Let me be clear – I was certainly not expecting to be doing another CYS review quite so soon after the last one! How so? Well, you will recall from the end of the earlier review, I mentioned this interesting model, plus, that I could be persuaded to buy. However, that was all tempered by the fact that the CYS website noted that all models were sold out. That, I thought, was that.
Roll-on to Christmas Eve, and I was just looking at the Sellors website again. This had been prompted by an email advertising the fact that a more general sale was now on. So, I started to idly scroll though the many items. I was about to give up, as frankly most of the offerings were at the lower and rather mundane end really, when I came upon a CYS model, then another and then, you’ve guessed it, the very model I had coveted. What are the chances of that occurring – not only the chronograph, but the white dial version and in the sale?
The watch was priced at £2950 – so down from some £3950 (although the CYS website notes £4250). I immediately called, and again got to speak to a very nice person – a lady called Christie. I basically went through the similar spiel as last time – along with asking if the price could be further improved! I did mention that I had just bought a CYS watch from them and had done a review, and, as promised, had mentioned Sellors! After some pondering her end, Christie offered the same as last time, so, another £100 off. As such the deal was concluded at £2850.
At this point I feel just a few words over delivery methods is required. I explained to Christie that I was very unimpressed with DPD who delivered the first watch. Aside from being way outside their advised time window, with no communication, the parcel was just left outside the main door of my apartment complex. Yes, the driver did buzz me, but I said “hang on, I will be straight down”, but barely a few minutes later there was the parcel but no sign at all of the driver. Yes, the chances of theft may have been small, but just another example of dreadful customer service that we have to tolerate these days. Anyway, Christie agreed that RM could be used instead and it worked out fine.
Clearly there is no point in going over all the CYS history again. It is though worth mentioning that the company did make some Landeron chronographs in around the mid-fifties – so before Castro’s interference. After having contacted CYS in a quest for information, they kindly answered my questions and sent some images of original pieces – including the black dial version shown below, and the white dial further on.
A white dial version was also made, and there are some subtle changes to the re-issues as can be seen.
So to the detail. Like my other Historiador watch, this case too is in polished stainless steel with those “horn” type lugs. The case size is a wearable 40 x 12.5 mm. To the right is again a conventional knurled crown (topped by the brand logo), flanked by the two rectangular-shaped pushers – my favourite shape if I’m honest! A raised double-curved sapphire crystal with non-reflective properties concludes the outside aspects.
The dial is in white enamel. Outboard a tachymeter scale in blue (and noted with the Spanish spelling), then a rail track with black numerals. Hour numerals are Breguet-type in black, with some sacrifices at 3 and 9 o’clock. Some further erosions cater for the two recessed registers. The one at 3 o’clock is a 45 minute counter and the one at 9 o’clock is for running seconds. Under 12 o’clock is the brand name and origin. Above six is noted “Unicos Importadores”, so informing potential buyers that C&S are the sole importers of the watch in question. Clearly this is no longer true, but a nice historic touch as this usually featured back in the early days! Finally, the main hands are feuille (leaf) shaped and coloured blue.
Turning the watch over it is of course welcome to see the exhibition case with a decent sized window – again in sapphire. The outer bezel notes a few salient pieces of information – including the limited edition number out of 100. Waterproofing is noted to 5 atm.
We then get to the real item of interest – that Landeron manual 248 movement – or via CYS, is a CYS 4008. Due to the large window most of the moving parts are clearly exposed. There appears to be no decoration as such, but really that is of no real import due to the “tool watch” nature of the piece – and I suppose the price point. But there are some colour pops. The overall image is interesting and attractive.
So, what about that movement in more detail? Well, firstly, Landeron were a large and important independent movement maker near Neuchatel, started by Charles and Aime Hahn in 1873. By the 1900s they had won numerous awards for innovation and quality. By 1923 they were producing chronograph movements and in 1924 – after buying some patents from Anatole Breitling, became almost the sole producer of column-wheel chronograph movements until well into the 1930s, when the patents expired. However, such movements were expensive to produce, so Hahn and Marcel Dupraz developed the cam-activated caliber 47 (with three pushers). Due to the simpler (and cheaper) production method, the movement became very popular, and for military applications in particular. Caliber 48 then ensued in 1937 with just two pushers. Through the 40s, 50s, and 60s, Landeron supplied the caliber (and its close relatives) to numerous brands. The 248 was from that latter period, and production eventually ceased in 1970 with some 3.5 m of the 48 family having been produced. In the 1970’s the business focused on electo-mechanical quartz movements, but this was seemingly not profitable as the business suddenly closed in 1983. So, the caliber was of very good quality and tried and tested over many years. It was also not that expensive, and I suppose would be viewed as a “workhorse”, but that is not a detrimental comment! In terms of a few technical details, the 248 has 17 jewels, provides some 40 hours of power and beats at 18,000 vph.
Then we come to the strap. This, like on my other watch, it is a deployant – along with a fairly vibrant blue alligator holed strap. On this occasion the button badge is more modest – both in size and colour.
Lastly, we come to the box. This is larger than for the other watch, and sports two humidity reservoirs. Again, a lovely leather travel pouch is supplied – this time in more of a tan colour.
So, that really is that! At the time of writing I have had the watch for a bit over a month. Yes, I really like it! I love the retro design – the dial, the lugs and that wonderful movement, and once again marvel at the packaging offered. Is it perfect for me? Ok, not quite, as readers know that I do like a date function and some luminescence would have been helpful. Hell though, that is but small fry – and I can even embrace the manual winding chore! So, on balance, I feel this is a cracking watch and certainly a keeper. More so of course at the price I paid!!
Rating: 4.5/5
Words & Images: The Writer (unless otherwise noted)