Nice, 25th June 2008, Severin Wunderman died at the age of 69 at his vacation home in Nice
resulting from a severe stroke. The owner of Corum since 2000, Severin revitalized and re-
established the Corum Brand with his creativity and ingenuity.  Severin was a man of the Arts
and Culture whose personality and charisma influenced his innovative designs which
elevated him to an Icon in the watchmaking industry.

 
Severin’s watchmaking journey began in the 1960’s in the United States where he rapidly
developed his keen business acumen.  His chance encounter with Aldo Gucci shaped his destiny as
he went on to become the innovative entrepreneur who merged together Italian Luxury Design
with Swiss Watch making precision under the label Gucci Timepieces. During Severin’s 25-year
association with Gucci, the company sold millions of watches throughout the world.  
 
Always on the look-out for new challenges, Severin  bought Corum in 2000 creating the dawn of a
new era.  As Chairman, Severin brought to the Corum brand, already established since 1955, his
daring and innovative designs that would once again prove successful. Severin launched a new
Bubble collection made up of original designs, by bringing his contemporary vision of the classic
watchmaking universe. He also re-launched the legendary Admiral’s Cup and Romulus lines giving
them new identities and purpose.
 
The Wunderman Family and the dedicated  Corum employees throughout the world will honor
Severin by continuing and completing his mission to make Corum the most prestigious luxury watch
company in the world. 
 
Severin had an affinity for the world of art and culture with a particular interest in the works of
Jean Cocteau. Over the years, his artistic sense became more developed and he added to his
collection works by major masters of the XVIIth, XVIIIth, XIXth and XXth centuries.  As a patron of
the arts, he created the Jean Cocteau Museum in Orange County, California, and is one of the
major contributors to the Museum of Menton which opens its doors in 2010 and holds 1,200 works
by Cocteau contributed by Severin.

In parallel to his artistic activities, Severin expressed his philanthropic and humanitarian self by
creating The Severin Wunderman Family Foundation which finances various charity and medical
research programs throughout the world.  Additionally, Severin financed The Severin Wunderman
Collection of Child Survivor Testimonies from the Holocaust: The Children Speak to Children
Program at the Shoah Foundation created by Steven Spielberg.
 
Severin’s commitment and contribution to culture and philanthropy throughout his life earned him
the respect and recognition of Cocteau’s country of origin.  On 31 December 2004, Severin was
appointed Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour by the President of the French
Republic.
 
We will always remember his creative talent and business savvy and his unfailing generosity
throughout his life. 
 
Corum and all its employees join together in thanking Severin for all that he has done for them and
extend their deepest sympathy to Severin’s family during this most difficult time.
 
 
 
« The true tomb of the dead is the heart of the living »
Jean Cocteau
 

Press release