Gallet MultiChron 30M
Introduced in 1912
The MultiChron 30, a high quality timer with 2 subsidiary registers and 30 minute recording capability, was the world's 1st true wrist-worn chronograph. The 30 also holds the distinction as the world’s first wrist chronograph to be housed in a “waterproof” case. Engineered in 1936 by Gallet watchmaker Philippe Weiss utilizing Schmitz Frères patent #189190A, the unique 2-part "Clamshell" compression case for the model 30M was designed to protect the delicate inner mechanism from the adverse conditions found on the field of battle. Due to the Clamshell's historic status and superb quality, it has become one of the most coveted timepieces among today's vintage watch and chronograph collectors.
The MultiChron 30M initially utilized Valjoux and Minerva chronograph movements, followed by the Venus calibre 150 and 188 for later series. When Gallet began production of their own Excelsior Park chronograph movements with 45 minute recording capability, the model 30M was replaced by the MultiChron 45M.
Model name: MultiChron 30M (1st series, Royal Air Force)
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: modified chronometer grade Valjoux 13 ligne
Case material: sterling silver
Case back: hinged
Dimensions: 35mm diameter
Bracelet: leather or military canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1914 - ?
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: artillery timing
Notes: 30 min. recording, enamel dial, crown pusher, 1914 London hallmarked Gallet Case (some mvts marked Electa)
Valuation*
Sterling Silver: $8,000.00 - $10,000.00 (extremely rare)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
Model name: MultiChron 30M (single button, WWI U.S.A.)
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: Valjoux 22 GHT or Minerva 13.20
Case material: .935 sterling silver
Case back: hinged, dual covers
Dimensions: 38.5mm
Bracelet: leather or military canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1914 - 1921
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: artillery timing, aviation, racing
Notes: 30 min. recording, enamel dial, push button activation & reset (some movements marked Electa)
Valuation*
Sterling Silver: $8,000.00 - $10,000.00 (extremely rare)
14k Gold: $12,000.00 - $14,000.00 (extremely rare)
18k Gold: $15,000.00 - $18,000.00 (extremely rare)
Model name: MultiChron 30M (2nd series) Officer's
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: Venus 150
Case material: stainless steel
Case back: press on
Dimensions: 31.8mm diameter
Bracelet: leather or mil.spec. canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1933 - 1941
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: artillery timing, sports & racing
Notes: olive pushers, technical dial w/ tachometer, telemeter scales, officer's version w/ gold indications & hands
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $3,500.00 - $4,500.00 (rare)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
Model name: MultiChron 30M "Clamshell" (luminous)
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: Venus 150
Case material: stainless steel
Case back: 4 screw compression "Clamshell"
Dimensions: 34.2mm diameter
Bracelet: leather or mil.spec. canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1936 - 1951
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: artillery timing, sports & racing, medical
Notes: 30 min. recording, world's 1st waterproof wrist chronograph, luminous numbers and hands
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $7,000.00 - $8,000.00 (extra rare)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
Model name: MultiChron 30M "Clamshell" (Military Version)
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: Venus 150
Case material: stainless steel
Case back: 4 screw compression "Clamshell"
Dimensions: 34.2mm diameter
Bracelet: leather or mil.spec. canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1936 - 1951
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: artillery timing, sports & racing, medical
Notes: rare exotic black military dial w/ tachometer & telemeter scales, silver or rose gold hands and indications.
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $8,500.00 - $9,500.00 (extra rare)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
Model name: MultiChron 30M "Clamshell"
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: Venus 150
Case material: stainless steel
Case back: 4 screw compression "Clamshell"
Dimensions: 34.2mm diameter
Bracelet: leather or mil.spec. canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1942 - 1951
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: artillery timing, sports & racing, medical
Notes: 30 min. recording, tachometer, telemeter scales
Canadian version, retailed through Eaton's Canada
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $6,500.00 - $7,500.00
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
click to enlarge
1939 Jewelers' Circular Keystone advertisement for the Gallet MultiChron 30M CLAMSHELL, the world's first "waterproof" chronograph
GALLET WORLD
GENEVE - SINCE 1466
 | ||||
* Valuations for timepieces listed on Gallet World are based on an average of fair market prices, either quoted or realized in retail venues, auctions, and NAWCC national and regional shows. Values displayed are for complete timepieces in good working condition with original dials and components.
