20th century Swiss Cyma pocketwatch

Pocket watches were the primary timekeeping device for centuries, with origins dating back to the 16th century. In the early days, pocket watches were large and cumbersome, and only the wealthy elite could afford them. However, over time, advances in technology made them smaller and more accessible to the masses.

The earliest pocket watches were made with a simple mechanism consisting of a mainspring, an escapement, and a balance wheel. The mainspring provided power to the watch, while the escapement regulated the movement of the watch hands, and the balance wheel ensured accuracy. These watches were usually worn around the more... neck or carried in a pocket, and they were often adorned with elaborate designs and engravings.

In the 18th century, the pocket watch became more popular, and many watchmakers began to experiment with new designs and mechanisms. One of the most significant developments was the introduction of the lever escapement, which greatly improved the accuracy of the watch. Another important innovation was the use of jewels to reduce friction in the movement, leading to increased durability and reliability.

In the 19th century, pocket watches became smaller and more affordable, and they became an essential accessory for the middle class. During this time, watchmakers also began to experiment with new materials, such as gold and silver, and they created watches with intricate designs and patterns. Many of these watches were also equipped with additional features, such as a calendar, a stopwatch, or a second hand.

The 20th century brought about even more significant changes to the pocket watch. The introduction of quartz technology in the 1970s led to the development of the quartz pocket watch, which used an electronic oscillator instead of a mechanical mechanism. This innovation greatly improved accuracy, and it made pocket watches even more accessible to the masses.

Nowadays pocket watches are mostly used as a fashion accessory or a collector's item. They are often made with intricate designs and high-quality materials, and they are prized for their elegance and beauty. However, with the rise of smartphones and digital watches, the practicality of the pocket watch has diminished. Despite this, the pocket watch remains an iconic symbol of a bygone era, and it continues to be cherished by collectors and enthusiasts around the world. less...

Cyma is a Swiss watchmaker founded in 1862 by the brothers Joseph and Theodore Schwob. The company was originally based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and specialized in the production of pocket watches. In 1892, Cyma partnered with Frédéric Henri Sandoz, and the company began to produce wristwatches.

Cyma became one of the leading watchmakers in Switzerland, and its watches were known for their high quality and craftsmanship. The company won numerous awards for its watches, including the Grand Prix at the Paris Exposition of 1900.

In the early 20th century, Cyma began to produce a variety of innovative more... watches, including the first wristwatch to be waterproof and the first wristwatch to be powered by a quartz movement. Cyma also produced a number of watches for the military, including the Cyma 5211, which was used by the Swiss Air Force during World War II.

In the 1960s, the quartz crisis hit the watch industry hard, and Cyma was forced to close its factory. However, the company was able to survive by focusing on the production of high-end watches. In the 1980s, Cyma introduced a number of new models, including the Cyma Caliber 88, which was one of the first automatic watches to be produced in Switzerland.

Cyma is a now subsidiary of the Stelux Group, and it continues to produce a variety of high-quality watches. The company's watches are known for their classic designs, their Swiss craftsmanship, and their high levels of accuracy. less...