CYMA Watch Co.: Swiss Heritage and Technical Innovation Since 1862

CYMA Watch Company is a historic Swiss watch manufacturer synonymous with technical innovation, precision, and durable elegance. Founded by brothers Joseph and Theodore Schwob in 1862 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, CYMA’s enduring legacy reflects a commitment to quality and horological progress.
Key Highlights

Founded: 1862 by Joseph and Theodore Schwob in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, with initial production focused on pocket watches and employing just 40 staff with 55 machines—about 40 watches manufactured daily

Early Growth: Business expanded rapidly after a pivotal partnership with Frédéric Henri Sandoz in 1892, leading to the establishment of a new large factory and a significant increase in production

Brand Name: The name “Cyma” derives from Latin, meaning “sprout” or “summit,” symbolizing growth and ambition in watchmaking

Technical Innovations and Milestones:

Early production included award-winning pocket watches, such as gold at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and the Grand Prix in Paris in 1900
Pioneered some of the world’s first waterproof wristwatches as early as 1915 and advanced shock-resistant and luminous watch designs

Introduced automatic wristwatches in 1943 and adopted ETA movements in 1957

Military Contributions: Produced robust military watches, including models commissioned by Allied forces in WWII and the Cyma 5211 for the Swiss Air Force

Corporate Evolution: Joined the Heuroplan group (alongside Movado and others) in 1959; ownership eventually transferred to Stelux International, Ltd., a Hong Kong-based holdings group

Heritage and Collectibility: CYMA’s innovations, such as the Cymaflex shock system, and historical models are highly prized by collectors for craftsmanship and reliability

Why CYMA Matters

Swiss Technical Pioneer: Early adopter of waterproofing, shock-resistance, and automatic movements, often ahead of industry trends
Award-Winning: Multiple international accolades for innovation and precision

Military and Civilian Impact: Served both the Allied military and luxury civilian markets, enhancing its international reputation
Longevity: Over 160 years, CYMA has maintained a reputation for robust, reliable, and stylish watches with both historic and modern appeal

CYMA Watch Company remains a cornerstone of Swiss horology, celebrated for blending tradition with forward-thinking technical achievements and an enduring standard of excellence.