
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Wittnauer Professional Chrono-Date (Ref. 5009) 'Valjoux Cal. 7724', 1970s
- Maker / attribution
- Wittnauer (maker)
- Date
- 1970s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Unrecorded in source
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- WITTCD5009
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (WITTCD5009)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1970s Wittnauer Professional Chrono-Date (Ref. 5009) 'Valjoux Cal. 7724' (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number WITTCD5009), this is a wristwatch by Wittnauer, dated 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. 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
While Wittnauer may not be one of the more commonly known watch brands, it certainly has the history to rival just about any out there. Founded in 1885 in New York by Swiss immigrant Albert Wittnauer, the eponymous company set out to craft timepieces that were designed for exploration and adventure, especially in aviation and sea navigation. In fact, Neil Armstrong wore a Wittnauer for the Gemini 8 mission. It’s no wonder, then, that Vintage Wittnauer chronographs have been growing in popularity among vintage collectors lately. This great example is definitely a head-turner, featuring several key elements that make it highly desirable. From the crisp cushion-shaped case, "Paul Newman" - like sub-dials, and red accents, this ref. 5009 Chrono-Date is true beauty. SPECS Stock # WITTCD5009 Brand Wittnauer Style Chrono-Date Model 5009 Serial N/A Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Grey / Black Millimeters 37 Bracelet Wittnauer Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The sunburst-finished cushion case retains crisp finishing and bevels throughout with light signs of honest use present. The case retains its original pump pushers and unsigned crown. The case back shows minimal wear with its "stainless steel" engraving remaining deep and crisp. The original Wittnauer bracelet retains 20 links that show minimal stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/2-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The original grey dial with black sub-dials is in exceptional vintage condition, showing no damage or notable age. The sub-dials are reminiscent of the same typeface used in the Rolex "Paul Newman Daytona", and show some very minor tonal marks. The original tritium hands have aged to a tasteful creamy patina. The red chronograph and date add a welcomed pop of color to complete the watch. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
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.
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