1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
Ref: 3505

1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
1968 Wittnauer Geneve Automatic 3505
Regular price
Sold
Sale price
£395.00
Unit price
per 

Specification

Reference : 3505
Movement : Automatic Wittnauer D11KAS-1
Age : 1961/1970
Specific Age : Circa. 1968
Case Size : 36mm
Case Thickness : 13mm
Lug to Lug :
 40mm
Lugs :
 18mm
Condition :
 Pre-Owned
Box & Papers :
 None
Case Material :
 Stainless Steel
Service History :
 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty

Points of Mention


This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original box or paperwork. The watch comes paired with an aftermarket stainless steel mesh bracelet that suits the watch nicely. The watch is from Circa. 1968 and is in worn, vintage condition, but is overall very good thanks to a professional refinish to the case. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.


The Watch

In 1872 at just sixteen years old, Albert Wittnauer moved from Switzerland to New York to work for his brother-in-law, Eugene Roberts. Eugene ran a watch importing business that was focused on high-end pieces such as Vacheron & Constantin and Jaeger LeCoultre. Albert had a vision of creating his own watch brand that would suit the American market: his idea was to create an affordable Swiss watch that was still of high quality but at a lower price. In 1880 the first Wittnauer watches were being made. In that same year, F. Eugene Roberts & Co became the exclusive seller for Longines in America, this partnership would last nearly 125 years. In 1890 Eugene honoured Albert by naming his new venture "A. Wittnauer Company". The business was an instant success and attracted watchmakers from around the world to join them such as Ferdinand Haschka who became the head watchmaker for Tiffany & Co and Charles Johns who created a perpetual calendar chronometer that was shown to the world at the 1939 World's fair. Sadly by 1916, the brothers had passed away and the company was left to their sister Martha. She became the first woman C.E.O of a watch company in America. She had no prior experience but still led the company for 20 years. 

In 1936 A. Wittnauer was sold to Hella Deltah, who was a pearl manufacturer. Building upon the long partnership and history with Longines, the company was renamed Longines-Wittnauer. In 1994 Longines-Wittnauer was bought by SMH who later became the Swatch Group. SMH soon took over the distribution of Longines in the  US, and the 125-year association with Wittnauer was over. Renamed Wittnauer International Inc., they now refocused to build upon the Wittnauer name. Two years later Composite Resources LLC outbid Movado and Bulova to purchase Wittnauer for $28 million. This was not to last as in the first year the company made a loss of $5 million. In just 4 years the company had trade debts of over $24 million, it was then that Bulova bought them for $11.6 million. Bulova launched the “Nightlife” range of fashion watches under the Wittnauer brand.

This Wittnauer Geneve has a stainless steel cushion case. The brushed and polished surfaces transition towards stubby lugs. The round crystal protects a sunburst silver dial. Applied beveled indexes mark the hours. At 3 o’clock a day/date window. Slim baton hands hit the inner minute track perfectly. On the reverse a screw-down case back. Inside an Automatic Wittnauer D11KAS 17 Jewels, 19,800 beats per hour. This D11KAS movement was a Record Cal. 1955 design which Longine adopted as their Cal. 503. When Longine acquired Record in 1961 through the purchase of shares. Subsequently producing watches with Record Longines as their signature. Finally in 1991 Record ceased production. Fitted on an 18mm mesh stainless steel bracelet.


Personal Note

The moment I saw this case I knew I had to own it, but upon opening it and seeing this lovely automatic caliber I knew it was far better than I initially realised. Wittnauer has always been a sleeper brand in the vintage world, people often don't realise how extensive their history and how great some of their watches truly are. This is exactly one of those examples, take a look at those macros and you'll appreciate how great this little vintage gem is.