Unveiled at the Geneva Watch Days 2026, the Corum Admiral collection has introduced high-tech ceramic to its iconic line for the first time in its history. Debuting in three distinct variations—titanium blue, 5N gold bicolour, and an anthracite skeleton—the 39mm sports watch integrates a movement developed for Corum by Concepto starting at a higher price point, as reported by Montres-de-Luxe.
Engineering the First Ceramic Admiral
Corum’s historic Admiral silhouette, which traces its lineage back to 1960 and its definitive aesthetic redesign to 1983, has officially swapped traditional steel for advanced technical ceramics. According to information released during the Geneva Watch Days 2026, the material choice addresses several mechanical and structural demands inherent to high-end sports watches. Ceramic offers superior scratch resistance, a lower overall density than steel, resistance to atmospheric corrosion, and long-term color stability. However, working with the material introduces severe manufacturing bottlenecks. As Haso Mehmedovic, Chairman and CEO of Corum, explains:
“La céramique offre à l’Admiral toutes les performances d’un matériau contemporain. C’est une matière qui ne pardonne pas. Avec ces trois nouveautés, Corum démontre sa mue vers une manufacture à la fois rigoureuse et attachée à ses racines. Une matière qui reflète pleinement l’esprit que nous voulons insuffler à cette collection : sportive, précise et durable sur le long terme.”
The 2026 Lineup and Architectural Specifications
The contemporary Admiral generation draws directly from design updates introduced in April 2026, crafted alongside early sketches by Emmanuel Gueit. The signature nautical pennants—which originally mapped out the twelve hours using maritime alphabet flags popularized by Jean-René Bannwart—are now meticulously integrated into narrow trapezoidal index markers. Housed within a 39mm case possessing an 8.90mm thickness, the watches feature an integrated bracelet construction that eliminates traditional lugs for a seamless wrist profile.
Under the sapphire display back, the internal mechanics are driven by an automatic calibre developed in an exclusive partnership with Concepto, based in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
- CO231 Calibre: Powers the classic iterations, featuring 172 components, 29 jewels, a 4 Hz frequency (soit 28 800 alternances par heure), and a full three-day (72-hour) power reserve.
- CO232 Calibre: Powers the anthracite skeleton model, utilizing 181 components and 28 jewels to accommodate an openworked layout with simplified hour, minute, and second functions.
Both movements feature satin-finished surfaces, polished chamfers, grained mainplates, and a gold-treated oscillating weight engraved with the phrase “The Key of Time Since 1955” alongside the brand’s signature key emblem.
Pricing and Market Positioning
The collection spans three unique visual identities: the titanium blue model that directly channels the vivid monochrome hues of 1980s Admiral Cup pieces, the bicolour execution combining ceramic with 5N gold accents, and the urban-focused anthracite skeleton. Montres-de-Luxe highlights that market entry for these ceramic references begins at a higher price point, positioning the models squarely in the upper tier of contemporary luxury sports watchmaking as Corum reinforces its identity as a Swiss manufacture.
