The distinct “Clamshell” case was patented in 1936 by Schmitz Freres & Co., and acquired by Gallet in 1937. It consists of a two part case, one part fitted over a specialized flared crystal, and then the second component. Those two parts are them pulled together and screwed down at four points on the rear.
This particular case measures 28.5mm x 28.5mm. The front of the case is Stainless Steel and is in average condition. It has the original brushed finish to the sides and the top of the lugs, which is in good condition. The surface has some light surface scratching. The top lugs have some nicks to them which are visible in the images.
The case back is Stainless Steel and it’s a solid piece, that holds the movement inside tightly. It has a polished finish to the exterior. It has the serial number 2477740.
The inside has peerlage finishing and is signed Brev.Dem, Eterna Watch Co Swiss, Acier Staybrite.
The dial is in average original condition. It would have been a silvered tone but this has aged to a cream tone. The dial is marked and dirty across the dial. It is a nicely designed Sector dial with a brighter shine to the centre. The numerals are black painted Arabic in style with a clear minute railroad track around the exterior of the dial. The sub-second dial is at 6 O’clock and is inset into the dial.
The hands are original. They are thermally blued Lancia style hands. They are in good condition with no bending and minimal corrosion. The thermally blued finish is a bright blue in the light.
The crystal original flared piece with a gasket underneath. This is designed to aid the water resistance of the watch. It has two lines where the surface has deformed and a deeper internal mark at 5 O’clock. This is only visible in certain lights.
The crown appears to be original and is Stainless Steel. It has a coin edge finish.
The strap is a vintage black leather strap which will fit a 7” wrist.
The movement is a 15 jewel Eterna movement. It has Cote De Geneve finishing, with bevelled edges to the bridges.
The movement is in good condition cosmetically. The service history is unknown and it has not been serviced by ourselves. It has a daily gain of +120 seconds, with an amplitude of 225 degrees and a beat error of 1.0m/s.
Full condition report below.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial is in average original condition. It would have been a silvered tone but this has aged to a cream tone. The dial is marked and dirty across the dial. It is a nicely designed Sector dial with a brighter shine to the centre. The numerals are black painted Arabic in style with a clear minute railroad track around the exterior of the dial. The sub-second dial is at 6 O’clock and is inset into the dial.
Hands:
The hands are original. They are thermally blued Lancia style hands. They are in good condition with no bending and minimal corrosion. The thermally blued finish is a bright blue in the light.
Glass:
The crystal original flared piece with a gasket underneath. This is designed to aid the water resistance of the watch. It has two lines where the surface has deformed and a deeper internal mark at 5 O’clock. This is only visible in certain lights.
Crown:
The crown appears to be original and is Stainless Steel. It has a coin edge finish.
Case:
The front of the case is Stainless Steel and is in average condition. It has the original brushed finish to the sides and the top of the lugs, which is in good condition. The surface has some light surface scratching. The top lugs have some nicks to them which are visible in the images.
Caseback:
The case back is Stainless Steel and it’s a solid piece, that holds the movement inside tightly. It has a polished finish to the exterior. It has the serial number 2477740.
The inside has peerlage finishing and is signed Brev.Dem, Eterna Watch Co Swiss, Acier Staybrite.
Strap:
The strap is a vintage black leather strap which will fit a 7” wrist.
Movement:
The movement is a 15 jewel Eterna movement. It has Cote De Geneve finishing, with bevelled edges to the bridges.
The movement is in good condition cosmetically. The service history is unknown and it has not been serviced by ourselves.
It has a daily gain of +120 seconds, with an amplitude of 225 degrees and a beat error of 1.0m/s.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 28.5mm
Case width with crown: 32mm
Case length: 28.5mm
Case length lug to lug: 34mm
Case Depth: 8.5mm
Lug width: 16mm