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.

CASE & BRACELET

The beautiful case is exceptionally well-preserved, with multi-angle lugs that are believed to remain unpolished and exhibit only light signs of honest use. The case retains its original pump pushers and Wittnauer signed crown. The case back is also in excellent condition showing no major signs of use.

DIAL & HANDS

The original and colorful silver dial is in near flawless condition, with the only elements of age being nominal and not noticeable to the naked eye. The tritium lume plots have achieved a gorgeous golden patina and exhibit no 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 

The watch comes complete with its original inner and outer boxes, the original guarantee, and pamphlet. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.