CYMA 'Clamshell' Chronograph - Black Gilt 'Multi-Scale' Non-Luminous Dial Unpolished

CYMA’s rise to prominence was shaped by one of the most successful partnerships in early Swiss watchmaking. Founded by the Schwob brothers, the company had already established itself as a highly capable manufacturer, recognized for efficiently assembling quality watches from Swiss-made components. A pivotal moment came in 1891 when Henri Sandoz, founder of Tavannes Watch Company, relocated his operations from Le Locle to the village of Tavannes. Sandoz brought with him considerable expertise in complicated watchmaking—particularly repeaters and chronographs—complementing CYMA’s industrial organization and manufacturing strength. What began as a practical collaboration quickly proved mutually advantageous, leading to a formal merger in 1903.

In the years that followed, the combined enterprise operated under the names CYMA, Tavannes, and CYMA-Tavannes, reflecting a shared commitment to precision, innovation, and manufacturing excellence. By 1910, the company had become one of Switzerland’s largest watch producers, distinguished by its advanced standardization of parts and remarkably consistent production quality. While Sandoz’s influence reinforced the firm's reputation for sophisticated chronographs, it was the combined technical expertise of both companies that established CYMA and Tavannes as one of the most capable and forward-thinking forces in Swiss watchmaking during the early twentieth century.

The piece that we have here is perhaps the crème de la crème in the world of vintage CYMA: a 'jumbo-clamshell' chronograph with a 'gilt-multi-scale' dial.

Coming in at 38mm in diameter with a 20mm lug spacing and oversize 'pump' pushers, this piece has presence on the wrist even today. It remains in unpolished condition, with nice symmetrical downturned lugs and nice finishing present throughout. The dial inside is very nicely preserved — no doubt due in part to its lack of luminous material degrading over its eighty-years of life — retaining excellent printing throughout with a gentle patina across the surface and a matching gold-tone 'feuille' handset.

Last but not least, this piece is powered by the legendary Valjoux 22 manual-winding movement.

You don't just land on CYMA. This, along with brands like Movado, Universal Genève, etc. are found years into collection and exploration of this hobby. And on top of being elusive, strong examples are more elusive still, as collectors tend to hang onto good ones. This is a good one.

*This piece comes from the personal collection of our founder*