Corum Revives the Coin Watch for America’s 250th Anniversary with 50 State-Inspired Editions

As the United States marks 250 years of independence today, Corum is celebrating the milestone with a revival of one of its most iconic creations. The new Heritage Coin collection reinterprets the famed Coin Watch, a design that has occupied a special place in watchmaking history since its debut in 1964. Comprising 50 distinct editions dedicated to each state of the Union and limited to just five numbered examples apiece, the collection totals 250 watches— a fitting tribute to America's Semiquincentennial.

Introduced more than six decades ago, the Coin Watch was built around a genuine U.S. Double Eagle gold coin, transforming a piece of American history into a functional timepiece. The concept quickly became a signature of the brand, combining technical ingenuity with symbolic value. To create each watch, the coin is carefully split into two sections: one half forms the dial and the other the case back, while an ultra-thin movement is housed between them. A solid gold ring reproduces the coin's original edge detailing, preserving the appearance of the historic currency.

The original Double Eagle itself occupies a special place in American numismatic history. Struck in 22-carat gold and issued as a $20 coin, it circulated in the United States for more than 80 years before becoming one of the most coveted collector coins in the world. Its imagery, including the American eagle, the national coat of arms, thirteen stars representing the original colonies, and the inscription “In God We Trust”, provides the visual foundation for the new collection.

While the front of every watch features a common design celebrating the nation’s 250 years of independence, the reverse side tells a different story. Each case back has been individually designed to represent a defining aspect of its respective state, whether through a historic landmark, cultural symbol, important event, or regional tradition. The watches are housed in a 39mm yellow-gold case with a fluted band measuring just 7.6mm thick, preserving the elegant profile that has long characterized the Coin collection. Beneath the coin dial beats the automatic Corum Caliber CO082, which operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and provides a power reserve of 42 hours. Displayed through two baton-style hands, the time indication remains intentionally minimalist, allowing the historic coin imagery to remain the focal point. Reflecting its rarity and extensive hand-finishing, each watch is priced at $58,000. 

To learn more, visit Corum, here.