SOLD – “Uhrmacherschule Solothurn” Valjoux 23

We are proud to present this scarce and intriguing “school watch” or «montre école» that is issued as an end-of-studies final exam from the watchmaking school of Solothurn. While many prestigious brands created remarkable chronographs from the 1930s to the 1970s, the well-educated part of the collector community is paying more attention to these mechanical wonders built by apprentices on completing their education. The initial watch designs by François Borgel, Frédéric Baumgartner, and Rolex Oyster were highly waterproof. However, the game changed with the introduction of the Clamshell case in 1937. Patented by Schmitz Frères, it featured a more water-resistant two-body compartment secured by four screws. Gallet acquired the patent rights shortly after, leading to the genesis of the world’s first waterproof chronograph. Clamshell chronographs, regardless of branding, are rare and cool in every iteration, but this lovely example is sure to appeal to any collector, especially as a package that combines amazing looks, interesting watchmaking pedigree and well-kept condition. Please read the condition report carefully and refer to the high-resolution pictures to help you assess the overall condition of the watch.

MODEL / REFERENCE: Solothurn Watchmaking School clamshell chronograph.

DIAL+HANDS: The ivory dial is copacetic throughout its minimally spotted surface, uniform color and recessed, engine-turned subdials. The printing is still sharp and perfectly preserved. The bi-compax display indicates constant running seconds at nine o’clock and a 30 minutes counter at 3’oclock. The Arabic numerals are intact and seem to have been professionally relumed somewhere in the past. The blued steel handset is in good condition and retain intact luminous inlays that started to oxidize but still match the indexes’ color.

CRYSTAL: The special flared crystal is unsigned and in excellent condition, showing virtually no major marks or surface scratches.

CASE: Executed in stainless steel, the case is a rare “pop-out” waterproof clamshell type, also known as “monocoque” case. Its two-body construction feels sturdy and keeps its true essence with a sweet spot diameter of 35mm across and a 42mm lug to lug. With some scuffs and scratches especially on the concave bezel, the case is still in lovely condition considering its age and does not show signs of over-polishing, or much at all. It retains strong profiling lines, a brushed finish and even downturned lugs.

CASEBACK: The case back is held in the reverse side of the lugs by 4 grub screws that keep pressure and hold the whole case together. The overall condition is very good, seeing the minor surface scuffs and the concentric finish. The inner face features a perlage decoration and a stamped Patent number 189190 along with the case maker’s name: Schmitz Frères.

CROWN+PUSHERS: The oversized winding crown is original despite being unsigned. It is in good condition and operates flawlessly, from winding to time setting. The gasket sealed chronograph pushers operate crisply. They start, stop and reset the chronograph module exactly at 12.

MOVEMENT: The Rhodium plated, 17 jewels Valjoux 23 with a column wheel features a bi-compax display for a constant running seconds at nine o’clock and 30 min recorder at three. Cherry on top, the movement has been further embellished with beautifully executed “côtes de Genève” decoration that exalts the authenticity of pure watchmaking art. The movement is clean and has been checked by our watchmaker thus it runs strongly and keeps good time. It winds, sets and the chronograph resets to zero.

BRACELET: The watch is paired with a brand new, 18mm glossy strap with stitching work and an unsigned stainless steel pin buckle.

WARRANTY: We guarantee the authenticity of the watch. We also provide a 12-month guarantee for the correct function of this timepiece. All guarantees are subject to the General Terms and conditions. Please feel free to ask questions, we will be glad to answer. Virtual or face-to-face viewing is available by appointment.