Corum has finally added a chronograph model to its Legend 42 line of compact sporty watches. Called Corum Admiral’s Cup Legend 42 Chrono, the new chronograph is equipped with an ETA-based COSC-certified chronometer movement and, as you have probably already guessed, comes in a mid-sized body that measures only 42 millimeters in diameter.
Although I am not the greatest fan of the brand, I must admit that I like their consistency when it comes to design (at least, within the particular Admiral’s Cup family.) Although their design tongue is slightly evolving in favor of more subtle accents, more flowing lines, it takes just a single glance to recognize the brand.
The trick is done using their signature dodecagonal bezels that are fitted with sapphire crystals of the same shape, the trademark trapezoidal crown guard, and, of course, the famous nautical pennants that serve as hour markers.
The inevitable Corum Key is also here: both on the dial and on the other end of the central chronograph seconds hand working as an elegant counterweight.
Another pleasant thing to note is that the timekeeper will be offered not only in 18-karat red gold but will also come in pure stainless steel (ref. 984.101.20/0F01 AB10,) as well as a two-tone steel/gold version.
Depending on the version, the watch will feature either a classic barleycorn guilloche motif on its dial (the one in red gold,) or a more modern vertical yacht decking style pattern. The latter will be available both in grey (nice) and blue (absolutely gorgeous) colors.
As I have already noted in the opening paragraph, the watch will be animated by a COSC-certified automatic chronometer movement. Based on the top-grade ETA 2894-2 blank caliber, the Caliber CO984 is claimed to be the first of such high quality in their Legend line of watches.
The ETA 2894-2 is known for its high reliability and, considering that the new movement differs from the original only with its “exclusive Corum finish”, I can assume that the watch, too, will be robust and dependable.
What’s even more important, though, is that it will be a lot easier to service than most “in-house” calibers from other brands since, besides its high reliability, the 2894 family of movements is also known for its simplicity: figuratively speaking, a qualified service person can repair one with a screwdriver and a hammer.
Pricing is still unknown, but it is clear that the version in red gold will be offered at a price well above $20,000, while the version in stainless steel will cost at least $7500.
See also: New Concord C2 Chronograph Looks Surprisingly Sober
WWR Verdict
Originality 5/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 4/5
Overall Legibility: 4/5
Nighttime Legibility: 4/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Photos: Corum
Corum Admiral’s Cup Legend 42 Chrono specification
Movement: Automatic, Caliber CO 984 (based on ETA caliber 2894-2,) COSC-certified chronometer, Swiss Made
Jewels: 37
Frequency: 28,800 vph
Decoration: Exclusive Corum finish
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case: 18-karat red gold
Shape: Dodecagonal
Size: 42.00 mm
Dial: Anthracite / Grey / Blue
Numerals: Arabic, applied, red gold
Hour markers: Applied, red gold
Hands: Partly open-worked, red gold, luminous
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Brown or black crocodile leather strap with pin buckle (gold version), folding clasp or matching metal bracelet (steel and two-tone versions)
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Sapphire