Wittnauer Breguet Dial Calatrava

At analog/shift, we believe that style is in execution, not accouterments; understatement versus overreach.

It is this definition of style that so often thrills us about vintage watches of the post-war era.  In the years following the Second World War,  major watch manufactures were dusting themselves off and beginning to reposition themselves for a new global market, transitioning away from the fulfillment of defense contracts and back to designing and building elegant timepieces for general consumption and civilian use.  

But the war left it's mark.  

The precious metals and ornate Art Deco styling of the pre-war years gave way to simpler, more industrial executions that echoed the soldier's and pilot's watches that were built during the conflict.  The result was a gorgeous new expression that melded simple, industrial production with understated dial and hand designs.  

This Wittnauer Calatrava-style watch is a perfect example of the post-war design language we so admire.  With a svelte 32.5mm stainless steel machined case, it immediately conjures visions of the spartan military watches produced by both sides throughout the War.  But the silver dial, now patinated to a gorgeous champagne color, is brilliantly embellished with Breguet numerals and a simple chapter ring track, instantly bringing a touch of elegance to an otherwise function-forward timepiece .  At 6:00 rests a simple subsidiary seconds register and printed alongside the applied numerals is a secondary marker, denoting 24-Hour time, again reminiscent of the military watches produced en masse only a few years before.       

Don't let its small size fool you - this beautiful Wittnauer is an elegant piece of horological history, resonates with a perfect understated style that suits the thoughtful, fashionable gentleman of today just as well as it did in the late 1940s.  Truly, truly beautiful!

For a great history on Wittnauer, head on over to Timepiece Chronicle, HERE.

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.