This Watch

There’s something instantly “right” about a 1950s Cyma Watersport on the wrist — practical, purposeful, and quietly handsome in a way modern watches often struggle to replicate. This example leans heavily into that old-school tool-watch charm thanks to its stunning original all-Arabic dial, laid out in a crisp, military-inspired style that’s both highly legible and full of character.

The dial is the star here: warm aged tones, beautifully shaped numerals, and a balanced layout that feels like it was designed to be read at a glance — whether you’re checking the time in a meeting, on a train platform, or out for a weekend walk. It’s one of those watches that doesn’t shout, but people who know will absolutely notice.

Housed in a clean stainless steel case, it wears with that classic mid-century profile — elegant enough for daily wear, but still robust and “sporty” in the way vintage Watersport models were intended to be.

• Rare period GF Bonklip-style bracelet fitted – a proper vintage touch that transforms the feel of the watch on the wrist. It’s light, breathable, and sits incredibly comfortably.
• About “GF” (Gay Frères): Gay Frères were one of the most respected Swiss bracelet makers, supplying bracelets to top-tier brands (Rolex included) and later being acquired by Rolex in 1998. That heritage is a big part of why collectors get excited when they see a bracelet signed GF.
• The bracelet style itself is rooted in practical mid-century design — the kind of bracelet you’d expect to see on service and sport watches of the era.

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

If you like watches with real mid-century “kit” energy, this is a cracking choice. The all-Arabic dial gives it that classic field-watch attitude, while the overall look stays refined enough to wear anywhere. Put it with a simple knit, denim, and boots and it feels authentically vintage; pair it with a shirt and blazer and it becomes the kind of subtle detail that makes an outfit feel considered.

Add in the fact it’s on a proper GF Bonklip-style bracelet and you’ve got the full package: period correct, comfortable, and just a bit different from the usual leather-strap formula. These are the pieces that quietly disappear into collections and don’t tend to come back out quickly.

Spec Stuff