VINTAGE LIEMA 1940’s CLAMSHELL WATERPROOF LARGE SIZE GENTLEMEN’S RECTANGULAR STAINLESS STEEL CASE.
£595.00
1 in stock
Description
VINTAGE LIEMA 1940’s CLAMSHELL WATERPROOF LARGE SIZE GENTLEMEN’S RECTANGULAR STAINLESS STEEL CASE.
Liema 1940’s clamshell waterproof large size gentlemen’s rectangular stainless steel case.
This fabulous gentlemen’s wristwatch is a rare beast. Manufactured during the 1940’s by the swiss maker ‘Liema’ and it is of an unusual waterproof ‘clamshell’ construction.
Rectangular watches were still very popular during this period and the manufacturers were at odds to think of ways to make these water-resistant, as they obviously could not just fit them with round screw-backs. This ingenious example uses a four piece case design. The main case houses the movement and dial etc, and it is of single piece construction, there is no removable back and the movement uses a split-stem arrangement. The specially formed glass is then placed on, with a rubber seal housed in between, then the rectangular bezel. Finally each end-piece slides on to the two lugs at each end of the case, with a pin being fitted in the centre of each to hold them in place. The glass is forced down by the bezel hence and compresses the rubber seal onto the glass, in effect sealing the case water-tight. in theory………!
A large size, measuring almost 41mm tip to tip and 22mm across (not including the crown) and of all stainless-steel construction, this will have been a complicated watch to manufacture and probably not a cheap one either.
The original two-tone silvered dial is in good condition, with just the right amount of patina (which could possibly be cleaned, though we think it should be left 100% original).
Exceptional quality tonneu form movement, geneve striped and in wonderful condition seems to be running well. Winding and setting correctly, with time-keeping that i would describe as ‘very acceptable’ given the age of the watch.
In super condition throughout, this really is an interesting piece and quiet rare i should think. Unfortunately this watch should not still be considered water-proof, as the inner seal has long since deteriorated and could not be relied upon. The watch is fitted with a new, quality alligator-grain strap and looks very handsome on the wrist.