"Clamshell" series
"Clamshell" series
"Clamshell" series
Model name: MultiChron 30M (2nd series, single button)
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: Valjoux 13 ligne
Case material: stainless steel
Case back: press on
Dimensions: 31.8mm diameter
Bracelet: leather or mil.spec. canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1929 - 1933
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: military issue, aviation, artillery timing, scientific
Notes: 30 min. recording, single olive pusher, flyback
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $4,000.00 - $5,000.00 (extra rare)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
RESOURCES
____________________
OTHER RESOURCES
Model name: MultiChron 30M "Clamshell" (Breitling)
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: Venus 150
Case material: stainless steel
Case back: 4 screw compression "Clamshell"
Dimensions: 36mm diameter
Bracelet: leather or mil.spec. canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1942 - 1945
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: artillery timing, sports & racing, medical
Notes: 30 min. recording, telemeter scales, manufactured for Breitling by Gallet
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $5,500.00 - $6,500.00 (extra rare)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
"Clamshell" series
"Clamshell" series
Model name: MultiChron 30M "Clamshell" (Grey Shadow)
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: Venus 150
Case material: stainless steel
Case back: 4 screw compression "Clamshell"
Dimensions: 34.2mm diameter
Bracelet: leather or mil.spec. canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1936 - 1951
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: artillery timing, sports & racing, medical
Notes: 30 min. recording, world's 1st waterproof wrist chronograph, exotic 2-tone black and grey dial
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $6,500.00 - $7,500.00 (extra rare)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
Model name: MultiChron 30M "Clamshell" (Technical Version)
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: Venus 150
Case material: stainless steel
Case back: 4 screw compression "Clamshell"
Dimensions: 34.2mm diameter
Bracelet: leather or mil.spec. canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1936 - 1951
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: military, artillery timing, sports & racing
Notes: rare multi-color technical dial w/ red tachometer (mph) & "snail" telemeter (distance) scales
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $7,500.00 - $8,500.00 (extra rare)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
"Clamshell" series
Model name: MultiChron 30M "Clamshell" (Harvard)
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: Venus 150
Case material: stainless steel
Case back: 4 screw compression "Clamshell"
Dimensions: 34.2mm diameter
Bracelet: leather or mil.spec. canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1939 - 1948
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: artillery timing, sports & racing, medical
Notes: 30 min. recording, telemeter scales, manufactured for Harvard (Goering of La Chaux-de-Fonds) by Gallet
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $4,500.00 - $5,000.00 (extra rare)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
"Clamshell" series
Model name: MultiChron 30M (2nd series)
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: Valjoux 13 ligne
Case material: stainless steel
Case back: press on
Dimensions: 31.8mm diameter
Bracelet: leather or mil.spec. canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1929 - 1933
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: military issue, aviation, artillery timing, scientific
Notes: 30 min. recording, olive pushers, military dial
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $3,000.00 - $3,500.00 (extra rare)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
Model name: MultiChron 30M (2nd series) "Grey Shadow"
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: Venus 150
Case material: stainless steel
Case back: press on
Dimensions: 31.8mm diameter
Bracelet: leather or mil.spec. canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1933 - 1941
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: artillery timing, sports & racing
Notes: olive pushers, 2-tone "grey shadow" dial, officer's version w/ gold indications & hands
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $3,500.00 - $4,500.00 (rare)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
"Clamshell" series
Model name: MultiChron 30M "Clamshell" (Silver Shadow)
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: Venus 150
Case material: stainless steel
Case back: 4 screw compression "Clamshell"
Dimensions: 34.2mm diameter
Bracelet: leather or mil.spec. canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1936 - 1951
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: artillery timing, sports & racing, medical
Notes: 30 min. recording, world's 1st waterproof wrist chronograph, exotic 2-tone silver grey dial
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $6,500.00 - $7,500.00 (extra rare)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
Model name: MultiChron 30M
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: Venus 188
Case material: chrome
Case back: stainless steel friction fit
Dimensions: 36mm diameter
Bracelet: leather or mil.spec. canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1955 - 1965
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: artillery timing, sports & racing, medical
Notes: 30 min. recording, telemeter scales, later version with Valjoux calibre 7733 & 45 minute recording
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $2,500.00 - $3,500.00
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
Model name: MultiChron 30M "Up-Down"
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: Venus 170
Case material: chrome
Case back: stainless steel friction fit
Dimensions: 36mm diameter
Bracelet: leather or mil.spec. canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1948 - 1953
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: artillery timing, sports & racing, medical
Notes: 30 min. recording, spacial case w/ dynamic stepped lugs, black dial
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $4,000.00 - $5,000.00 (extra rare)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
Model name: MultiChron 30M "Up-Down"
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: Venus 170
Case material: chrome
Case back: stainless steel friction fit
Dimensions: 36mm diameter
Bracelet: leather or mil.spec. canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1948 - 1953
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: artillery timing, sports & racing, medical
Notes: 30 or 45 minute recording, white dial w/ telemeter and tachometer scales
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $3,500.00 - $4,000.00 (extra)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
Model name: MultiChron 30M "Up-Down"
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: Venus 170
Case material: chrome
Case back: stainless steel friction fit
Dimensions: 36mm diameter
Bracelet: leather or mil.spec. canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1948 - 1953
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: artillery timing, sports & racing, medical
Notes: 30 or 45 minute recording, white dial
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $3,000.00 - $3,500.00 (rare)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
