Skip to content
Corum Buckingham Champagne Dial in 18k Yellow Gold Ref. 57181, 1980s — view 1 of 6
View 1 of 6 · Image: Bulang & Sons · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Corum Buckingham Champagne Dial in 18k Yellow Gold Ref. 57181, 1980s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Corum (maker)
Date
1980s
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.

Read next:Detached lever escapementIdentification Centre

Related records