We have here a classic 1930s Deco-style smaller wristwatch from Cyma. We particularly love the dial, which is has a small amount of aging on it, but gives no doubt to its originality. The mixture of black, even, Arabic numerals, stick markers and gold markers creates a lovely variety and sense of symmetry. Inside is the railway-style, minute tracking. At 12 o'clock the dial is signed 'Cyma, Presidente' and at 6 we have the subsidiary seconds dial and the watch is signed 'La Perla, Caracas.'
The solid 18ct gold case is slightly smaller, measuring 20x35mm. It is the perfect size for a more petite frame, a lady or a young adult or indeed someone who prefers a smaller watch. There is a Swiss hallmark/importer's mark near the crown. Inside is the in-house, mechanical manual wind caliber 364, complete with internal dust cover, fully serviced by us and running strongly. We've paired the watch on a black croc grain strap to keep it dressy, but it has enough personality to wear anything.
Extra Points
Cyma was founded in 1862 by the brother’s Joseph Schwob and Theodore Schwob, in the town of Le Locle Switzerland. In 1871, Henri Sandoz established Sandoz & Cie in Le Locle. Sandoz moved to Tavannes in 1891, just north of Biel where he manufactured highly desirable repeaters and chronographs. Sandoz soon saw the potential of Cyma forming a business relationship with the Schwob brothers and Cyma was officially registered in 1903.
During the 1940’s Britain's Military of Defence (MOD) needed watches to be issued to the Army during World War II. Rather than relying on one watch manufacturer, they invited many Swiss brands to build a watch to a tight specification. Out of those submitted 12 brands were chosen: Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, Jaeger Le-Coultre, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor and Vertex. This is where the name “Dirty Dozen “ derives from. They were delivered by 1945 which was the closing period of the war, therefore many of these watches never actually saw action. Cyma produced an estimated 20,000 watches.
In 1943, Cyma unveiled its first automatic wristwatch, endowed with a 420 calibre featuring a unidirectional rotor. In 1966 the company was bought by the ASUAG Chronos Holding and production continued under their Synchron group in 1968. Cyma became a sister company to Doxa and Ernest Borel throughout the 1970s. The company is currently owned by Stelux International Ltd, a Hong Kong holding firm that invests in jewellery and watches.
This watch comes fully serviced by our on-site workshop and with a 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.
What we think
For a watch of this age, we would recommended that it is considered for occasional use, once or twice a week. This is largely because watches of this age weren't built to deal with modern life. They do not have dust proofing, shock absorption and are easily magnetized. Please do try and keep the watch away from magnets such as computers, phones, speakers etc.
Spec Stuff
Serial : 83641****
Reference : Presidente La Perla Caracas
Movement : Manual Wind Cyma Caliber 364, 15 Jewels Age : 1931/1940 Specific Age : 1930s Case Size : 20mm Case Thickness : Lug to Lug : 35mm Lugs :16mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material : Solid 18ct Gold Service History : Our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1930s Cyma 'Presidente' La Perla Caracas Rectangular Deco Wristwatch with Arabic Dial in 18ct Gold
