Here at Autoblog, we've reported on a variety of automotive-themed wristwatches. But for all their branding and marketing efforts, few of the timepieces commissioned from Switzerland's finest bear much resemblance or connection to the cars they're meant to compliment. However, in 1976, Swiss watchmaking atelier Corum, known today primarily for their sailing-themed watches, struck an agreement with Rolls-Royce to produce the timepiece you see here.

The watch incorporates into its design the iconic Romanesque grille that adorns the front of Rolls-Royce automobiles, complete with a tiny Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament. The watch face is visible through the slats on the grille, realized in 18-karat gold. The timepiece from over thirty years ago is, of course, no longer in production, but remains a highly-valued collector's item. The closest we've seen recently is the unique wristwatch crafted by Girard-Perregaux to accompany the one-off Pininfarina Hyperion, but the link there between watch and car is no closer than any other's, and nowhere near as direct as Corum's vintage creation. Who knows, maybe the two will revive the partnership and bring the Phantom's grille to a wrist near you in the near future.

[Source: Luxist]