Watchmaker pimps World Series gold bracelets

As the World Series of Poker becomes increasingly elaborate each year, so too do the tournament's prestigious gold bracelets.

This year, luxury Swiss watchmaker CORUM was tapped to produce the baubles, which come dripping with gold, diamond and precious gems.

Each of the 55 bracelets range in weight from 84 to 136 grams of 18-carat gold designed in a fashion suitable for everyday wear, said the WSOP in a press release this week.

"We wanted to make a championship bracelet that is wearable," said Michael Wunderman, president of CORUM Swiss timepieces. "My goal was to retain the original iconic styling of 18ct gold and diamonds while making it thoroughly modern."

While 53 of the bangles come studded with 53 diamonds apiece, the ladies championship bracelet is imbedded with four black diamonds, two rubies and 87 blue sapphires.

As befitting one of the WSOP's most prestigious tournaments, CORUM has also distinguished the H.O.R.S.E. bracelet from the pack. This piece of jewelry in inlaid with 91 black diamonds and two rubies.

But the most care went into the design of bracelet that will circle the wrist of this year's Main Event champion.

Poker's most coveted prize - well, aside from the millions in cash - features 136 grams of white gold set with 120 diamonds with a fine watch-link design and folding jewelers clasp.

"I had the opportunity to show some of the past bracelet winners the new CORUM bracelet," said Stacie Orloff, president of the watchmaker's USA operations. "Hands down, they agreed that this is a bracelet they will definitely wear."

courtesy of Erin Warner

News Added: 10 June, 2007

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