Wittnauer - Art Deco - No reserve price - 51089 - Men - 1900-1949

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Wittnauer represents the quintessential charm of the 1940s Art Deco period, combining architectural case design with a character-rich dial. With its sculpted "fancy" lugs and compact rectangular profile, this timepiece offers a sophisticated presence on the wrist that modern watches simply cannot replicate. It stands as a testament to Wittnauer’s close relationship with Longines during this era, offering exceptional Swiss quality and enduring style. Brand: Wittnauer Model: Art Deco Reference Number: 51089 Movement: Manual Wind Caliber 10T Dial: Silvered Art Deco with Patina Case Size: 26 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated and Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1940s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest and attractive aesthetic with visible signs of age that enhance its vintage character. Dial and Hands The dial features a silvered background that has developed a warm, champagne-toned patina and spotting consistent with its age. It displays gold-tone Arabic numerals in a classic Art Deco font which add depth and vintage flair. The layout is anchored by a distinctive square-track subsidiary seconds register at the six o'clock position, a desirable hallmark of the era's design language. The gold-tone hands are original and show oxidation matching the overall vintage appeal. Case and Crystal The rectangular case is defined by its ornate, sculpted lugs which flair outward, giving the watch a substantial architectural look. The bezel is gold-plated, showing evident surface wear, scratches, and brassing on the high points and edges, which is typical for a watch of this vintage. The snap-on caseback is made of stainless steel and is stamped "Anchor Stainless Back" on the interior. The acrylic crystal is domed and clear, presenting well with minimal handling marks. Movement Powering the watch is the Swiss Wittnauer caliber 10T manual wind movement, featuring 15 jewels. The movement bridge is stamped with the "AXA" import code, confirming its Swiss origin for the American market. The mechanism is clean and winding smoothly, currently running within vintage tolerances and offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a distinctive reddish-brown leather strap featuring contrast stitching and a geometric cut-line pattern that complements the Art Deco style of the case. It is secured by a gold-tone pin buckle and is in ready-to-wear condition. Condition This piece is in good vintage condition. The dial shows noticeable but attractive aging and patina that collectors often appreciate in original examples. The case retains its structural integrity with visible plating wear and surface scratches that testify to its history. The movement winds and sets correctly. Dimensions The case measures 26 mm in width excluding the crown and has a lug-to-lug length that provides a classic vintage proportion. It sits comfortably on the wrist, embodying the discreet elegance of mid-century dress watches. Remarks This Wittnauer is a charming example of mid-century design, distinguished specifically by its fancy lugs and the unique square sub-dial track. It captures the elegance of the 1940s and serves as a wonderful entry point into the world of vintage shaped watches. History Wittnauer was established in New York in 1885 by Albert Wittnauer and became known for importing high-grade Swiss movements and casings for the American market. For much of the 20th century, Wittnauer operated as a sister brand to Longines in North America, sharing distribution networks and often utilizing similar high-quality manufacturing standards. Watches from this "golden era" of the 1940s are highly prized today for their distinctive design language and horological integrity. / Second Vintage SKU: WIT-WBX-0001