Don't miss the next drop
Cyma is one of those names that serious collectors whisper about with genuine respect, and for good reason. Founded in 1891 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the brand operated alongside its sister company Tavannes as part of the same manufacturing group, and during the mid-twentieth century, Cyma was producing fully in-house movements that rivaled the output of far more celebrated Swiss houses. The Cymaflex line represented the brand’s shock protection system, their answer to Incabloc, and the Watersport designation signaled enhanced water resistance for the era. These were not fashion watches with borrowed ebauches. These were proper Swiss instruments built from the ground up.
The cal. R.420 powering this example is an in-house Cyma automatic, and the movement shot tells the whole story. The rose gold toned rotor is signed “R.420” and “CYMA” with a purposeful, industrial beauty to the finishing. The train wheels, jewels, and regulator are all visible beneath the rotor, and the overall quality of construction reflects a manufacturer that took pride in every component bearing its name.
This particular example, though, is all about that dial. Black honeycomb textured dials from the 1950s are genuinely uncommon on any brand, and finding one in this condition on a Cyma is a real event. The waffle pattern is consistent and crisp across the entire dial surface, creating a mesmerizing grid that shifts between deep black and warm charcoal as the light moves across it. The gold applied arrow markers at the quarters and triangular dart markers at the remaining hours pop against the dark texture with wonderful contrast, and the gold dauphine handset ties everything together. The “Cyma Automatic” script and italic branding sit cleanly above the “Cymaflex Watersport” designation at six o’clock, with the Cyma logo crowning the dial at twelve. A fine scattering of lume particulate has settled across the dial surface over the decades, adding a subtle starry night quality that only enhances the character.
The stainless steel case shows honest wear consistent with seven decades of life, with light surface marks on the lugs and bezel that speak to regular enjoyment rather than neglect. The gold tone accents on the lugs provide a warm complement to the steel body and echo the gold elements on the dial. The case profile is slim and elegant, and the caseback reads “Cymaflex, Automatic, Waterresistant, Antimagnetic,” confirming the full Watersport specification. The crown appears original and proportionally correct.
To us, this is one of those watches that stops you mid-scroll. The combination of a genuinely rare black honeycomb dial, in-house Cyma movement, and that perfect balance of sport and dress sensibility makes it a compelling piece for the collector who already has the usual suspects and wants something with real personality. Presented on an OTTUHR brown leather strap that pairs beautifully with the warm gold dial elements.
