The so-called Clamshell case, patented in 1937 by Schmitz Freres with patent no. 189190, consisted of a watertight compartment that held the movement secured to the case body by four screws.
While some of the waterproof cases with early designs from the likes of Francois Borgel, Frédéric Baumgartner, Taubert & Fils; hermetic watches; and of course the Rolex Oyster had been produced for quite some time, the waterproof chronograph was a different animal.
Gallet purchased the rights to the Schmitz Freres patent in early 1937 and adapted it to create the world's first waterproof chronograph watches, originally intended to protect them from the adverse conditions of the battlefield. Besides producing cases for their own watches - collectors closely associate the Clamshell design with Gallet's MultiChron - they also produced Clamshell cases for other manufacturers. One of the notable companies was Breitling.
Breitling clamshells appear far less often than their Gallet counterparts, which are collectable in their own right.
We were fortunate to acquire it in pleasing original condition down to the crown and hands. The only replacement part appears to be one of the pushers. The case retains its Breitling case number and the beautiful dial is 100% original.
We owned it several years ago and it became part of the discerning collection that we are now selling for a renowned pediatrician.
Our Master Watchmaker has just fully serviced it which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, bringing the hairspring back into its truest form, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $895 value).
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
A very rare and highly collectable original piece of Breitling and and horological history.
- Manufacturer: Breitling
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- Serial no.: 372,473
- Year built: c. late 1930's
- Model: "Clamshell" Chronograph
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Chronograph, Subsidiary Seconds, Waterproof
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Case markings (inside): Brev. No189190, Waterproof, Impermeable, Wasserdicht, Acier Staybrite
- Case markings (outside): Breitling serial number 372473
- Case condition: Beautiful mint minus condition. Original pushers. Unpolished lugs retain crisp lines.
- Dimensions: 36mm wide (without crown, 40mm with), 43mm long lug tip-to-tip
- Dial: Signed Breitling Waterproof, silver with black Arabic numerals, subsidiary dials for the seconds and 45-minute registers, outer telemeter and inner tachometer graduations, 100% original
- Hands: Original, blue steel batons
- Movement type: Manually wound chronograph
- Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
- Width between lugs: 19mm
- Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
- Servicing: Our Master Watchmaker has just fully serviced it which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, bringing the hairspring back into its truest form, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $895 value).
- Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system.
- Warranty: 1-year international C.O.T. warranty.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
