
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Wittnauer Chronograph Ref. 3256, 1955
- Maker / attribution
- Wittnauer (maker)
- Date
- 1955
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Unrecorded in source
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 35 mm
- Stock no.
- WITPRCH3256
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (WITPRCH3256)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1955 Wittnauer Chronograph Ref. 3256 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number WITPRCH3256), this is a wristwatch by Wittnauer, dated 1955. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 35 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Craft & Tailored
This Circa 1955 Wittnauer Chronograph Ref. 3256 contains all of the key elements you would want in a chronograph of the late 1950's to early 1960's... The first thing that stands out is the lugs on the case. The case is in original and unpolished condition with unique geometric beveled lugs that are specific to this reference of Wittnauer. The white dial has aged and taken on a wonderful warm creamy patina and the blue tachymeter and red telemetre at the edge of the dial add to the character and charm of this timepiece. The two subdials at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions provide a sophisticated and sporty look. The blued Chrono hand and subdial hands are eye catching and the original lume filled minute and hour hands have also achieved an excellent patina that matches the overall feel and presence of this piece. The manual winding Venus cal. 188 movement just received a complete overhaul and winds flawlessly while the chronograph clicks in and out of function perfectly with refreshing snap back upon reset. Stock # WITPRCH3256 Brand Wittnauer Style Chronograph Professional Model Ref. 3256 Serial N/A Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial White/ Cream Millimeters 35mm "excluding crown" Bracelet 18mm C&T "Rough Out" Suede Strap CASE & BRACELET The case of this circa 1955Wittnauerr Chronograph Ref. 3256 is in original and unpolished condition. The unique and eye catching geometric beveling on the lugs are present and the overall patina on the case itself is very minimal from normal wear. The watch will be supplied on an 18mm Craft & Tailored "Rough Out" suede strap. DIAL & HANDS The white dial has aged and taken on a wonderfully warm and creamy patina. There is some spotting and crazing on the dial which can be seen clearly in the photographs. The blue tachymeter and red telemetre add to the character and charm of this specific examples dial. The two subdials at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions provide a sophisticated and sporty look and are very visible on the white dial. The blued Chrono hand and subdial hands are eye catching and the original lume filled minute and hour hands have also achieved an excellent patina that matches the overall feel and presence of this piece. ACCESSORIES
Historical context
Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.
The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking
Atlas type guide
Chronographs and split-seconds watches
A chronograph is a watch with an additional seconds hand that can be started, stopped and returned to zero independently of the timekeeping. Louis Moinet built an early example in 1816 and Nicolas Rieussec a recording 'chronographe' in 1821; Adolphe Nicole's heart-shaped reset cam (patented 1862) made the modern return-to-zero possible. Split-seconds (rattrapante) chronographs add a second hand that can be stopped for intermediate times; flyback chronographs restart instantly.
Chronographs were essential tools for doctors (pulsometer scales), artillery (telemeter), engineers and sport. In wristwatches, Valjoux, Venus, Lemania and later the automatic chronographs of 1969 (Zenith El Primero, the Chronomatic Calibre 11 group and Seiko 6139) are milestones.
What to look for
- Push-pieces on the case band or a single button in the crown (monopusher).
- Subsidiary registers for minutes and hours; tachymeter, telemeter or pulsometer scales.
- Column wheel versus cam control visible in the movement.
- Calibre markings of specialist makers (Valjoux, Lemania, Venus, Landeron).
Dating clues
- Pocket chronographs with heart cam reset: after 1862.
- Wrist chronographs: from c. 1910; two-button designs from the 1930s.
- Automatic chronographs: from 1969.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
Read next:Flyback chronographChronograph
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