CORUM ROMULUS PLATIN

Maker: Corum
Model: Romulus
Reference: 5010170
Year: 1980's
Serial: 393655
Material: Platinum
Dial: Super minimalistic signed RHW rather than with corum
Dimensions: 35mm lug to lug, 30mm
Crystal: Sapphire
Clasp: White Gold Pin Buckle
Box & Papers: None

Corum — From Coinage to Quiet Mastery: The Heritage Behind the Romulus

To understand the Corum Romulus is to understand Corum itself: a Maison forged not in convention, but in creative conviction.

Founded in 1955 in La-Chaux-de-Fonds by René Bannwart and Visionnaire Simone-Marie Bannwart, Corum entered a world dominated by tradition. Rather than imitate it, however, Corum chose to interpret it — boldly, playfully, and with a craftsman’s eye for narrative. From the outset, Corum’s philosophy was not to make watches that followed time — but watches that told stories. That ethos, ignited in the mid-20th century and carried forward through subsequent decades, is the silent heartbeat behind every piece, including the Romulus you hold.

Early in its journey, Corum turned convention on its head with creations that became instant talking points. The Coin Watch — a regal union of horology and numismatics — embodied both history and modernity, transforming sovereign coins into elegant timepieces. The Admiral’s Cup transformed nautical flags into a colorful signature on the dial, while the Golden Bridge — a marvel of architectural watchmaking — revealed its movement like a cathedral spire laid bare.

These were not mere gimmicks; each design was an expression of Corum’s belief that watches could — and should — evoke emotion, intellect, and imagination. By the time the 1970s and 1980s arrived, Corum had established itself as a brand comfortable with contradiction: avant-garde yet deeply respectful of tradition, luxurious yet unpretentious.

The Romulus Collection — Quiet Luxury, Classical Ambition

It is within this lineage that the Romulus takes its place. Unlike Corum’s flamboyant coups de maître — the Bubble’s surreal visage or the Admiral’s Cup’s bold geometry — the Romulus collection speaks in the refined vernacular of classical watchmaking. Launched during an era still caught between quartz disruption and mechanical resurgence, Romulus models anchored Corum’s portfolio with an understated elegance that appealed to the discerning wearer who preferred nuance to noise.

Here, you won’t find overt symbols or dramatic flourishes. Instead, you find balance. Proportion. Harmony. The Romulus dial, particularly in rarified examples like your platinum Ref. 5010170, eschews superfluity in favor of precision. The unusual choice of an RHW signature — a subtle departure from the more ubiquitous Corum logo — hints at either a specialized run or a boutique nuance tailored for a clientele whose value of exclusivity runs deep. It is as if Corum is whispering: “This one is for those who already know.”

A Maison Defined by Maverick Collectors

Over the decades, Corum watches have graced the wrists of individuals who defy easy categorization — creators and risk-takers who value authenticity over affectation. While flamboyant personalities like Johnny Depp have famously embraced Corum’s bold offerings, others — collectors, artists, diplomats — have been drawn to pieces like the Romulus for their subtle command.

This is the quiet genius of the Romulus: it doesn’t call attention to itself, but neither does it ever fade into the background. It is confidence without insistence — a rare trait in any era, perhaps all the more compelling amid the visual cacophony of contemporary horology.

Morning Coffee & Creative Work — Tailored Ease

The Look: A cashmere-blend crewneck sweater in soft graphite, slim-cut navy chinos, calfskin Chelsea boots, and a lightweight overcoat in dove grey.

Occasion: Co-working sessions, client meetings in boutique studios, coffee and ideas with peers.

The Romulus on the wrist here is like a manifesto of thoughtful intention. Just as a morning espresso demands clarity, this watch’s minimalist dial and pure platinum case invite focus. It doesn’t distract; it harmonizes. The muted palette of your attire allows the Romulus to lend a quiet note of sophistication — a visible marker of someone who values nuance and precision.

Pairing tip: Roll the sweater sleeves just enough to show the white gold pin buckle catching the light. This subtle flash becomes your unofficial signature.

Style takeaway: Elegant understatement enhances a refined, creative presence.

Afternoon Errands & Urban Wandering — A Modern Classic

The Look: A crisp white linen shirt half-tucked into charcoal selvedge denim, suede derby shoes, and a lightweight field jacket in olive. Simple leather satchel slung over one shoulder.

