SOLD
Apologies for the poor quality of these pictures
9ct gold, three piece cushion case with two
piece metal inner case. The movement can be inspected by removing the gold bezel (this is
is screwed into the inner case) which then frees the top half of the outer case. Once
removed, this reveals a securing pin, adjacent to the winding stem, which locks the inner
case into the back half of the outer case. After the pin is released, the inner case can
then be swung out (it is attached to the outer case by means of a hinge). The back if the
inner case can then be removed, revealing the movement. Case signed "F.B"
(François Borgel
- a Swiss company specialising in early dust/moisture-proof cases - at
the time this watch was manufactured, Borgel was owned by
Taubert & Fils), "Patent applied for" and has
a British import hallmark for the year 1933. Fixed gold strap bars. Gilt waterproof crown.
Case width: 31mm. Case condition: 85%.
Nickel plated, 15 jewel, adjusted movement. Chaton set jewels. Recently serviced. Signed,
"Tavannes Watch Co.". Movement condition : 95%. Time keeping : Good.
White enamel dial with subsidiary seconds. Luminous numerals and skeleton hands. Luminous
paint faded with age. Signed, "Tavannes". Dial condition : 95 %.
Very attractive watch with a beautifully constructed case.
Please note. Due to it's age, the waterproof
qualities of this watch cannot be guaranteed.
In 1871 Frédéric Henri Sandoz formed the watch making company, Henri Sandoz & Co in Le Locle, Switzerland. Around 1890 he moved to the nearby town of Tavannes and started a new company, Tavannes Watch Co which manufactured a wide range of timepieces from basic watches to chronographs. In 1892 Sandoz joined forces with Schwob Frères and Co. of La Chaux-de-Fonds who manufactured watches under various trade names including, ‘Alpine’, ‘Hermosa’, ‘Meridian’ and ‘New Haven’. As well as ‘Tavannes Watch Co’, the new company also produced watches named, ‘Chronomètre Civil’, ‘TWC’ 'Trusty' and ‘CYMA’. The company expanded and by 1905 they were producing 1000 watches per day. In the 1930s Tavannes-Cyma claimed to be Switzerland's largest supplier of precision watches and by 1938, they employed around 2000 staff and their output reached approximately 4000. By this time, as well as their ‘CYMA’ brand, their trade names also included, ‘TACY’, ‘AMYC’ and ‘Bijou’. After 1957, the company no longer manufactured movements, but fitted their watches with those produced by ETA. The company continued until 1966 when its name was purchased by Chronos Holding.
Inventory No. 30