A seriously rare Cyma from the golden age of Swiss watchmaking, dating from the late 1930s to mid-1940s period and featuring one of the most interesting case and movement combinations produced by the brand.
The first thing that makes this watch special is the patented stainless steel Clamshell case. Protected under Swiss Patent Brevet No. 189190 and developed by Schmitz Frères in 1937, this innovative four-screw construction was designed to provide water resistance long before modern screw-back cases became the industry standard.
Even better, this example still retains all four original Clamshell screws, something collectors know is becoming increasingly difficult to find after more than 80 years.
The case itself is beautifully shaped with a pronounced curved "banana" profile that follows the contour of the wrist. This was a premium design feature found on higher-grade rectangular watches of the era and gives the watch a far more elegant presence than the flat tank cases commonly seen from the period.
Inside is the original Cyma Calibre 364K manufacture movement. Unlike the vast majority of vintage watches that relied on conventional round movements, the 364K was purpose-built specifically for rectangular cases.
The movement features an unusual and technically interesting layout developed to suit the narrow Art Deco case shape while retaining centrally mounted hands. It is a genuine Cyma/Tavannes manufacture calibre and one of the more desirable rectangular movements produced by the company.
The original Art Deco dial remains full of character, with large Arabic numerals, railway minute track and recessed small seconds register. The dial shows honest age-related patina which suits the watch perfectly and reflects its history.
Running smoothly, winding as it should,and presenting beautifullly exactly as shown in the photographs. Although like with all vintage watches hasn't been tested for a really long period of time .
This is not simply another vintage tank watch. It combines a rare patent waterproof case, genuine manufacture movement, curved ergonomic design and original Art Deco styling into one highly collectible package.
A fantastic piece for Cyma collectors, Art Deco enthusiasts, military-era Swiss watch collectors or anyone looking for a genuinely unusual pre-war/WWII period wristwatch.