2.1138 WYLER ‘TANK CLAMSHELL’ ST.STEEL, SWISS 1960s

This is a vintage 1950s Swiss-made Wyler wristwatch featuring a classic “Tank” case design, unusual and collectible ‘Clamshell’ lock system with screws on the back. The case is built very smart, it even has a special shaped movement for compact components arrangement.

The silver-tone dial has military numerals with lume, complemented by lume filled blued steel hands.

The watch comes with a 17 mm genuine leather strap in a vintage military style.

About Wyler

The Swiss brand Wyler (later often seen as Wyler-Vetta), founded by Paul Wyler in 1924 in Basel (later operating also from Biel/Bienne) the company developed its signature “Incaflex” balance wheel – a shock-absorbing system patented in 1927 – so that durability was built in from the movement up. But beyond the mechanics, Wyler’s design aesthetic often ventured off the standard round-dress case track. For instance, a mid-1930s model in an octagonal multi-faceted case (designed by the noted Geneva case-maker Taubert & Fils) shows how the brand incorporated sculptural geometry: each side of the octagon has a chamfer that facets inwards to meet the bezel, and the lugs themselves have asymmetrical faceting to play with light and edge definition. In other examples, Wyler produced “tank” or “curvex” rectangular designs with elongated lugs and curved profiles that hug the wrist – models which again underline the brand’s willingness to explore shape and form rather than simply follow the conventional round watch case.

In short: Wyler stands out not just for its technical theme of shock-proofing and ruggedness, but for how that theme was wrapped in bold and often unconventional case architecture – vintage pieces with strong character, in shapes that are now appreciated by collectors for their distinctiveness.

About Clamshell case type

A clamshell watch case is a distinctive style of case construction that features a two-piece design resembling a clam’s shell. The upper and lower halves fit tightly together, secured by screws or a hinge mechanism, creating a durable and water-resistant seal. This design was popular in mid-20th-century watches for its ability to protect the movement from dust, moisture, and shocks. The clamshell construction varies with manufacturers and serves an interesting collectible feature.