Wittnauer 'Braille' Watch, Satin Silver 'Touchable' Dial

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

Wittnauer began in New York in 1885, when Swiss immigrant Albert Wittnauer established a company dedicated to importing finely made Swiss watches for the American market. Rather than competing on volume, Wittnauer built its reputation on precision and practicality, cultivating close relationships with Swiss manufacturers while supplying dependable timepieces to professionals, explorers, and aviators. By the early twentieth century, the brand had become synonymous with robust Swiss craftsmanship tailored to American tastes. The brand passed through several corporate owners in the decades that followed, eventually becoming part of Bulova in 2001, closing the chapter on one of America's most respected names in Swiss watchmaking while leaving behind a remarkably diverse and often under-appreciated legacy. The piece that we have here is an incredibly interesting timepiece designed to be read in two ways. Of course, at a glance, you can tell the time. Push the button set within the stylized-crown, and it releases the hinged bezel assembly and crystal — exposing the dial and handset to the elements. Now, a person without sight, is able to literally feel the time. By opening the dial to the elements, this goes against virtually everything that manufactures were innovating to avoid. Of course this piece was designed specifically for this. Functionality aside, this is a pretty watch. It dates to circa the 1950s and features a 34mm stainless steel case with nice substantial lugs, the aforementioned stylized push-button crown, and a manual-winding movement. The dial is an attractive satin silver with 'raised' indices on the outside, printed black 'Arabic' numerals, and a black 'spade' handset. As it pertains to vintage collecting, this checks a heck of a lot of boxes; A niche, respected brand, attractive looks, strong condition, and a very interesting story.