The A Closer Look at series explores second tier Swiss watch brands that normally have a rich history in watch making but for one reason or another often aren’t as celebrated as some of the other mid-range watch brands. Having previously featured such watch makers as Festina, Tissot and Bulova, this week we take a closer look at Cyma.
The early origins of the Cyma watch brand can be traced back to a small independent watch company, which was founded by the Schwob brothers, Joseph and Theodore in 1862. The company quickly built up a reputation for producing high quality and accurate timepieces and was a key player in helping to establish the Jura region of Switzerland as the home of the watch making industry. Within a couple of years Cyma grew to employ 40 people, producing around 50 watches per day.
However, it wasn’t until almost thirty years later that the brand saw considerable levels of growth following its partnership with Frederic Henri Sandoz, who was the owner of Henri Sandoz et Cie, a wholesale watch company that would go onto to become Sandoz Watches. It was under the leadership of Sandoz that the company built a large factory in La Chaux-de-Fonds. From 1892 onwards the brand would be known as the Cyma Watch Company.
1903 saw the company reach a significant watch making milestone after creating an extra flat level lever movement that fitted inside a pocket watch. This achievement was recognised by the Neuchatel Observatory, who awarded Cyma a much coveted Chronometer Certificate. Two years later the company introduced its calibre 701 movement that had a thickness of only 3.85mm, which for the time was quite an achievement.
In 1929 the company employed over 2000 people in what was the biggest workshop in Europe and were responsible for producing 4000 watches per day. By now Cyma were widely regarded as one of the leading makers of men’s wristwatches.
The 1960’s saw the launch of the Navystar, which would go on to become perhaps the brand’s most famous collection. As the next two decades heralded the introduction of the electronic watch, Cyma produced its first extra slim quartz watch movement, the calibre 131 in 1984, which went on to sell more than one million units and helped to cement the brand’s reputation as experts in producing ultra thin quartz movements.
In 2010 the brand launched its Myriad Collection and in 2012 celebrated its 150th anniversary.
Today, Cyma is based in Geneva and is owned by Hong Kong based Stelux International Ltd that specialises in investing in fine watches and jewellery. The brand is also overseen by Universal Geneve, which like Cyma, is a member of the Federation de L’industrie Horlogere Suisse.
Cyma Navy Star
The Cyma Navy Star evolved from what was once a men’s 1950’s dress watch to what is now much more of a dive watch. Typically, the Navy Star featured 18k gold plated stainless steel case, with a rotating bezel and sapphire crystal. The version pictured here is from was released in 2009 and goes by the name of the Navy Star GMT Skin Diver.
The collection itself consists of many variations on this theme and remains one of the brand’s most successful lines to this day. The watch measures 41mm in diameter and is water resistant to 100m. You can normally pick up a Navy Star watch for less than $900.
Cyma Dominator
The Cyma Dominator is a limited collectors series that consists of two timepieces – the Dominator Big Date and the Dominator Classic Small Seconds. The model pictured here is the Dominator Big Date, which is limited to just 200 models and with its exploding numerals certainly looks a little Franck Muller-esque. The watch is available in a number of distinctive models and is presented in a stylish commemorative gift box. The watch is also C.O.S.C certified.
Cyma Grand Maestro
In 2007, Cyma launched a series of several new timepieces, the Grand Maestro being one of them. The Swiss made automatic chronograph features 25 jewels and beats at 28,800 vph. The one pictured here is the version that features a moon display at 6 o’clock. Limited to 100 pieces, the watch also features a see through case back, with a stainless steel case and bracelet. As well as the moon display, the watch offers sub dials for a 24hr display and day, date and month display, which are found at 9 and 12 o’clock respectively. The Grand Maestro Moon Chronograph is also available with a black leather strap.
Cyma 150th Anniversary Gold Watch
In 2012, to celebrate its 150th anniversary, Cyma released a series of limited edition timepieces. Limited to just 15 pieces, the 150th Anniversary Gold Watch (model no 02-0750-001) features a quartz movement, which is housed in a solid gold case and crown. The enamel white dial offers excellent readability on what is a classically stylish timepiece. The watch also features a sapphire crystal and includes a date display at 6 o’clock. The 18k solid gold case back is engraved with the Cyma Watch Co 150th anniversary logo. The 150th Anniversary Gold Watch is perhaps the most exclusive timepiece the company has produced in recent years.
Liu Ye – Cyma Brand Ambassador
In 2011, Chinese actor Liu Ye replaced Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs as an ambassador for Cyma, helping to raise the brand’s profile in China and South East Asia. The actor is famous throughout Asia for his roles in City of Life and Death and The Founding of a Party.
“I feel honoured. A watch is more to me than simply a tool to read the time. It reflects my approach to life. What I really like about Cyma is not only its combination of top Swiss watch craftsmanship and elegant, timeless design, but also its continuous dedication to high quality and its spirit of innovation.” Liu Ye
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