The adventure began with René Bannwart, who was called upon by his uncle, Gaston Ries, to assume joint management of the watchmaking workshop he had been running since 1924 in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Together they transformed it into a watch company with its own proprietary brand: CORUM.Particularly fascinated by the word “quorum” which means “the minimum number of persons present, required to enable a meeting, to hold discussions and take valid decisions”, they simplified the spelling.Right from the time of its creation in 1955 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, CORUM displayed a determination to position itself in the forefront of the Swiss watch industry. The emblem, a key pointing skywards, is a symbol of the mystery to be fathomed, the enigma to be resolved, of new territories to be explored, and of innovation. It also alludes to the inventiveness, tenacity and bold spirit required in order to attain the total mastery of time.In 1956 the first CORUM watches appeared on the market and the brand launched a veritable cascade of new ideas with great success. It was even recognized by its peers as one of the most creative in the industry.In 2000, CORUM was honored with the GAÏA distinction for “Craftmanship & Design”, a symbolic recognition awarded to Jean-René Banwart for his contribution to watchmaking history and culture.In January 2000, the arrival of a new owner and President – Severin Wunderman, an internationally renowned icon of the watchmaking industry – gave CORUM a whole new boost.Displaying his characteristic creativity and ingenuity, he revitalized the company, ably backed by his son Michael, who was appointed Vice-President.At Severin Wunderman’s request, Antonio Calce joined CORUM in 2005. Severin, Michael and Antonio jointly established a strategy to conquer whole new horizons, while remaining faithful to the pioneering and independent spirit on which the brand has built its success.In 2007, Michael Wunderman was appointed brand director for the United States, where he began running the business from the headquarters of the U.S. subsidiary in Los Angeles, while Antonio Calce was promoted to serve as CEO. This experienced strategist was entrusted with the mission of pursuing the work begun by Severin Wunderman.On June 25th 2008, Severin Wunderman passed away at the age of 69. His death was naturally a terrible shock for his family, as well as for the company employees around the world.On August 18th 2008, CORUM appointed Serge Weinberg – a personal friend and financial advisor of Severin Wunderman – as Chairman of the Board. As founder of an investment firm called Weinberg Capital Partners, active in merger and acquisition operations as well as real estate investments, he brings to the company his vast experience in the luxury sector.CORUM continues to be headed by brand CEO Antonio Calce. A firmly product-oriented, entrepreneurial and unifying figure, Antonio Calce is pursuing the long-term implementation of the product strategy initiated in 2005 and based on four key collections that have become the four pillars of the brand development. By highlighting its historical legitimacy and propelling the product to centre-stage, CORUM is enjoying strong sales growth.