Shellman & Co. “Grand Complication Premium” 6771

Model: Shellman & Co. “Grand Complication Premium” 6771

Year: 2020

Features:

The Déjà vu. Frequent visitors to this website may immediately recognise this watch as the sibling of the Campanola Grand Complication. But curiously, this one says Shellman & Co. on the dial. Inside lives the same Campanola movement, made by Citizen and sold to Shellman, who then encased it in something that could pass for a Blancpain Villeret. Which naturally begs the question - who exactly are Shellman?

The Who. Founded 50 years ago, Shellman & Co. is a Japanese boutique specialising in antique and high-end watches, with a reputation that extends far beyond Japan. Their standing is such that Philippe Dufour appointed them as his official distributor throughout Japan.

The Aim. Their goal with this piece was simple: take Campanola’s impressive movement and give it a Swiss twist. Dare I say, mission accomplished? The result is ideal for anyone drawn to Campanola’s complications but hesitant about wearing their more daring designs. Shellman’s version is classically styled, and it’s easy to spot their influences when browsing the vintage collection on their website.

The Redesigns. They’ve redesigned two Campanolas so far - the watch on offer today, which includes a Moonphase, triple Perpetual Calendar, 12-hour split-time Chronograph, 24-hour dial, GMT functionality, and a Minute Repeater, and a Breguet-fied version of a Campanola Dual Time. I’m a fan of Campanola’s unapologetically bold approach, but Shellman’s traditional styling has its own charm. Frankly, I’m just glad both exist.

The Complications. It houses a Moonphase, Leap year, Perpetual Triple Calendar, 12-hour, split-time chronograph with sweeping second hand, 24-hour dial, GMT functionality, and Minute Repeater. Most of those functions won’t need any explanation, but a minute repeater deserves to be talked about.

The Minute Repeater. When activated, the minute repeater plays a chime that audibly conveys the current time, essentially acting as a musical Morse code for your wrist. Intriguingly, the chime’s time-setting can operate independently of the displayed time, allowing it to function as a GMT “hand.” 

Specifications:

Condition: In great condition overall. No marks of any major significance. 

Scope: Original papers, no box

Movement: 6772 Minute Repeater Quartz

Dimensions:

• Case Width: 39.4mm
  
• Lug to lug: 46.1mm
• Case Thickness: 13.1mm
  
• Lug Width: 20.0mm