Vintage 1940s/1950s Croton "Clamshell" Chronograph Valjoux Manual Wind 35mm Watch

Up for sale is an authentic 1940s/1950s Croton two-register chronograph, sourced from a private collection where it was held for over three decades. During this golden era of watchmaking, the New York-based Croton Watch Company partnered with top Swiss manufacturers to encase high-grade movements inside Gallet-patented "Clamshell" compression cases—an innovative mid-century design using four lug screws to seal the case against moisture. Measuring 35mm in unpolished stainless steel with sharp lugs, this piece is powered by a Swiss manual-wind Valjoux movement and features a vertical sub-dial layout, outer tachymeter/telemeter scales, and an original dial displaying rich, warm patina paired with a classic black lizard skin strap. The watch winds smoothly, keeps accurate time, and the chronograph pushers start, stop, and reset crisply to zero; however, service history is unknown and water resistance is not guaranteed due to its 70+ year age.