Corum has updated its colorful Admiral’s Cup Tides model with a monochromatic version in a huge 48 mm case. Although the body of the new version is crafted from extremely lightweight, and also relatively easy-to-scratch titanium alloy, the bezel, and even the crown guard feature a nice layer of black vulcanized rubber that protects the most prominent parts from accidental damage.
Sporting the signature dodecagonal body, the Tides 48 is available both in titanium (ref. 277.931.06/0371 AN52) and rose gold (ref. 277.931.91/0371 AN62.)
While the rose gold version looks more stately, the one in titanium offers a better water-resistance rating (300 meters for the titanium against a much less impressive 50 meters for the one in gold) and the featherweight material is more appropriate for such a huge timepiece.
Besides a much bigger case, the new watch also differs from previous versions with its reworked dial.
As you can see, Corum’s signature pendants on the dial are now monochromatic, the hour and minute hands are open-worked to provide a better view at the three tidal counters, and the counters themselves are now more legible and less aggressive-looking.
For those familiar with yachting, reading the dial will be no problem at all.
The counter at 6 o’clock indicates the time of the next tide in 24-hour format, the counter at 9 o’clock indicates the position of the tide and the strength of the current, and the counter at 12 indicates the moon phase and tidal range.
The only thing that should be remembered, however, is that the tidal counters must be re-calibrated each time you come to a new coast.
Like the previous versions, the Tides 48 is powered by what the Swiss brand prefers to market as the “Corum CO277” automatic movement.
Certified by SHOM, the movement provides the key information on tides: the tidal range, estimation of water depth, strength of currents and the time of the tide.
Basically, this is a top-grade ETA 2892-A2 automatic movement with a tide module developed by Dubois-Depraz together with the Geneva Astronomical Observatory.
Although the base movement is good even in its most basic trim (and this top-grade version will be even better both in terms of reliability and accuracy,) the third-party module may complicate things a little if you happen to live far from civilization: if anything goes wrong with the module, you will probably have to make the watch back to manufacturer with all the unnecessary hassle that may follow, including customs duties and the inevitable loss of time.
Still no info on MSRP, but expect a recommended price of around €7000*.
See also: Corum Admiral’s Cup Chronograph 48 Grand Prix
WWR Verdict
Originality 5/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 4/5
Overall Legibility: 4.5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 3/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
* UPDATE ON PRICING: In the United States, the Tides 48 will be offered at an MSRP of $9600, which is steep given a relatively simple, mass-produced mechanism that it is powered by, but is basically the same ballpark with other Corum watches with similar specs.
Photos: Corum
Corum Admiral’s Cup Tides 48 in Titanium (Ref. 277.931.06/0371 AN52) specification
Price: $9600 (MSRP)
Movement: Caliber Corum CO 277, based on ETA 2892-A2, “Tide” module by Dubois-Depraz, 21 jewels, 28,800 vph, Swiss Made
Winding: Automatic (self-winding)
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, an indication of tides
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case: Titanium
Bezel: Black vulcanized rubber
Shape: Dodecagonal
Size: 48.00 mm
Lug width: 24.00 mm
Case height: 17.35 mm
Dial: Black, sandblasted
Hour markers: Corum navy pendants
Hands: Titanium, open-worked
Water resistance: 300 meters
Strap: Black vulcanized rubber band with titanium buckle engraved with Corum logo
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective on both sides
Back: Screwed titanium with black vulcanized rubber coating, engraved