Wittnauer - Caliber 11 ES - No reserve price - 4424008 - Men - 1950-1959

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A beautifully preserved mid-century Wittnauer showcasing the elegant design language of the era. This classic timepiece features a striking silver sunburst dial accented by warm gold-tone numerals and a distinctive red-tipped sweeping seconds hand, offering a refined yet characterful presence on the wrist. The watch represents a superb example of mid-century Swiss watchmaking tailored for the American market, combining reliable mechanics with enduring style. Brand: Wittnauer Serial Number: 4424008 Movement: Manual Wind Caliber 11 ES Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied gold-tone indices, presenting in excellent, clean vintage condition with minimal aging Case Size: 32 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1950s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial is a standout feature of this timepiece, presenting a brilliant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. The typography features a crisp, black sans-serif "WITTNAUER" and "15 JEWELS" printed below the twelve o'clock position, with "SWISS" neatly positioned at the bottom edge. The dial furniture consists of elegant, applied gold-tone Arabic numerals at the even hours, interspersed with faceted dart indices for the odd hours. Time is indicated by a set of classic gold-tone dauphine hands, complemented by a sweeping center seconds hand that culminates in a vibrant red arrow tip. Carefully assessing the dial condition reveals an exceptionally clean surface, showing only the faintest, most attractive signs of age-consistent patina. There are no visible moisture marks, heavy spotting, surface damage, or print loss, making this a highly appealing and well-preserved vintage face. Case and Crystal The 32 mm stainless steel case features a smooth, polished bezel and elegantly tapered lugs that sit comfortably on the wrist. The watch is fitted with a classic domed acrylic crystal that remains clear and free of major visual obstructions. The caseback is a sturdy screw-down design with distinct notches, clearly stamped with the serial number 4424008 on the exterior. The interior of the caseback bears the correct Wittnauer Watch Co. Inc. and Swiss stainless steel signatures. The case remains in excellent vintage condition, exhibiting honest, light handling marks consistent with careful wear over the decades. The transition between the polished surfaces and the case flanks retains good definition, without any signs of heavy or careless over-polishing. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Wittnauer manual wind caliber 11 ES, a reliable 15-jewel Swiss movement. The movement plates are cleanly finished and clearly stamped with "WITTNAUER WATCH CO INC", "FIFTEEN 15 JEWELS", and the "AXA" import code, confirming its authentic heritage for the American market. The movement presents very cleanly, with bright components and intact screw heads visible throughout the architecture. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +29s to +35s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period correct black textured leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap is secured with a classic stainless steel pin buckle, perfectly complementing the mid-century aesthetic of the dial and case while providing a comfortable fit on the wrist. Condition This Wittnauer is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is remarkably clean and well-preserved, serving as the visual highlight of the watch. The stainless steel case shows normal, honest vintage wear with light superficial marks, maintaining its original structural integrity and charm. The movement is operational and visually bright, making this a highly collectible and wearable piece. Dimensions Case Size: 32 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This charming Wittnauer perfectly captures the sophisticated yet accessible aesthetic of mid-century horology. The combination of the radiant sunburst dial, applied gold-tone markers, and the playful touch of the red-tipped seconds hand makes this a versatile and attractive piece. It is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a well-preserved vintage dress watch with true character. History Wittnauer possesses a rich and fascinating history dating back to 1880, established by Albert Wittnauer to import high-quality Swiss movements into the growing American market. Closely associated with Longines for much of its history, Wittnauer built a formidable reputation for producing durable, precise, and elegantly designed timepieces that were favored by navigators, explorers, and the general public alike. This particular model exemplifies the brand's commitment to delivering reliable timekeeping wrapped in the timeless, sophisticated design language of the mid-20th century. / Second Vintage SKU: WIT-WXX-0005