
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Corum Buckingham Champagne Dial in 18k Yellow Gold Ref. 57181, 1980s
- Maker / attribution
- Corum (maker)
- Date
- 1980s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- 18k yellow gold
- Dimensions
- Case 35 mm
- Stock no.
- w-3005
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (w-3005)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Corum Buckingham Champagne Dial in 18k Yellow Gold Ref. 57181 (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number w-3005), this is a wristwatch by Corum, made in Switzerland, dated 1980s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: 18k yellow gold. Recorded dimensions: Case 35 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Bulang & Sons
The story of Corum began in 1955 when René Bannwart, driven by his entrepreneurial spirit and expertise from working with prestigious watchmakers, founded the brand alongside his uncle, Gaston Ries. Bannwart drew inspiration for the name from the word "quorum," signifying the minimum number of people required for meaningful discussions and decisions—he simplified it to create the distinctive name, Corum. The Buckingham series debuted in the early 1960s as part of Corum's dress watch collection. Renowned for its bold and oversized proportions, it was a pioneering design that redefined the aesthetic standards of the era. This particular Buckingham is an 18k yellow gold piece, distinguished by its large 38 x 35 mm square case and brushed, no-lume champagne dial with "French numeral" hour markers. Its squared, slightly curved case exudes elegance, complemented by a blue cabochon crown. The watch retains its original Corum strap (lightly used) and Corum plaque pin buckle. The hand-wound movement has been fully serviced by our watchmaker, ensuring reliable performance. This is a standout dress watch for the discerning collector. Get in touch to make it yours today! Specifications: - Corum Buckingham dress watch - Reference 57181 - 35mm x 38mm 18k yellow gold square case - Serial 168xxx dating to the 1980s - Brushed champagne “linen” dial with French numerals - Corum hand-wound movement - Original Corum strap and plaque pin buckle - Fully serviced by our watchmaker
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
Related records
Wristwatches · c. 2010
Corum Bubble Chrono, ref. 396.150.20, c. 2010
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Wristwatches · c. 2000
Corum wristwatch, ref. 145.151.20, Tabogan, circa 2000
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Clocks · c. 2000s
Corum wall clock, Admiral's Cup Electric Wall Clock, circa 2000s
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Wristwatches · c. 2017
Corum wristwatch, ref. 113.000.85/0F06, Golden Bridge, circa 2017
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Wristwatches · 1970
Wristwatch by Heno, Switzerland, 1970
Museum Rotterdam
Wristwatches · 1960–1986
'Tri-Compax' calendar chronograph wristwatch in gold case, by Universal, Geneva, Switzerland, 1960–1986.
Science Museum Group, London
Wristwatches · 1969–1970
Beta 21 Quartz wristwatch movement, made in Switzerland, 1970.
Science Museum Group, London
Wristwatches · c. 1969
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, ref. 145022-69st, c. 1969
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
