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Wyler Lifeguard Dynawind (Ref. 3401/M-1162) "Gold Plated", 1970s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Wyler Lifeguard Dynawind (Ref. 3401/M-1162) "Gold Plated", 1970s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Unrecorded in source
Date
1970s
Country of origin
Unrecorded in source
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
gold
Stock no.
WLRDW3401M1162
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (WLRDW3401M1162)
Catalogue title (original)
1970s Wyler Lifeguard Dynawind (Ref. 3401/M-1162) "Gold Plated" (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number WLRDW3401M1162), this is a wristwatch, dated 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold. 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

In 1924, Paul Wyler founded the Wyler Watch Company in Basel, Switzerland. Wyler began to create his first 16 and 19-line precision movements in 1923. What was so special about his watches was the Incaflex balance wheel, which was rather innovative at the time. The Incaflex balance wheel is shielded along its diameter by curved, elastic arms, which were designed to absorb shocks to the balance wheel as a means of protection. In addition to producing his own calibers, Paul also modified the movements of other major producers, then sold these improved movements to other watch companies. In 1956, the already respected Wyler name gained some serious public notoriety when they intentionally dropped two of their watches off of the Eiffel Tower. The watch world and consumers alike marveled at the watches which continued to function after the drop. SPECS Stock # WLRDW3401M1162 Brand Wyler Style Lifeguard Dynawind Model 3401/M-1162 Serial N/A Size Men's Material Gold Plated Dial Silver Millimeters 34 Bracelet 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The unpolished yellow gold-plated case is in exceptionally well-preserved and unpolished condition. The fluted bezel is crisp with almost no signs of use. The case retains its original Wyler signed crown at the 4 o'clock position. The steel-capped case back is unpolished as well. DIAL & HANDS The silver sunburst dial is in flawless condition, showing no age or damage. The tritium lume plots have achieved a lovely golden patina with no degradation present under U.V. light inspection. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and exhibit no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. ACCESSORIES

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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