Slideshow = 14 photos to see this watch in all its angles

Foreword

Since its creation in 1955, Corum has shown a strong desire for innovation and is uniquely positioned in the Swiss watchmaking industry.
The key-shaped logo, a symbol of the mystery to solve, is a constant reminder of this creed.

Moreover, the 1958 Golden Tube model, rereleased in the early 80's under the name Golden Bridge, is one of its most striking illustrations.

The numerous partnerships initiated by Corum with the sailing world started in 1960 and gave birth to the Admiral's Cup series.
Right away with the first models, the series' DNA was well established: 12-sided case, and hourmarkers inspired by the flames (or flags) of the international code of naval signals.

Since then, numerous evolutions of the model have come along centered around complications customized for water sports (like a tide indicator) and many variations on the finishes.
The model reviewed here is a titanium chronograph.

A strong design

First off, this model is marked by its strong design, still topical despite the series' 50 years of existence.

The 12-sided case is emphasized by the perfectly treated grade 5 titanium.
With the brushed flanks, and the top of the lugs polished, Corum has succeeded in giving a lively texture to this material that has a reputation for being "cold".

It's worth noting that the shape of the case does not make its manufacture easy: a 12-sided bezel that pivots on a circular base is a good way to expose the slightest alignment flaw.
But there are no flaws here: indeed the production is of the highest level of quality.

The style continuity between the case's angular nature and the dial is assured by twelve polished markers, each with a finish of luminescent material, and shaped like a flattened V, reprising the shape of the angles on the case.
The marker at 12 o'clock display the number 60.
The key and the brand name complement these applied elements.

High-quality finish

Another distinctive characteristic of the Admiral's Cups are the flames.
The ones here are quite discreet, painted in black and white on the inclined flange.

Last component on the dial, the hands are large and complemented with a particularly effective luminescent material.
As for them, the subdials' hands are Dauphine-shaped, but stocky.

The contrast provided by the components on the dial along with their high-quality finish make this a very readable watch, day or night.

Finally, let's look at the peripheral details.

The sapphire crystal is coated with antiglare material, and very slightly cambered.

While this is effective in daytime, it creates a problem underwater, making the watch unreadable due to the light reflection beyond a 30-degree angle.

The vulcanized and initialed rubber strap is flexible and comfortable.

The large pin buckle is, for itself, reassuring.

The back of the case, solid and streaked towards the center, enjoys, like the rest of the watch, the benefit of a high-quality finish.

Day-to-day

The first impressions on the wrist are those of a stylish rough-and-tumble watch.
Its rugged image comes from its somewhat rough shapes and its features which make it ready for adventures!
The classy aspect come from its meticulous finish.

But this watch is undoubtedly more in its element having a cocktail at the bar by the pool, rather than carrying out some type of mission in the middle of international waters!

In any case, despite the light weight of the titanium, the watch, with its substantial size, looks big on the wrist, but remains comfortable nevertheless.

Watch out for the bumps and other impacts from daily life, made more likely by its important size!

Movement

The Corum ADC Seafender 46 Chrono Dive is equipped with a CO753 caliber.
Its base is a Valjoux 7753, modified by La Joux-Perret on behalf of Corum.

The modifications involve the finish on the oscillating weight, and the bridges and the bottom plates (micro bead blasting, bevelling, and rhodium plating).

A noteworthy detail: this movement is a COSC-certified chronometer, and that it has a rapid date via a push button located at 10pm on the side of the case.

The CO753 retains the sturdiness and reliability of the well-known 7750, but also its weaknesses, like its somewhat rough release.

However, one could have expected a movement that is a little less "common" for a watch with such an exclusive vocation, like this Corum...

Conclusion

Even after 50 years in existence, The Admiral's Cup series continues to evolve with specific models while preserving the spirit of those first models.
Thus, with this Seafender 46 Chrono Dive, Corum offers us a watch with a strong personality and a high-quality finish.

Pros:

• a strong design
• quality of finish - especially for the case!
• its readability

Cons:

• its large size preventing its multipurpose qualities, and exposing the watch to potential bumps
• the movement, too "standard" for this price range
• the brand's omnipresence (cited 7 times), and logo (5 times)

Additional information:

• the advertised price in the manufacturer's spec sheet is the watch's public retail price in France at the time of the publication of this review on the French version of the website.
• reviewer/tester's wrist size - 17.5cm