The Corum $20 Coin Watch is certainly a dress watch of distinction, and more than that, a real conversation piece.  I was in my teens when I first encountered one, on the wrist of a family friend; a budding watch nut at the time, I couldn’t help but be extremely impressed by the way that Corum had made a watch out of a rare American gold coin. 

Later on, I learned more about the history of this watch, and grew to appreciate it even more.  A favorite of American presidents (naturally enough!) since its introduction, the Corum $20 Coin watch case and dial is in fact, an actual American “Liberty Double Eagle” 22K gold coin, which was first struck in 1850 and minted for another 57 years afterward.   This opulent piece of Americana is carefully divided into two parts, meticulously relieved to accept a Frederic Piguet automatic movement, and then carefully rejoined in such a way that there is no evidence that any separation ever occurred.  The craftsmanship is absolutely beautiful, and the history of this rare coin–a foundation of the rapidly growing 19th century US economy–is fascinating. 

When you strap this Corum watch on, or run your fingers over the Lady Liberty portrait on the back, you realize you are truly wearing a work of art–a creation of fine workmanship that captures a moment in history forever.