Cyma
Tavannes, Switzerland · Est. 1862
Founded by Joseph Schwob
Cyma (originally Tavannes Watch Co.) was a Swiss watch brand founded in 1862, known for robust military and diving watches. Part of the SSIH group alongside Omega, the brand was phased out after the creation of the Swatch Group.
- Founded
- 1862
- Headquarters
- Tavannes, Switzerland
- Group
- Swatch Group
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Defunct
Ceased: 1995
Cyma, part of the SSIH group alongside Omega, was gradually wound down after SSIH merged with ASUAG to form the Swatch Group, which had no place for the brand.
Tavannes' other name — Cyma made Navy Stars for submariners and Triplex cases for adventurers, then drowned in corporate restructuring.
Key Collections
- Navy Star — Cyma's flagship diving watch line from the 1950s onwards, featuring robust water resistance and luminous dials suited for professional underwater use.
- Triplex — A distinctive model featuring a triple-sealed case construction developed in the 1930s, offering exceptional water and dust resistance for its era.
- Watersport — A durable sports watch collection designed for active use, emphasising reliability and water resistance in a more accessible format.
- Cymaflex — A line featuring Cyma's proprietary shock-protection system, introduced in the post-war period to improve movement durability in everyday wear.
Timeline
- 1862 — Joseph Schwob establishes a watch-making workshop in Tavannes, Switzerland, which would become Tavannes Watch Co.
- 1891 — The company formally registers the Cyma trademark, derived from the Greek word for wave, reflecting aspirations toward precision and fluidity.
- 1930 — Cyma develops the Triplex case system, establishing the brand's reputation for water-resistant timepieces.
- 1966 — Cyma becomes part of SSIH (Société Suisse pour l'Industrie Horlogère), joining Omega and Tissot in the Swiss watch conglomerate.
- 1983 — SSIH merges with ASUAG to form SMH (later Swatch Group), and Cyma begins a period of reduced investment and market presence.
- 1995 — Cyma is discontinued by the Swatch Group as the conglomerate consolidates its brand portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cyma
- When did Cyma stop making watches?
- Cyma ceased production in 1995 following the consolidation of brands within the Swatch Group, which prioritised other marques in its portfolio.
- Are Cyma watches still valuable?
- Vintage Cyma watches, particularly military-issued pieces and Navy Star diving models from the 1950s and 1960s, remain collectible and can command respectable prices among enthusiasts of mid-century Swiss horology.
- Can I still buy a Cyma watch today?
- New Cyma watches are not available, as the brand has been dormant since 1995. However, vintage examples regularly appear through specialist dealers, auction houses, and online marketplaces.
- Was Cyma associated with military watches?
- Yes, Cyma supplied watches to various military forces during the mid-twentieth century, including models for the British Armed Forces, which contributed to the brand's reputation for robustness and reliability.
- What is the relationship between Cyma and Tavannes?
- Cyma originated from the Tavannes Watch Co., with 'Cyma' registered as a trademark in 1891. The two names were used interchangeably at times, though Cyma became the primary commercial identity.