Wittnauer 10K GOLD-FILLED (1955)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This exceptional Wittnauer dress watch is a quintessential example of mid-century elegance, defined by its spectacularly preserved condition and architectural "fancy" lugs. As the American partner to Longines, Wittnauer produced timepieces of remarkable quality, and this manual-wind model stands out for its sophisticated design language and pristine presentation. The combination of the sculpted 10k gold-filled case and a radiant, near-flawless silver dial makes this a sophisticated choice for the collector who appreciates the subtle details of the 1950s. Brand: Wittnauer Model: "10K GOLD-FILLED" [Near-mint] Serial Number: 432186 Movement: Caliber 10S Manual Wind Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold indices Case Size: 30 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 10k Gold Filled with Stainless Steel Back Production Year: 1955 Condition: Near-mint vintage condition. Timegrapher results show a variance of +10 to +17 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement running well within vintage tolerances. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in remarkable condition, presenting a near-mint finish that is rare for a watch of this vintage. It features applied gold-tone Arabic numerals at the cardinal points and dagger-style hour markers, all of which retain their original luster. The gold-tone dauphine hands are crisp and free of corrosion, complementing the sunken subsidiary seconds register at the 6 o'clock position. The "Wittnauer" and "Swiss" prints are sharp and completely intact. Case and Crystal The case is a highlight of this timepiece, characterized by its ornate, sculpted "horn" style lugs that add significant visual flair to the classic round profile. The bezel and lugs are finished in 10k gold fill, which remains in excellent condition with no signs of brassing or heavy wear. The snap-back caseback is stainless steel with a brushed finish, clearly stamped with "Stainless Back." The crystal is clear and free of deep scratches, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering the watch is the Wittnauer Caliber 10S, a reliable 17-jewel manual wind movement signed with the Wittnauer import code "AXA." The movement is clean and aesthetically pleasing. Timegrapher results show a variance of +10 to +17 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement running well within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a vintage-style dark brown lizard-grain leather strap that complements the gold tones of the case perfectly. It features a matching gold-tone buckle and is in excellent, ready-to-wear condition. Condition This timepiece is assessed as being in near-mint condition. The preservation of the dial is outstanding, and the case retains its definitive lines and gold plating without the wear often seen on gold-filled watches of this era. It presents as a carefully cherished dress watch that has seen very little use over the decades. Dimensions The case measures 30 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size for men's dress watches of the 1950s or a perfect unisex vintage size for a modern wrist. The lug shape gives it a slightly larger presence on the wrist than the dimensions suggest. Remarks This Wittnauer represents the high point of 1950s dress watch design, where case architecture was just as important as the dial. The "fancy lugs" set it apart from standard round watches, turning it into a piece of wrist art. Finding an example with a dial strictly comparable to this one is becoming increasingly difficult for collectors. History Wittnauer was established in New York in 1885 by Albert Wittnauer, a Swiss immigrant who saw a need for high-quality Swiss watches tailored to the American market. The brand became famous for its long-standing relationship with Longines, acting as their exclusive distributor and partner in the United States. During the mid-20th century, Wittnauer was renowned for producing watches that offered exceptional style and Swiss mechanical reliability, often sharing component quality with their Longines counterparts. /Second Vintage SKU: WIT-WXX-0003