Lt. Nelson Marks Bump Cyma Watch Gallery
The signed “Cyma London” Roman numeral dial is completely original, and is in very nice condition. There is a small chip on the dial edge near 4, and there appears to be a faint crack or scratch on the lower 1/3 of the dial, only visible at certain angles. The red 12 is bright and clear, as is the printed text. The original blued hands are in excellent shape.
The watch is powered by a 13 ligne manual wind, nickel finish 15 jewel Cyma Ref. 370 movement. It has been recently serviced by my talented watchmaker and runs well, keeping accurate time. It’s clean and bright, and looks to be in great shape. This nice watch is fitted with a new 16mm soft black leather strap specially designed to accommodate its fixed wire lugs."
1918 "Cyma London" Wrist Watch
Sellers Description:
"This is a very nice, big solid silver Cyma Tavannes gents trench watch from the First World War era in an unusual case. The unusual 3 piece case is clearly stamped Tavannes Watch Co. and also bears Swiss hallmarks as well as the .935 mark indicating the case is made of sterling silver. It measures a substantial 40.1mm in length and 31.9mm in width, not counting the silver crown. and combined with the 16mm style strap makes a bold statement on the wrist.
The case shows only light wear to the polished bezel although there are a few light scratches and nicks one would expect on a hundred year old watch. It is fitted with a new mineral glass crystal. The silver finished winding crown is in good shape, and operates smoothly in winding and setting. It does sit a bit proud of the case, but as I believe it to be silver, and possibly original, I’ve chosen not to replace it.
The case back bears a nicely done inscription bearing a name and the notation “American Red Cross USA”. Many Americans joined the Red Cross as a way to get into the war prior to the United States entry into the war in 1917. Ernest Hemingway famously joined the Red Cross, serving in Italy after failing the physical for the American army. I believe this watch was purchased in England, during the Great War, by an American volunteer on his way to the front, although I have no evidence to support this.