CORUM Automatic Artisan Classical Yan Qian Chinese Dragon – Watch Movement Kit

Corum Artisan Classical Yan Qian Chinese Dragon – Complete Movement Kit with Dial (Calibre CO 254)

Overview

This is a complete Corum Artisan Classical Yan Qian Chinese Dragon movement kit, featuring the automatic Corum calibre CO 254 with COSC chronometer certification. The kit includes the movement and its original multicolor champlevé enamel dial, hand-painted by Chinese artist Yang Qian. The dragon motif draws from classical Chinese mythology, executed in the traditional champlevé technique where vitreous enamel is fired into engraved metal recesses, creating a durable three-dimensional effect. The dial features an applied 18k white gold Corum logo at the 9 o’clock position and no hour markers, consistent with the brand’s Artisan Classical collection, which prioritizes artistic motifs over traditional timekeeping elements.

The movement is the automatic Corum calibre CO 254, based on the ETA 2892-A2 architecture with Corum’s modifications. It operates at 28,800 vph (4 Hz), includes 21 jewels, and provides a power reserve of approximately 42 hours when fully wound. Functions are limited to central hours, minutes, and seconds, with no date complication. The kit does not include a stem, case, crown, hands, or strap—only the movement and dial as described.

This is a numbered limited edition of 50 pieces, originally released as part of Corum’s high-end artisan series in the early 2000s. The series was designed to showcase enamel craftsmanship alongside Swiss mechanical movements, with the Yan Qian collaboration specifically blending Eastern iconography with Corum’s watchmaking. The movement has been inspected by our technician and is confirmed to be in full working order, graded Excellent in our Condition Grading Scale below. The absence of a stem reflects the kit’s intended use by watchmakers or collectors sourcing their own cases and crowns.

At auction, complete Corum Artisan Classical Yan Qian Dragon watches often exceed CHF 20,000, making this movement kit a cost-effective option for collectors seeking to build or restore a timepiece. The dial diameter matches standard Corum Artisan Classical cases at 38.00 mm, while the movement diameter of 25.60 mm (11.5”’) ensures compatibility with most 38–40 mm round cases designed for ETA 2892-based calibres.

Specifications

The movement is the automatic Corum calibre CO 254, derived from the ETA 2892-A2 with Corum’s proprietary modifications. It features 21 jewels, operates at 28,800 vph (4 Hz), and is chronometer-certified for precision timekeeping. Functions include central hours, minutes, and seconds, with no date complication. The power reserve is approximately 42 hours when fully wound. The rotor is engraved with Corum Automatic | CO 254 | 21 Jewels | Chronometer.

The dial is multicolor champlevé enamel with a hand-painted dragon motif, signed by artist Yang Qian in script near the 6 o’clock position. It features an applied 18k white gold Corum logo at 9 o’clock and no hour markers or numerals. The dial diameter is 38.00 mm, matching the standard case size for Corum’s Artisan Classical collection. The champlevé technique involves firing enamel into engraved metal recesses, resulting in a durable, raised design.

The movement diameter is 25.60 mm (11.5”’), compatible with most 38–40 mm round cases designed for ETA 2892-based calibres. The limited edition numbering (1/50 to 50/50) was originally engraved on the case back, which is not included in this kit. The kit includes only the movement and dial—no stem, case, crown, hands, or strap.

Compatibility

This movement kit is designed for integration into a 38–40 mm round case with lugs spaced for 20 mm straps, matching Corum’s Artisan Classical collection standards. The CO 254 calibre shares its footprint with the ETA 2892-A2, ensuring compatibility with aftermarket cases or original Corum cases from the same series, such as references beginning with A520/ or A530/.

Watchmakers should verify the following: stem height must be adjusted for the case tube (not included). Dial feet positions align with standard ETA 2892 dials, but the champlevé enamel dial is thicker than typical printed dials—case clearance should be confirmed before assembly. No hands are included; original Corum Artisan Classical hands use a heat-blued steel design with luminous fill (radium or Super-LumiNova, depending on production year).

Notes

• The article is sold “AS IS”. Please read our Warranty Policy before purchasing.
• Any parts not explicitly mentioned in this description or not visible in the accompanying photographs are not included.
• Colors may appear slightly different across various screens and devices so we cannot guarantee an exact screen-to-reality color match.
• No case, crown, stem, hands, or strap are included. The final photograph showing a cased watch is for illustration only.

This Corum movement kit provides the mechanical and artistic foundation for a complete Artisan Classical Yan Qian Dragon timepiece, offered as a collector’s assembly project or a restoration resource for watchmakers.