Wittnauer 'Art Deco' 103851 (1950-1959)

Présenté aux enchères par Second Vintage This exceptional mid-century Wittnauer captures the golden era of imaginative watch design, characterized by its dramatic sculpted case and an incredibly charismatic aging process. Vintage dress watches from this period were designed with an emphasis on elegance and architectural flair, and this piece perfectly exemplifies that ethos with its expressive flared lugs. What truly sets this specific timepiece apart is the breathtaking, natural stardust patina that has developed across the dial, offering a unique, one-of-a-kind aesthetic that vintage collectors highly prize. Coupled with a robust Swiss manual-wind movement, it is a wearable piece of horological history. Brand: Wittnauer Serial Number: 103851 Movement: Manual wind, 17 Jewels, Caliber Revue 73/1 Dial: Heavily patinated stardust dial with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals and faceted dart indices Case Size: 26 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 10K Gold Filled top with Stainless Steel back Production Year: 1950s Condition: Good vintage condition with highly attractive, even dial patina and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dial presents a remarkable, heavy stardust patina that has aged evenly across the entire surface, transforming the original finish into a textured, golden-flecked canvas. Applied gold-tone Arabic numerals are prominently positioned at the twelve, two, four, eight, and ten o'clock positions, interspersed with sharply faceted gold-tone dart indices that catch the light beautifully. The classic serif Wittnauer typography remains crisp and fully legible beneath the vintage spotting, indicating that the dial has aged naturally without aggressive moisture intrusion. A neatly recessed sub-seconds dial sits at the six o'clock position, featuring a minimalist crosshair track and a delicate sweeping hand. Time is indicated by an elegant set of gold-tone alpha hands that show gentle, age-appropriate oxidation, perfectly matching the overall aesthetic of this mid-century timepiece. Case and Crystal The twenty-six millimeter case showcases quintessential mid-century design with its dramatic, sculpted flared lugs that give the watch a much larger and more prominent presence on the wrist than its dimensions might suggest. The case is constructed with a ten karat gold-filled top and a robust stainless steel caseback, a common and practical configuration for the era designed to resist wear against the skin. The gold-filled surfaces display honest signs of wear, with light surface scratches and a gentle softening of the lug edges consistent with decades of careful use, yet the complex geometry of the case remains entirely intact. The fluted crown provides excellent grip for daily winding and sets the time smoothly. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, showing a clear, warm profile with minimal surface wear, allowing an unobstructed view of the magnificent dial texture. The caseback is clearly stamped with the Wittnauer New York, Geneva, Montreal signature alongside the case serial number. Movement Inside the case beats the reliable Wittnauer manual wind caliber, based on the highly regarded Revue 73/1 movement architecture. The bridges are beautifully finished and clearly stamped with the AXA import code, indicating its intended destination for the American market. The seventeen jewel, unadjusted Swiss movement is visually clean and well-preserved, with the gilt engravings standing out sharply against the brushed plates. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher result is +10 to +15 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a versatile, period correct brown leather strap featuring contrasting white edge stitching. The supple leather conforms comfortably to the wrist and is secured with a classic gold-tone pin buckle that complements the warm tones of the gold-filled case perfectly. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The case exhibits normal vintage wear and moderate handling marks, retaining its distinctive architectural shape without deep gouges or significant plating loss. The dial is the standout feature, displaying a heavy, even stardust patina that collectors actively seek for its unique character, free from localized damage, print loss, or unsightly stains. The hands and applied markers remain excellently preserved, contributing to a highly attractive and cohesive overall presentation. Dimensions The watch measures 26 mm in diameter excluding the crown. Remarks This Wittnauer is a superb example of post-war watchmaking, combining an expressive, jewelry-like case design with an incredibly charismatic dial. The unique, heavy patina and reliable Revue-based movement make it a compelling addition to any vintage collection, offering a distinct mid-century aesthetic that cannot be replicated by modern timepieces. It is an excellent choice for the collector who values character, warmth, and authentic aging. History Founded in the late nineteenth century by Swiss immigrant Albert Wittnauer, the Wittnauer Watch Company quickly established itself as a premier importer of fine Swiss movements for the American market. Often closely associated with Longines, Wittnauer built a formidable reputation for providing highly accurate and durable timepieces, frequently chosen by aviators, explorers, and the military for their exacting standards. During the mid-twentieth century, the brand produced some of its most creative and enduring designs, utilizing high-quality imported calibers from esteemed makers like Revue to power their stylish, uniquely cased dress watches. These mid-century pieces remain a testament to Wittnauer's ability to blend reliable Swiss engineering with bold American design sensibilities. / Second Vintage SKU: WIT-WXX-0004