metals and numismatic history. The concept also lent itself naturally to more unusual formats, including watches designed to be carried rather than worn on the wrist.
This Corum Twenty Dollar Coin purse watch is a particularly charming interpretation of the idea, combining a miniature gold watch with a hinged coin case. The exterior features the familiar imagery of the American twenty-dollar Double Eagle, with Liberty surrounded by stars on one side and the heraldic eagle beneath the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA on the other. The coin bears the date 1904. Opening the case reveals a beautifully finished gold interior containing a separate Corum timepiece, which can be lifted into position for viewing. Measuring 34.3mm across the outer coin case, with a 23.7mm watch case, the piece offers an unusual combination of miniature mechanical watchmaking and decorative goldsmithing.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Case
Est. value range
$5,000 – $8,000
The Details
Brand
Corum
Dimensions
34.3mm coin, 23.7mm watch case
Model
Twenty Dollar Coin Purse Watch
Movement
Manual wind
Reference
N/A
Bracelet
N/A
Year
1990s
Condition
Excellent
Material
18K Yellow Gold
Included
Case
Dial Color
Champagne
THE DIAL
The Corum watch features a champagne-coloured dial with a subtle sunburst finish, eneamel baton hour markers, cross hair and matching gold-tone hands. The Corum name and distinctive key emblem appear beneath twelve o'clock.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Something of Corum signature, the Double Eagle gold coin watch is reimagined in a purse watch. One side depicts Liberty surrounded by stars and the date 1904, while the reverse features the American heraldic eagle and the twenty-dollar denomination. The hinged construction opens to reveal a decorative gold interior and the separate 23.7mm watch.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The 18K yellow gold coin case is in excellent condition, with some light surface marks and signs of use. The inner hinged watch is in excellent condition, with the dial and hands in near-mint condition. The back of the inner watch case retains well-defined hallmarks. Comes with leather pouch and metal Elgin tin.
Please note: The watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Our Perspective
Corum's Coin Watches are among the most inventive creations of twentieth-century Swiss watchmaking, and this purse watch offers an especially unusual interpretation. Combining American coin imagery, a miniature timepiece and an ingenious hinged gold case, it is a fascinating collector's curiosity.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
