Cyma Chronometré Two Tone Crosshiar Dial Stainless Steel Calibre 216 Ref. 23315 from 1940s

A rare and fascinating Cyma Chronomètre Ref. 23315 from the mid-to-late 1940s, featuring an original two-tone crosshair dial, an unpolished stainless steel case and a beautifully finished chronometer-grade version of the celebrated Cyma Calibre 234.

Cyma was a highly respected Swiss manufacturer and an important supplier of watches to the British military during the 20th century. Most famously, Cyma was one of the twelve manufacturers responsible for the British W.W.W. “Dirty Dozen” military wristwatches produced around the end of the Second World War.

This particular watch is especially interesting because its movement is closely related to the Calibre 234 found in Cyma’s W.W.W. military watches, but presented here in an upgraded chronometer-rated execution.

The 34 mm stainless steel case remains unpolished, preserving the authentic lines and character of this nearly 80-year-old watch. Reference 23315, it offers excellent proportions for a vintage 1940s wristwatch and is fitted with a handmade Belgian brown leather strap.

Its most captivating feature is the rare original two-tone dial. The contrasting finishes, elegant crosshair layout and expressive “Chronomètre” script give the watch tremendous personality. The dial has developed natural patina consistent with its age, preserving exactly the kind of authentic vintage character collectors appreciate in an untouched example.

Inside beats the beautifully finished Cyma Calibre 216 manual-wind movement. This example was originally chronometer rated, meaning it was produced and tested to a considerably higher standard of precision than an ordinary wristwatch of the period.

For manufacturers such as Cyma, chronometer-certified wristwatches were produced in much smaller numbers than standard models. Submitting movements for precision testing involved additional time, expense and uncertainty, with successful examples commanding a premium when originally sold. This makes surviving Cyma Chronomètre pieces particularly interesting today.

The watch has been fully serviced and is running excellent, performing impressively for a mechanical watch approaching eight decades of age.

Highlights:

• Cyma Chronomètre

• Reference 23315

• Mid-to-late 1940s

• 34 mm stainless steel case

• Unpolished case

• Rare original two-tone dial

• Crosshair dial configuration

• Beautiful original “Chronomètre” script

• Attractive natural vintage patina

• Cyma Cal. 216 manual-wind movement

• Chronometer-rated execution

• Movement related to the Cal. 234 used in Cyma W.W.W. “Dirty Dozen” watches

• Fully serviced and running excellent

• Handmade Belgian brown leather strap

A rare piece of post-war Swiss watchmaking, combining Cyma’s military-watch heritage with the additional refinement of a chronometer-rated movement. The unpolished case, remarkable original two-tone crosshair dial and beautifully finished Calibre 234 make this an especially compelling vintage watch and a true collector’s piece.