Wittnauer Caliber 76/3 831 (1950-1959)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A classic mid-century Wittnauer dress watch featuring a beautifully textured dial and elegant flared lugs. This striking timepiece highlights the distinctive geometry and intricate dial finishing that defined post-war horology, offering collectors an honest example with significant visual character. Brand: Wittnauer Reference Number: 831 Serial Number: 454303 Movement: Manual wind caliber 76/3 REVUE, 17 jewels Dial: Two-tone with a textured wave-pattern outer track and patinated smooth center Case Size: 26mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 10k gold-filled bezel, stainless steel back Production Year: 1950s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -55-60s/day, running in operational condition. Dial and Hands The two-tone dial is defined by a highly detailed, textured wave-pattern outer track that frames a smooth center section. Applied gold-tone Arabic numerals and dart indices mark the hours, while a sub-seconds dial at six o'clock features concentric snailing. The smooth center section exhibits heavy, uniform spotting and patina, creating a distinct vintage character. Despite this heavy aging, the dial print remains fully legible. The gold-tone stick hands and matching sub-seconds hand show surface oxidation and spotting, aging consistently alongside the dial. Case and Crystal The rectangular case is distinguished by its sweeping, flared lugs, presenting well-preserved geometry and an elegant profile on the wrist. The 10k gold-filled bezel is integrated into the case design and shows light surface scratches along with minor wear on the lug edges. The stainless steel caseback remains clean with clear exterior engravings, while the interior is fully signed and stamped. On the right side, an unsigned knurled crown is fitted, with its gold-tone finish showing some visible wear. The domed acrylic crystal follows the curved rectangular profile of the case, displaying light surface scratches visible under direct light but free of any major cracks or chips. Movement Powering the watch is a 17-jewel manual wind movement based on the caliber 76/3 Revue. The plates and bridges are generally clean, featuring crisp and clear engravings that read "WITTNAUER INC WATCH CO", "SEVENTEEN 17 JEWELS", "UNADJUSTED", "76/3 REVUE", "AXA", and "SWISS". Some light scratches and marks are visible on the winding wheels. -55-60s/day. Running in operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the watch. Strap The watch is fitted with a brown leather strap featuring a faux crocodile pattern. The strap is presented in good condition and shows light wear. Condition Good vintage condition. The watch presents honest vintage wear while retaining well-preserved overall geometry. The dial and hands exhibit heavy, uniform patina, spotting, and surface oxidation. The 10k gold-filled bezel and lug edges show minor wear and light surface scratches consistent with age. The domed acrylic crystal displays light surface scratches under direct light. The stainless steel caseback remains remarkably clean. Dimensions The case measures 26mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Wittnauer offers a highly appealing combination of a textured wave-pattern dial and a sharply styled rectangular case with flared lugs. Driven by a reliable Revue-based manual wind caliber, it is an honest and character-rich example of mid-century watchmaking. History Wittnauer holds a respected place in mid-century American horology, frequently collaborating with prominent Swiss manufacturers to import high-quality movements for the domestic market. During the 1950s, the brand produced a wide variety of elegantly styled dress watches, often utilizing reliable calibers from makers like Revue. These timepieces are appreciated today for their imaginative case shapes, intricate dial textures, and dependable mechanical foundations. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination. Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age. We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description. The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use. If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: WIT-HKG-0001