While Wittnauer certainly isn’t one of the commonly known watch brands, it certainly has the history to rival just about any other out there. Founded in 1885 in New York by Swiss immigrant Albert Wittnauer, the eponymous company set out to craft timepieces designed for exploration and adventure, especially in aviation and sea navigation. In fact, Neil Armstrong wore a Wittnauer for the Gemini 8 mission.
The Wittnauer and Longines relationship dates back to the 1800s when Wittnauer became the official US distributor for Longines watches. Then, in the 1950s Longines actually purchased Wittnauer and the two brands worked harmoniously to produce some of the most beautiful wristwatches of the mid-21st century, most notably their chronographs.
The Wittnauer Chronograph ref. 3256 is the perfect representation of the Longines x Wittnauer relationship. A watch that spared no expense with intricate case design and elegant dials. The chronograph is powered by the Wittnauer 14Y movement, which is a modified version of the Landeron cal. 248 movement.
| Stock # | WITT3256-3 | |
| Brand | Wittnauer | |
| Style | Chronograph | |
| Model | 3256 | |
| Serial | N/A | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Silver | |
| Millimeters | 35.5 | |
| Bracelet | Wittnauer "Made in Japan" Bambi Bracelet |
CASE & BRACELET
The exquisitely angled, design-forward case is in exceptional condition and retains crisp lugs that appear to have never been polished and exhibit honest signs of light use. The case retains its original pump pushers and Wittnauer signed crown. The watch retains its original crystal which shows significant crazing and light wear, but no cracking. The case back is also in excellent condition showing no major signs of use. The original Wittnauer "Made in Japan" Bambi bracelet retains 20 links that show expected stretch for the style and age of the bracelet and will fit up to a 7 1/4-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The original and charmingly colorful silver dial is in genuinely great condition, showing no damage, and the only elements of age are nominal and not noticeable to the naked eye. The tritium lume plots have achieved a dark grey patina and show no notable degradation when inspected under U.V. light. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly with no degradation present under U.V. light inspection.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.
