Piaget Ultra Rare Clamshell Case, Cal.1080, Schmitz case from 1950's - DuMarko

Piaget Ultra Rare Clamshell Case, Cal.1080, Schmitz case from 1950's

Name: Piaget Ultra Rare Clamshell Case, Cal.1080, Schmitz case from 1950's
Brand: VintageDuMarko
Price: 1900.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1,900.00

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This vintage Piaget Cal. 1080 is an incredibly rare and historically significant timepiece, distinguished by its 30mm stainless steel Clamshell case—a pioneering waterproof design that remains a hidden gem among collectors.

The standout feature of this watch is its Clamshell case construction, an ultra-rare design that secures the case back using screws behind the lugs rather than a traditional snap-on or screw-down mechanism. This innovative design, patented under CH 189'190, was developed by the Schmitz brothers, Otto and Werner, during the 1930s in Grenchen, Switzerland. Their groundbreaking work in waterproof case engineering between 1934 and 1944 played a crucial role in advancing watch durability, and this patent remains one of their most important contributions to horology.

Stamped with the Clamshell patent number on the case back, this Piaget is a rare find, as most watches featuring this design were produced for military or tool-watch applications. Seeing this advanced waterproofing system in a Piaget—a brand renowned for elegant, refined timepieces—makes this example even more extraordinary.

Inside, the watch is powered by the Piaget Caliber 1080, a manual-wind movement with 17 jewels, reflecting Piaget’s high standard of watchmaking before it became famous for ultra-thin movements.

Case size: 30 mm
Case material: Stainless steel
Movement: Cal. 1080
Swiss Made

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Watch servicing information

All watches in our shop are in full working condition, having been professionally serviced by a certified watchmaker. Each watch undergoes a final inspection prior to shipping to ensure quality and reliability.

Shipping

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Warranty

Each watch purchased from us includes a warranty to ensure its quality and performance. The warranty covers movement and functional issues, with specific terms based on the type of watch (1 year for mechanical and automatic watches, 6 months for quartz watches). For more details, please visit this page.

Why should you buy watches from our store?

We offer a curated selection of rare, unique, authentic or beautifully restored vintage and customized watches.
Enhance your purchase with optional add-ons: choose a gift box or an additional strap, available for an extra fee.
Personalization options are available to tailor your items to your specifications.
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Looking for a specific watch? Reach out to us, and we’ll do our best to help you locate it.

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