This Watch

We have here a classic style and quite Rare 1940s stylistic wristwatch from Wittnauer with the most fabulous Arabic breguet type numerals and a bold sturdy rectangular stylish case. We particularly love this beautiful original dial with recessed sub seconds, which has a nice even patina to it and gives no doubt to its originality. Arabic numerals sit inside the outer-minute tracking and this is mirrored in the subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock. Original chrome elegant hands

Remembering the battle for waterproof watch supremacy with Rolex being the main contender, this rare solid steel, rectangular, hermetic, Deco-style case is in great condition. All companies were experimenting with hermetically sealed case ideas and construction, This watch comes apart in two pieces with an internal seal in the winding tube- A super tight sealed glass and pressure fit caseback. This design was produced to improve the issue at the time of protecting the movement from the elements in square and rectangular cases. Housed inside the substantial 22x40mm case is Wittnauers own manual wind, lever escapement caliber 7TN , fully serviced by us and running strongly. We've paired the watch on a Dark Brown 17mm leather strap, which we feel is in keeping with the age and style of the watch, but it looks great on black too.

Extra Points

In 1872 at just sixteen years old, Albert Wittnauer moved from Switzerland to New York to work for his brother-in-law, Eugene Roberts. Eugene ran a watch importing business that was focused on high-end pieces such as Vacheron & Constantin and Jaeger LeCoultre. Albert had a vision of creating his own watch brand that would suit the American market: his idea was to create an affordable Swiss watch that was still of high quality but at a lower price. In 1880 the first Wittnauer watches were being made. In that same year, F. Eugene Roberts & Co became the exclusive seller for Longines in America, this partnership would last nearly 125 years. In 1890 Eugene honored Albert by naming his new venture "A. Wittnauer Company". The business was an instant success and attracted watchmakers from around the world to join them such as Ferdinand Haschka who became the head watchmaker for Tiffany & Co and Charles Johns who created a perpetual calendar chronometer that was shown to the world at the 1939 World's fair. Sadly by 1916, the brothers had passed away and the company was left to their sister Martha. She became the first woman C.E.O of a watch company in America. She had no prior experience but still led the company for 20 years.

In 1936 A. Wittnauer was sold to Hella Deltah, who was a pearl manufacturer. Building upon the long partnership and history with Longines, the company was renamed Longines-Wittnauer. In 1994 Longines-Wittnauer was bought by SMH who later became the Swatch Group. SMH soon took over the distribution of Longines in the US, and the 125-year association with Wittnauer was over. Renamed Wittnauer International Inc., they now refocused to build upon the Wittnauer name. Composite Resources LLC outbid Movado and Bulova to buy Wittnauer for $28 million. This was not to last as in the first year the company made a loss of $5 million. In just 4 years the company had trade debts of over $24 million, it was then that Bulova bought them for $11.6 million. Bulova launched the “Nightlife” range of fashion watches under the Wittnauer brand.

This watch comes fully serviced by our on-site workshop and with a 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.

For a watch of this age, we would recommended that it is considered for occasional use, once or twice a week. This is largely because watches of this age weren't built to deal with modern life. This particular piece does have a degree of dust proofing, But can become magnetized if exposed to a strong electrical current. Please do try and keep the watch away from magnets such as computers, phones, speakers etc. These modern gadgets were of course not around in the 1940s.

What we think

A real piece of history when the challenge was to waterproof a 4 sided watch case. Round watches being an easier task watch companies patented various designs with mixed results. Only a few made them in solid steel and with such a fantastic design. A alarger piece for buyers used to a biiger modern watch . A comfortable fit on the wrist, a 1940 style must wristwatch is perfect for him or her. A must have in any collection especially for the 'all about the lugs' collector. We actually performed some Research on the Original owner "Arthur L Tucker" Finding some details via his local Church who he and his family were part of. Looking like he came home from Battle in WW2 and maybe rewarded himself with this fantastic piece. We tried to make contact with the family but unfortunately received no response.

Spec Stuff

Movement : Manual Wind Wittnauer 7TN, 15 Jewels,
Age : 1941/1950
Specific Age : 1940s
Case Size : 40mm X 22.5MM
Case Thickness : 10mm
Lug to Lug : 40mm
Lugs : 17mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : No
Case Material : Solid steel unique hermetic design
Service History : Our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty

Wittnauer

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Antique Watch Co Ltd 19 Clerkenwell Road, London, EC1M 5RD (Appointment Only)

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Antique Watch Co Ltd
19 Clerkenwell Road,
London, EC1M 5RD (Appointment Only)