Corum 51116

1973 Corum 51116 – 18K YG, Champagne Linen Dial

Corum was the king of unconventional luxury in the 1970s, and this Ref. 51116 is a perfect example of why the brand mattered. It is an 18K yellow gold dress watch featuring a sharp champagne linen dial that provides a texture most modern watches cannot replicate. What makes this specific piece a standout is its history as a corporate gift from the Good Humor ice cream company to Charles G. Quabeck in 1973. It is a strange, charming intersection of mid-century Swiss horology and iconic American corporate culture. The linen dial is the primary draw here. It catches the light in a way that gives the watch depth without relying on high-polish surfaces. The 18K gold case wears with a slim, intentional elegance that defines the dress watch standards of the era. This is not a loud piece of jewelry, but rather a focused, textured object that feels increasingly relevant as collectors move toward character-driven vintage pieces. The original strap and buckle anchor the watch to its original delivery state, which is a detail often lost with 50-year-old gold pieces. Reference: 51116 Model: Classic 18K Dress Watch Year: 1973 Movement: Manual Wind Case Size: 34mm Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold (Integrated Aesthetic) Strap: Original Corum Leather & 18K Buckle Dial: Champagne Linen Metal: 18K Yellow Gold SKU: 702