Wittnauer Electro-Chron (Ref. 6150/2), 1960s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

While Wittnauer may not be one of the most commonly known watch brands, it certainly has a history to rival just about any other out there. Founded in 1885 in New York by Swiss immigrant Albert Wittnauer, the eponymous company set out to craft timepieces designed for exploration and adventure, especially in aviation and sea navigation. In fact, none other than Neil Armstrong wore a Wittnauer when he took part in the Gemini 8 mission. The brand's adventurous spirit also led to some very interesting explorations in the watches themselves as well. Take, for example, this Electro-Chron, which is powered by the very first Swiss-made electric movement – a Landeron masterpiece that eschewed magnets in favor of using the electric impulses produced by the contact wires interacting with the steel balance plate. It's a work of art that got close to quartz-level accuracy almost a decade before the quartz crisis. On top of that, it's just a damn classic, good looking watch with the added panache of that crazy handset, which lets you know you're using something just a little left of the dial to tell you what time it is. Oh, and if you're a baseball fan, the Electro-Chron has an especially interesting tie-in - in the early '60s, retired players from the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees were presented with their own models in commemoration of their playing years, including one Joe DiMaggio. Stock # WITEC61502 Brand Wittnauer Style Electro-Chron Model 6150/2 Serial N/A Size Men's Material Chrome W/ Stainless Steel Back Dial Silver Millimeters 35.5 Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The chrome plate brass case has been gently polished in the past, and is in exceptional condition with crisp lugs and sharp angles throughout. The case retains its original Wittnauer-signed cross-hatch crown. The case back is also in excellent condition showing no major signs of use. The watch is supplied on a two-piece leather strap. DIAL & HANDS The original and charmingly warm silver dial is in genuinely great condition, showing no damage, with the only elements of age being a slight darkening of its hue. The incredible handset is the real star here, though, featuring lightning bolts on both the minutes and seconds hands, with an eccentric round hour hand to complete the set. ACCESSORIES