Cyma - Cronografo - 631957 760 - Men - 1900-1949

Cyma Tavannes Vintage Chronograph - Stainless Steel - Column Wheel - Original Box - 1940s/1950s
A rare and fascinating piece of Swiss watchmaking history, complete with the period box.

Watch Specifications:
Brand: Cyma
Model: Tavannes Chronograph
Era: 1940s / 1950s
Movement: Manual-wind mechanical chronograph with column-wheel column drive (17 jewels, signed Cyma Tavannes), base Venus 178, in-house finishing by Tavannes
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 37 mm (excluding crown)
Dial: Original, with tachymeter scale and beautiful patina of age
Crystal: Flat plexiglass, armed
Strap Material: Leather (brown, with breasings)
Included Accessories: Original vintage Cyma box
Condition: Excellent vintage condition, with normal and charming signs of time.

Detailed Description:
We offer at auction a magnificent and rare Cyma Tavannes Chronograph, a true gem for lovers of high-end vintage watchmaking. This timepiece perfectly embodies the elegance and technical craftsmanship of the 1940s and 1950s.

The Dial:
As visible in the photos, the watch features an extraordinarily attractive original dial, characterized by a uniform patina that only decades of history can confer. It presents a classic bi-compax layout with the small seconds counter at 9 o’clock and the 45-minute chronograph register at 3 o’clock. The elegant applied baton indices, Arabic numerals at 6 and 12, Dauphine hands, and the external tachymeter scale (base 1000) complete a highly legible and aesthetically impactful layout.

The Case:
A highly valued detail for collectors is the fully stainless steel case (as stated by the inscription "STAINLESS STEEL" inside the case back, enhanced by a perlage finish). Many chronographs of the era were made in chromed metal; finding a solid steel example greatly increases its value and durability over time. The rectangular chronograph pushers (olive style) give the design a distinctly sporty and vintage touch.

The Movement:
The beating heart of this Cyma is a superb manual-wind mechanical caliber with chronograph affair via a column wheel, the most noble and sought-after configuration among historical chronographs. The movement, signed "Tavannes Watch Co." (Venus 178 base with micrometric adjustment) and equipped with 17 jewels, is clean and well-finished, testifying to the excellent craftsmanship of the maker.
Technical snapshot: It is a manual-wind chronograph movement of 14 lines (diameter around 31.3 mm to 32.6 mm) and runs at 18,000 beats per hour. In this variant, as stamped above, it accounts for 17 jewels. The Venus 178 is universally regarded as one of the most important and reliable chronograph movements of the 20th century. In the 1940s and 1950s, Cyma-Tavannes produced many of its flagship chronographs (especially those with larger cases like the "clam-shell" or waterproof models) using Venus ebauches, as well as Valjoux.

The Accessories:
What makes this lot an unrepeatable opportunity is the presence of its beautiful original Cyma period box. An almost impossible-to-find accessory today, which elevates the watch to a higher collectible level. Completing the package is a stylish 1950s brown leather strap, unusual, with a welded steel buckle (one piece) that pairs perfectly with the watch.

Condition:
The chronograph presents in excellent cosmetic condition for its age, preserving all the charm of a lived-in piece without compromising its beauty (please study the photographs which are an integral part of the description). It keeps very good time; the chronograph functions operate perfectly, but it has not been recently serviced.

Buyer Note: Like all vintage watches, absolute accuracy and water resistance cannot be guaranteed. Please take this into account before bidding.