The Cyma Grand Maestro Steel Cross Chronograph

Cyma’s history begins in the 1860s, with the establishment of the Tavannes Watch company in the Swiss Jura, laying the foundation for a manufacture that would become an important name in Swiss watchmaking, even though the Cyma name was only registered in 1903. By the 1920s, the company had grown into one of Europe’s major watch manufacturers, with its watches exported worldwide. For fans of field watches, Cyma is undoubtedly known as one of the Dirty Dozen brands. However, by the end of the 1960s, production stopped; in the following decades, Cyma changed hands and was finally acquired around the start of the century by Stelux of Hong Kong (then also holding the Universal Genève name). It continues to operate within the group today.

The long and eventful history of the Tavannes and Cyma is best left for another time; today, let us look at the contemporary Cyma Grand Maestro Steel Cross chronograph series, first launched in 2021 with limited-edition models.

The Grand Maestro Steel Cross is a substantial watch, housed in a 43mm 316L stainless steel case, measuring 14.35mm thick. The ceramic tachymeter bezel adds a sporty, modern element to the otherwise traditional combination. The screw-down crown uses double sealing zones, flanked by the two chronograph pushers. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating protects the dial, and the transparent caseback reveals the movement. Water resistance is 100m.

The dial is where Cyma looks to provide the series with its strongest identity. The collection is offered in five colourways, including the classic panda (silver with black subdials, pictured) and reverse-panda configurations. The sunray-brushed central section, with a micro-sandblasted outer flange surrounding a ring of recessed textures, creates a 3D effect. The layout features a red-tipped central chronograph seconds hand, 30-minute and 12-hour counters, a small seconds subdial in a 3-6-9 configuration, and a date display at 4:30. Super-LumiNova dots mark the hour indicators on the flange from 1 to 11. The hour markers are faceted and bevelled, designed to create a subtle cross motif, which becomes more apparent as light hits the dial at angles.

The Steel Cross is powered by the ETA 7753 automatic calibre, a familiar and proven foundation for an automatic chronograph. The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations/hour and provides a 48-hour power reserve. It is visible through the caseback and features a Cyma-branded rotor.

The Cyma Grand Maestro Steel Cross is worn on a stainless steel bracelet, closed with a folding clasp with safety push buttons. The collection is offered in several colourways, with prices depending on the reference. The watch in the images, with the panda dial, is priced at USD 4,137. For more information, please visit cyma.ch.