Gaston Ries (1891–1958) was a prominent Swiss watchmaker and entrepreneur whose technical expertise and established workshop provided the foundational infrastructure for the creation of the Corum watch brand. Born in the late 19th century, Ries became a central figure in the horological community of La Chaux-de-Fonds, a historic center of Swiss watchmaking.
In 1924, Ries established his own independent watchmaking facility in La Chaux-de-Fonds. For over three decades, he operated this workshop, focusing on the production of movements and timepieces. His dedication to traditional Swiss craftsmanship and precision helped him maintain a successful independent operation during a period of significant evolution within the industry.
The trajectory of Ries’s professional life shifted significantly in 1955 when he teamed up with his nephew, René Bannwart. Bannwart, who had gained extensive experience at prestigious houses such as Patek Philippe and Omega, sought to establish a brand that prioritized avant-garde design and creative independence. The two men combined Ries’s established manufacturing capabilities and technical experience with Bannwart’s design vision to found Montres Corum SàRL.
The name Corum was derived from the Latin word quorum, representing the minimum number of people required to make valid decisions—a reflection of the partnership between Ries and Bannwart. The company adopted a key pointing skyward as its emblem, symbolizing their ambition to unlock new horological territories.
Under the joint leadership of Ries and Bannwart, the brand quickly gained a reputation for innovation. The first Corum watches appeared on the market in 1956, and early models like the Golden Tube and the Chinese Hat (1958) showcased a departure from conventional aesthetics. These successes were built upon the manufacturing foundation Ries had developed over the preceding thirty years.
Gaston Ries passed away in 1958, shortly after the brand had achieved its initial breakthrough. While his time at the helm of the official Corum brand was brief, his legacy is defined by the three decades of independent watchmaking that preceded it. His workshop served as the physical and technical birthplace of the company, and his partnership with René Bannwart established the family-oriented, collaborative spirit that has characterized the brand for seven decades. Today, Ries is recognized as a co-founder whose technical stability allowed Corum to emerge as one of Switzerland’s most creative luxury watch manufacturers.