Wittnauer Professional Chronograph

In the 1960s and 70s sporty chronographs were all the rage. The popularity of sports like race car driving and sailing meant that watch manufactures were churning out sporty chronographs, many of which followed the templates set by the Omega Speedmaster or Heuer Carrera, with large, sturdy steel cases and streamlined dials.

As the decade wore on, many other brands capitalized on the success of these watches by releasing versions of their own, capturing the spirit of 1960s design with a unique flair.

Though an old brand with a long-established lineage in aviation, it was during this period that Wittnauer truly flourished.

With its cherry red bezel, the particular Reference 7004A is perhaps their most easily recognizable chronograph. The large stainless steel case, capped by the bright rotating bezel, and the oversized "lollipop" chronograph hand is unmistakable and hard to miss. This particular example is in outstanding condition throughout, featuring a rich even patination across the Tritium elements, sharply defined lugs, and a superb and rarely seen multi-link bracelet with signed clasp.

Large without being bulky, stylish without being flashy, in our opinion the 7004A ranks among some of the finest chronographs of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

They are indicative of a time and place when watches were more than just accessories, but indispensable tools that you wouldn’t leave home without.

We’re sure you wouldn’t want to either.

From its inception in the 1880s, Wittnauer gained a reputation for its excellent complicated watches. Aviators like Amelia Earhart piloted their planes with instruments made by Wittnauer. Daredevil aviator Jimmy Mattern wore a Wittnauer AllProof in his attempted flight around the world in 1933. During the Second World War, the firm produced compasses for the U.S. military. And for decades, Wittnauer was inextricably tied with Longines — indeed, many of both brands’ wares from the mid-20th century are signed “Longines-Wittnauer Watch Co.”
In the 1950s and ‘60s, the brand produced exceptional chronographs at a more competitive price point than its Swiss contemporaries. Products such as the reference 3256, which used the affordable Venus caliber 188, are today relatively plentiful, and handsome to boot. Slightly more high-end pieces such as the reference 7004A featured unique elements like thick sword hands, a lollipop seconds hand, and a red count-up bezel. And the 242T Professional is well known to fans of the Space Race — supposedly submitted for trials in the 1960s against the likes of the Rolex Daytona and others, it may have very nearly beat out the Speedmaster to the Moon.
But like so many watch brands, Wittnauer folded in the face of budget crises in the mid-1980s, causing Longines to dissolve its relationship with the company. Despite this, vintage Wittnauer watches remain a testament to the company’s ingenuity and elegance, while some of their more unique pieces — like the Wittnauer 2000 mechanical calendar watch and their Super Compressor dive watch — can be had at relatively affordable prices.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.