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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Time-only wristwatch

1950s Cyma Watersport Cymaflex wristwatch

Partially verified

This is a 1950s Cyma Watersport Cymaflex wristwatch presented in a three-piece stainless steel case with chamfered lugs and a screw-down case back. The textured black dial features a hobnail pattern, applied steel arrowhead markers, stylized Arabic numerals at the quarters, and an applied steel 'C' emblem above the Cyma Watersport signature. Silvered sword hands display the hours and minutes with a central seconds hand. The dealer states the watch is powered by a 17-jewel Cyma calibre R 459 mechanical movement signed on the mainplates.

Front view of the 1950s Cyma Watersport Cymaflex wristwatch showing textured black dial and steel case
Front view of the 1950s Cyma Watersport Cymaflex wristwatch showing textured black dial and steel case — Kembery Antique Clocks Ltd. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sellingantiques.co.uk
Category
Wristwatch · Time-only wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Cyma
Reference
51243
Catalogue / lot identifier
SA1241573
Source-reported date
1950s
Country
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Dial and Aesthetic Features

The watch features a black dial characterized by a hobnail-style textured finish. The layout includes applied steel hour markers in an arrowhead form, with stylized Arabic numerals positioned at the quarter positions. The branding includes the signature 'Cyma, Watersport, Cymaflex' and an applied steel 'C' logo above.

Time is indicated by silvered sword-style hour and minute hands. Additional details include an outer track with minute markings.

Evidence for this section
  • “A lovely black dial, with a hobnail style textured finish.”
  • “Applied steel hour markers of an arrowhead form - with stylised Arabic numerals to the quarters.”
  • “Signed to the dial 'Cyma, Watersport, Cymaflex' and topped by an applied steel C logo.”
  • “The hours and minutes are indicated by silvered 'sword' hands.”

Case Construction

The timepiece is housed in a three-piece stainless steel case measuring 31 mm in width, 38 mm in height, and 9 mm in depth. The design includes a slim bezel and shaped lugs featuring a light chamfer on the edges.

The screw-down case back is reported to bear markings reading 'waterproof, Cymaflex, non magnetic' around the edge, and the piece is identified by reference number 51243.

Evidence for this section
  • “A stainless steel case of a 3 piece design. A slim bezel and shaped lugs, with a light champfer to the edges.”
  • “A screw down case back with markingsa of 'waterproof, Cymaflex, non magnetic' surrounding the edges. Case reference 51243.”
  • “Case width 31mm Case height 38mm Case depth 9mm”

Mechanism and Dating

The watch is powered by a 17-jewel Cyma calibre R 459 mechanical movement. The seller states the movement is signed on the mainplates.

The dealer dates the wristwatch to the 1950s.

Evidence for this section
  • “A 17 jewel calibre R 459 Cyma mechanism, signed to the mainplates.”
  • “Kembery Antique Clocks Ltd has dated this 1950s Cyma Watersport Wristwatch to the 1950s.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific internal configuration of the R 459 calibre?
  • Are the reported 'waterproof' and 'non-magnetic' markings standard for this specific reference 51243?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1950s Cyma Watersport Cymaflex wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Reference51243“Case reference 51243.”
Movement CalibreCyma calibre R 459, 17 jewels“A 17 jewel calibre R 459 Cyma mechanism, signed to the mainplates.”
Case Dimensions31 mm width, 38 mm height, 9 mm depth“Case width 31mm Case height 38mm Case depth 9mm”
Dial InscriptionCyma, Watersport, Cymaflex“Signed to the dial 'Cyma, Watersport, Cymaflex' and topped by an applied steel C logo.”
Dealer Dating1950s“Kembery Antique Clocks Ltd has dated this 1950s Cyma Watersport Wristwatch to the 1950s.”
Case Reference51243“Case reference 51243.”
Dimensions31 mm width, 38 mm height, 9 mm depth“Case width 31mm Case height 38mm Case depth 9mm”

Visible details

  • Black textured hobnail dial with applied steel arrowhead indices and Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9.
  • Luminous-filled silvered sword hour and minute hands paired with a slender central seconds hand.
  • Fitted to a textured black strap on a round stainless steel case with chamfered lugs.
  • Printed text 'SWISS MADE' is visible at the very bottom edge of the dial under 6 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and case back interior are not visible in the provided image; calibre details are source-reported.
  • Water resistance and shock protection are historical trade designations and should not be assumed functional.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

1950'S Cyma Watersport Cymaflex Wristwatch 1940 - 1960 | Sellingantiques

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 9d0f9d39b5

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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