1950s Wittnauer Textured Dial Automatic Ref. 1611
Ref: 1611

Points of Mention

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Wittnauer box or paperwork. The watch comes paired with a well-suited leather strap. The watch is from Circa. 1960s and is sold in worn, vintage condition and signs of wear and age can be seen throughout. 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 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 in 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.

Here we have a 1950s Wittnauer Ref. 1611 with a 33.5mm stainless steel case. The case curves over your wrist with a lug to lug length of 40mm and a case thickness of 11mm for a comfortable fit. A smooth bezel holds a domed crystal above a black dial. The dial has an attractive radiating textured pattern that catches the light perfectly. Applied gilt art deco style numerals mark the hours. Elegant gilt dauphine hands complemented by a tapered second hand. At 12 o’clock we have “Wittnauer” and at 6 o’clock “Automatic” completes this striking dress watch. On the reverse a snap-off case back. Inside an Automatic Wittnauer Cal. 11 ARG with 17 jewels. The watch comes fitted on a black suede 18mm strap.

Personal Note

This Wittnauer has a truly stunning dial and one that hits way above its price range, the hands have rusted but they are original and still perfectly functional. The case size wears beautifully for him or for her, this is one I'd recommend picking up for your other half and then stealing it when you want a change!