Occasion: Museum visits, gallery openings, wandering through independent bookstores or lunch with friends.

The Romulus transitions effortlessly into the rhythm of a creatively curious day. Against tactile fabrics and muted earth tones, its platinum case mirrors the urban sunlight without ever feeling flashy. The minimal RHW dial becomes a conversation anchor — an approachable classic amid the contemporary.

Pairing tip: Let the watch’s compact dimensions speak to restraint. In a world of oversized timepieces, this choice signals intention through proportion, not bravado.

Style takeaway: Classic minimalism bridges thoughtful casual and sophisticated simplicity.

Evening Dinner & Conversations — Quiet Prestige

The Look: A midnight-blue dinner jacket with satin lapels, a crisp black shirt (no tie), tailored charcoal trousers, and polished black oxfords.

Occasion: Intimate dinners, celebratory evenings, or velvet-roped affairs.

Here, the Romulus becomes your perfect understated cuff piece. While others may rely on flash or bling, this watch brings a refined confidence: platinum gleams without glare, sapphire crystal keeps clarity honest, and the minimal dial plays well with the muted elegance of evening black and blue. It’s a subtle cue that you know mastery — in horology and in style.

Pairing tip: When the jacket sleeve lifts, the clean dial and noble metal become a moment of quiet delight — like a memorized line in a favorite novel.

Style takeaway: When evening calls for elegance without excess, let simplicity carry the room.

Final Notes: The Romulus as Expression

This platinum Corum Romulus doesn’t chase trends — it defines personal style from within. Its minimalist ethos invites versatility, while its noble materials reward intention. Whether in a coffee-laden studio, strolling through architectural marvels, or seated at a candlelit table, the Romulus aligns with those who wear their choices — not as armor, but as poetry.

In each look, approach the Romulus the way you approach life: with elegant restraint, quiet confidence, and an eye for the stories in every detail.

Corum Romulus Ref. 5010170 — A Quiet Masterpiece in Platinum

At first glance, the Corum Romulus Reference 5010170 reads like a whisper from the 1980s: quietly confident, impeccably proportioned, and unapologetically restrained. Yet spend a moment with it on the wrist, and this platinum-cased classic reveals a depth of character that belies its diminutive 30 mm diameter.

Case & Presence

The platinum case remains unequivocally unpolished—a quality that seasoned collectors often prize as a marker of authenticity and integrity. Surface wear is subtle and honest: faint hairlines and gentle edge rounding speak of decades worn with discretion rather than abandon. These soft traces of life lend the Romulus an understated patina that feels entirely appropriate for a watch of its era and quiet luxury. Against the cool gleam of platinum, these whispers of time add texture, not damage.

Dial & Aesthetic

The dial is where this Romulus truly distinguishes itself. Eschewing the more commonly seen Corum signature, it bears the delicate “RHW” designation—a telling detail that situates this piece within a more rarefied lineage. The minimalistic black surface appears almost monastic in its simplicity: no applied indices to distract, no unnecessary flourishes—just pure form guided by purpose. Under sapphire, this simplicity feels modern, timeless even, and entirely in keeping with the discipline of 1980s design minimalism.

Crystal & Legibility

Protected by sapphire, the dial’s serene austerity is offered up to the light without hesitation. The crystal remains clear and intact, with negligible marks to disturb its view. There is a crystalline honesty here; what you see is what was intended—and it’s quietly compelling.

Movement & Soul

Though unseen, the movement within this Romulus is the steady heart that propels its narrative. Corum’s engineering from this period is dependable and robust, and in a watch of such modest dimensions, every beat feels like a reminder that restraint can be as powerful as bravado. While service history is unknown and the absence of box and papers leaves some provenance questions open, the mechanical soul remains true to its original intention: understated precision.

Strap & Wearability

Accompanied by a fine leather strap capped with a white-gold pin buckle, this Romulus feels wonderfully balanced on wrist. The warmth of the strap contrasts with the cool platinum, creating a tactile duality that elevates its presence without shouting for attention. Comfort is immediate; this is a watch that wants to be worn, not preserved behind glass.

In Sum

This Corum Romulus 5010170 exists in that rare space between pristine and patinated. Its condition tells a story—not of neglect, but of a life quietly lived. For the collector who values integrity of form and the poetry of subtle aging, this piece isn’t just a watch: it’s a companion that wears its history with graceful understatement.