For sale we have an excellent and affordable example of Art Deco design, manufactured by Cyma Watch Co, dating to the 1930s. A beautifully proportioned rolled gold case measuring 47mm, with stepped design, Art Deco stylised engraving to the rear, with an Art Deco stylised loop. The crown is thin and longer than the usual design, also indicative of Art Deco styling. The dial is a light gold tone, with a beautiful gold tone chapter ring, combined with gold foil Roman numerals that catch the light perfectly. Inside is a good quality manual wind movement from Cyma which is marked as adjusted. It has been recently serviced and is keeping excellent time.
Overall, this is a real Art Deco icon, showcasing the elegant design features of the period within its case, loop, crown, case engraving and dial design. With this being an example that looks great for its age, with a quality, serviced movement inside, this would be an excellent addition to any collection.
The case is of neat proportions, measuring 46.7mm x 46.7mm, with a slim depth of 9.8mm. The slim profile allows the watch to perfectly embody the elegant DNA of the Art Deco design era. The case is a 3 piece with snap on front and rear to the main body. It has a stepped design which is well executed. To the top is the stylised loop and narrow crown design. To the rear is the Art Deco engraving with textured lines, polished sections and diamond shaped motif to the centre.
The case is marked Schwob Freres. Schwob Freres created the name Cyma as a brand name for Tavannes watches sold through the Schwob Freres network. The arrangement between Tavannes and Schwob Freres wasn’t an amalgamation; the two companies remained separate, and watches were also made under the Tavannes name. Eventually Cyma as a brand came under the control of Tavannes. Obviously, asset and tooling sharing means aspects such as cases may have been made by Schwob Freres.
The champagne-coloured dial is in top condition for the age. It has a gold tone chapter ring which shines in the light, with well executed gold tone foil roman numerals. To the exterior are the simple dash minute markers, whilst the sub-second dial is inset, with a sunburst finish adding further texture to the dial. The dial is neatly signed Cyma below 12 O’clock.
The hands are a Cyma specific design and are unusual, being a hybrid of the lance Alpha style and Breguet style.
The movement is a good quality Cyma 15 jewel calibre, which is marked as patented and adjusted. The jewels are set within gold chatons and the individual finger bridge design is an aesthetically pleasing touch. It has been recently serviced by ourselves. It keeps time to within +12 seconds a day.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.
Dial:
The champagne-coloured dial is in good original condition. It has a gold tone chapter ring which shines in the light, with gold tone foil roman numerals within it. All aspects are in good condition very limited wear for the age. There is one mark below Cyma to the right and also to the left of the hand mounting.
Hands:
The hands are original and in average condition. They are a gold tone with some corrosion and scratching.
Glass:
The crystal is an acrylic replacement and is in very good condition.
Loop:
The loop and crown are original and well formed, with no wear and only light surface scratching.
Case:
The case is rolled gold plated and is in good overall condition. It is a three-piece case with snap on rear and front. There is slight surface scratching consistent with age, but no clear wear to the gold plating.
Caseback:
The snap on case back is in good condition for the age. It is rolled gold and shows no signs of wear through but does have surface scratching associated with ageing. There is an engraved Art Deco design to the rear which is in good condition. The back snaps on tightly.
Movement:
The movement is a good quality Cyma 15 jewel calibre, which is marked as patented and adjusted. The jewels are set within gold chatons.
The movement is in very good condition for its age, both cosmetically and functionally. It has been recently serviced by ourselves. It keeps time to within +12 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 325 and a beat error of 5.7 m/s.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 46.7mm
Case length: 46.7mm
Case length with crown: 50mm
Case length with crown loop: 59mm
Case Depth: 9.8mm