Wittnauer - Revue Caliber 76/1 - No reserve price - 434581 - Men - 1950-1959

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This mid-century Wittnauer presents a captivating study in vintage aging, distinguished by its incredibly expressive sculptural fancy lugs and a dial that has developed a profound, heavy patina over decades of existence. Crafted during an era when case design was paramount, this timepiece combines a modest, classical profile with flamboyant lug architecture, making it a compelling piece for collectors who value untouched, highly characterful vintage aesthetics over modern restoration. Brand: Wittnauer Reference Number: 434581 Movement: Manual Wind, Revue Caliber 76/1, 17 Jewels Dial: Heavily patinated silvered dial with widespread stardust spotting, applied gold-tone Arabic and dart indices, and a recessed guilloché sub-seconds register Case Size: 30 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 10K Gold Filled with Stainless Steel Caseback Production Year: 1950s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and pronounced dial patina Dial and Hands The dial of this Wittnauer is defined by its extensive and visually striking age-related patina. Originally a silvered finish, the surface is now covered in a dense, widespread stardust spotting and localized moisture marks that firmly anchor the watch in its mid-century origins. Applied gold-tone Arabic numerals are positioned at the primary hours of twelve, three, six, and nine, interspersed with faceted gold-tone dart indices. A recessed sub-seconds dial occupies the six o'clock position, featuring a crisp concentric circular guilloché texture known as azurage, which remains well-defined despite the surrounding patina. The printed black minute track and the central Wittnauer signature show expected signs of age-related print degradation and fading. The gold-tone stick hands, along with the simple baton sub-seconds hand, exhibit heavy oxidation and surface spotting, perfectly matching the deep vintage character of the dial. Case and Crystal The 30 mm case is crafted from 10K gold-filled material and is immediately notable for its dramatic, sculptural teardrop fancy lugs, which add significant visual presence to the otherwise modest case dimensions. The case exhibits honest signs of wear throughout, including surface scratches, softening of the lug facets, and minor areas of brassing on the high contact points and the ribbed winding crown. The transition from the gold-filled midcase to the brushed stainless steel snap-on caseback is clean, with the caseback displaying typical light surface marks from decades of wear. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that remains largely clear, showing only minor, age-appropriate surface wear that does not obstruct the view of the patinated dial beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is the manual wind Revue Caliber 76/1, a reliable Swiss movement marked with the AXA import code on the balance bridge, indicating its official importation to the United States. The movement is signed by the Wittnauer Watch Co. and features seventeen jewels. Visual inspection reveals a well-preserved mechanical landscape with minor age spots and honest oxidation on the bridges and plates, consistent with the overall vintage condition of the watch. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. Timegrapher results show a performance of +50 to +55 s/d. Strap The watch is paired with a vintage-style black textured leather strap featuring a prominent faux-reptilian scale pattern. The strap is accented with thick, contrasting yellow-gold stitching that complements the gold-filled case and patinated dial elements, securing to the wrist with a standard gold-tone pin buckle. Condition This Wittnauer is presented in good vintage condition, deliberately preserved to showcase its authentic journey through time. The case displays normal vintage wear with softened edges and surface marks consistent with regular use. The dial and hands are the focal point of the condition report, exhibiting heavy stardust patina, spotting, and oxidation that will strongly appeal to collectors seeking unpolished, historically honest timepieces rather than pristine examples. Dimensions The watch measures 30 mm in diameter excluding the crown. The lug design extends the presence on the wrist, providing a classic, elegant fit typical of mid-century dress watches. Remarks Finding a vintage timepiece that so proudly wears its history is a distinct pleasure. The combination of the highly stylized fancy lugs and the intensely patinated dial creates a unique visual signature that cannot be replicated by modern manufacturing. This Wittnauer stands as a testament to mid-century design bravery and the beautiful, unpredictable ways in which organic materials age over time. History Wittnauer has long held a respected place in American horological history, originally established to import fine Swiss movements and case them for the demanding United States market. Closely associated with Longines for much of its history, Wittnauer built a reputation for offering exceptional quality and striking case designs, often utilizing highly regarded Swiss calibers from makers like Revue. Their mid-century dress watches, particularly those featuring elaborate fancy lugs, represent a golden era of American watch casing and remain highly sought after by vintage enthusiasts today. / Second Vintage SKU: WIT-XXX-0001