Corum Admiral: The Art of Combining Materials

When it first appeared in 1960, the Corum Admiral looked quite different from the model we know today. Its case was square, and its maritime identity was expressed primarily through a sailboat engraved on the caseback. The course had already been set!

It was in 1983 that the Admiral collection acquired its current codes: a dodecagonal architecture (in other words, 12 sides) paired with 12 colorful nautical pennants inspired by the International Code of Signals. Since then, these two signatures have become inseparable from the collection, alongside a connection to the world of sailing that has endured across generations.

The ocean is a particularly demanding environment. Salt water promotes the corrosion of many metals, sea spray puts equipment to the test, and there is no shortage of opportunities to scratch your watch on a sailboat’s deck. Under these conditions, the choice of materials takes on full significance. This is precisely the approach behind the new Admiral models presented at Geneva Watch Days 2026, with ceramic at the heart of three designs.

Lighter than steel, extremely hard and particularly scratch-resistant, ceramic does not oxidize, withstands corrosion and retains its colour over time. These are welcome qualities in the nautical world. Ceramic is not indestructible, however: its hardness comes with a degree of fragility when exposed to severe impacts. Its manufacture, particularly when producing complex shapes, also requires specialized expertise. All of which makes the new dodecagonal case and integrated bracelet of the Admiral particularly interesting.

The interplay of materials continues through their various combinations. Steel, titanium and gold have already found their place in the collection’s history. This new generation explores the possibilities offered by ceramic in turn, with three 39 mm models that each have a distinct personality.

The first, named Titanium Blue, combines blue ceramic with Grade 5 titanium. The choice seems almost obvious for a watch born in the world of sailing: these are two lightweight materials that resist corrosion well and whose finishes complement each other.

On the integrated five-link bracelet, alternating polished and satin-finished surfaces highlight the different elements of its construction.

On the dial, the nautical pennants now appear within trapezoidal hour markers, a way of evolving the design while preserving its distinctive features.

With the Bicolor version, the mood changes. This time, ceramic meets gold, whose warm hue appears on the bezel and bracelet. The precious metal’s reflections enliven the smooth ceramic surfaces, while the alternating finishes emphasize the relief of the different elements. The overall design retains the proportions and codes of a sports watch, with gold adding a more refined elegance. After all, marinas have their glamorous moments too!

Finally, the Admiral Skeleton opts for anthracite ceramic and lets the mechanics speak for themselves. The openworked dial reveals the automatic CO232 caliber, made by Concepto, whose design becomes an integral part of the watch. The functions are kept to the essentials, leaving the mechanical spectacle center stage. Like the CO231 powering the other two versions, the caliber beats at 4 Hz and offers a 72-hour power reserve.

Since its first square case, the Admiral has undergone many transformations. With this new generation, Corum continues to explore materials while cultivating the collection’s nautical identity. It is a reminder that the maritime spirit can also be expressed through the technical choices and materials that make up a watch.