Gallet MultiChron 30M Clamshell Multi-Scale Chronograph with gilt dial. Stainless Steel case with Black Dial and Tachometer and Telemeter Scales
Case: Stainless steel two-part clamshell compression case secured by four screws, downturned lugs, polished bezel, round pushers in the band, case has been polished but retains much thickness. Lugs are full and thick, case back has very crisp serial number.
Dial: Black with gilt Arabic numerals, outer minute track and Tachometer scale, inner telemeter scale, two subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30 minute register, central chronograph hand and Alpha hands. Dial is spotless and flawless
Movement: Caliber Venus 150, rhodium plated, 17 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring.
Case and dial signed
Diameter: 35mm Thickness: 14mm
Circa 1940
More about Gallet:
The “clamshell” case was invented and patented by Schmitz Freres & Co. in 1936, and was first used in the US by Gallet in 1938. The case used four screws behind the lugs to compress the front and back together. Gallet used this type of case to develop their first waterproof chronograph case, and it became known as the Gallet Clamshell. With the development of a screw back for waterproof watches, clamshell cases eventually became obsolete; nevertheless, collectors appreciate their place in the history of water-resistant case design.
The clamshell case was standard on Gallet’s chronographs, most notably the MultiChron line. The MultiChron 30 was the world’s first wrist chronograph, introduced in 1914, and later became the first wrist chronograph in a water-resistant case. The MultiChron 30 model featured two subsidiary dials and could record up to 30 minutes. Available from 1936 through 1951, it was produced with a variety of dial configurations, the rarest being that of the current example – exotic black gilt dial with tachometer and telemeter scales.
Preserved in excellent, original condition, the present example is a fantastic opportunity to add a “time capsule” chronograph to a watch collection.