Gallet MultiChron "30"
Introduced in 1914
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, the unique 2-part "Clamshell" compression case for the model 30 was designed to protect the delicate inner mechanism from the adverse conditions found on the field of battle.
The MultiChron initially utilized Valjoux 13 and 14 ligne movements, followed by the Venus calibre 150 for later series. When Gallet began production of their own Excelsior Park chronograph movements with 45 minute recording capabilities, the model 30 was in 1942 replaced by the MultiChron 45.
Model name: MultiChron 30 (1st series for 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: $10,000.00 - $12,000.00 (extra rare)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
Model name: MultiChron 30 (special "Fly-back" version)
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: modified chronometer grade Valjoux 22 (GHT)
Case material: .935 sterling silver
Case back: hinged, dual covers
Dimensions: 38.4mm
Bracelet: leather or military canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1914 - ?
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: artillery timing, aviation, racing
Notes: 30 min. recording, enamel dial, crown activation & re-set, fly-back pusher, (some movements marked Electa)
Valuation*
Sterling Silver: $8000.00 - $9000.00 (extra rare)
14k Gold: $12,000.00 - $14,000.00 (extra rare)
18k Gold: $15,000.00 - $18,000.00 (extra rare)
Model name: MultiChron 30 (3nd series)
Reference #: n/a
Movement type: chronograph, manual wind
Calibre: Venus 150
Case material: stainless steel
Case back: press on
Dimensions: 32mm diameter
Bracelet: leather or mil.spec. canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1933
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: artillery timing, sports & racing
Notes: 30 min. recording, olive pushers, tachometer, telemeter scales
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $2000.00 - $2500.00 (rare)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
Model name: MultiChron 30 "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: 1936 - 1951
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: artillery timing, sports & racing, medical
Notes: 30 min. recording, world's 1st waterproof wrist chronograph
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $2500.00 - $3000.00 (rare)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
Model name: MultiChron 30 "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: 1936 - 1951
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: artillery timing, sports & racing, medical
Notes: 30 min. recording, tachometer, telemeter scales,
rare exotic black dial w/ yellow or rose gold indications.
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $4500.00 - $5500.00 (rare)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
Model name: MultiChron 30 "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: $2500.00 - $3000.00
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
click to enlarge
1939 Jewelers' Circular Keystone advertisement for the Gallet MultiChron 30 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.
** Add $300 to $500 for superior Excelsior Park Movement
RESOURCES
____________________
OTHER RESOURCES
"Clamshell" series
"Clamshell" series
"Clamshell" series
Model name: MultiChron 30 (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: 30mm diameter
Bracelet: leather or mil.spec. canvas
Water resistance: n/a
Production years: 1929
Serial numbers: n/a
Application: military issue, aviation, artillery timing, scientific
Notes: 30 min. recording, single olive pusher
Valuation*
Stainless Steel: $3000.00 - $3500.00 (extra rare)
14k Gold: n/a
18k Gold: n/a
