Wittnauer 242T Chronograph

Why We Love It

The Wittnauer 242T is a workhorse of a watch that we just can’t get enough of. It has it all: robust hand-cranked movement (the Valjoux 72) and killer looks. Although similar in size and looks to the Omega Speedmaster, the 242T has enough going for it to make it special.

For starters, there’s that dial. Sure, we hear you saying to yourself, what’s so special about a black dial on a chronograph? To which we answer, the chapter ring. It has a scale in decimal time, which breaks a 24-hour day into 10 decimal hours consisting of 100 decimal minutes, comprised of 100 decimal seconds. This feature was useful in aviation, and is fairly rare in chronographs, making the 242T unique.

This particular 242T boasts a strong case with sharp lugs. The dial features rich patina to the luminescent elements. Treated to a recent service, it is ready to count down the days as your daily companion—whether in decimal time or regular time.

The Story

As watches go, the 242T has story and lineage and charm. It deserves to rank along the Rolex Daytona and Omega Speedmaster as one of the great sporting chronographs of the 1960s. Like those watches, the 242T was designed to be a sportsman’s companion—on any day, in any sport, at any time.

Also, like the Speedmaster, the 242T was most likely submitted to NASA for the Qualification Test Procedures. Several of the great watch manufactures—Omega, Bulova, Wittnauer, Rolex, to name a few—submitted watches for consideration in the Apollo space program. They were subjected to rigorous trials that pushed the watches to the very limit of their endurance.

Of course, the Speedmaster eventually won out, but Wittnauer touted its participation in the trials in advertising campaigns, securing it a place on collectors’ must-have lists.

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.