Updating…
Fine and rare unusually large 38mm steel Tavannes Ref. 8946-67, waterproof “clamshell” (brevet No. 189190) chronograph wristwatch with black gilt multi-scale “Singer” dial, powered by manual winding Cal. Valjoux 71 (signed Ref. 400K L under balance), made circa 1940s.
Looking the way to increase water and dust resistance, first Tavannes/Cyma waterproof chronographs finally comes to life in early 1940s, thanks to patent 189190 (four little screws behind the lugs to compress both parts of the case) reistered by Schmitz Frères & Co in 1936. Of course Gallet were the first to employ this invention in their legendary Gallet Clamshells from 1938 to 1951 (including their earlier Gallet Flight Officer). After the pioneer Gallet Clamshell chronographs, many other brands made watches with this 189190 waterproof cases, incl. Cyma, Tissot, Croton, Mulco, Heuer, Vetta, Tavannes, Bovet, Piaget and others.
A great looking and very wearable vintage steel “waterproof” chronograph with stunning original multi-scale black gilt dial from the 1940s,
Watch is in overall very good condition 8/10, running and ready to wear or gift!