Mens MINT 1950s Longines WITTNAUER Fancy Lug 14K SOLID GOLD Vintage Swiss Watch

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Mens MINT 1950s Longines WITTNAUER Fancy Lug 14K SOLID GOLD Vintage Swiss Watch:
$585.00

Founded by Swiss immigrant Albert Wittnauer in New York City, the Wittnauer Watch Company. became a business in 1880, when the brand was “officially” introduced. Albert, along with his brother Louis (and later Emile) imported complete watches or just mechanisms from its Geneva, Switzerland factory. In 1889 the company ran its very first advertisement. Appearing in the twentieth anniversary issue of the Jewelers’ Weekly, the ad notes that the company sold both “plain and complicated” watches, suggesting that it was a source for chronographs and repeating watches.

By the 20th century they were firmly established as providing watches, chronometers and military timing devices to the military, famed early explorers and the general public, and are on record for producing the first waterproof watch called the “All Proof” in 1918. Long associated with the Longines Watch Co. via a US partnership the firm is now owned by Bulova, once a great competitor.

I am happy to offer for sale what’s probably the nicest looking Wittnauer model that I’ve had in the past year– a fancy case men’s “REVUE” model that dates to the early 1950s and is in pristine shape. It is crafted of 14kt Solid Yellow Gold and features great “Tailfin” lugs.

Triple signed for Wittnauer, its case measures 36mm lug tip to lug tip and 24mm in width (including projecting lugs and crown). This works out to be just over 1-3/8 inches long by just shy of 1 inch wide. My trusted watchmaker David has fully serviced its original 17 jewel, “73 Revue” caliber manual wind mechanism, ensuring it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.

The ivory color, enamel finished dial is in excellent shape, the original that’s been professionally restored (re-enameled) to its original status. It features a 60 minute outer track border, raised gold numbers and hour markers, original gold lance-style hands and a recessed seconds dial with ‘sweep’ gold seconds hand. Signed WITTNAUER below the 12 and REVUE above the seconds dial. At the dial’s baes it is signed “SWISS”.

The curved acrylic crystal is excellent and clear. The rectangular form case is 14 Karat Solid Natural Yellow Gold and in flawless shape, truly mint. Note those “Tailfin” fancy lugs – very 50s Retro Modern. The matching (unmarked) gold finished winding crown is in excellent shape as well, operating smoothly.

Turning the watch over I note that the case back is in excellent order, no wear or engravings past or present. It is stamped 14K GOLD. Inside I find a Seventeen Jewel, manual wind mechanism that is signed Wittnauer Watch Co., AXA, Seventeen 17 Jewels, Swiss – [Caliber] 73 Revue.

The inside of the case lid is stamped WITTNAUER – NEW YORK, GENEVA, MONTREAL – D&A, 14K GOLD with case number below. The initials D&A stand for the case makers DiVincenzo & Arienti.

This cleaned, oiled & regulated watch winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. It is fitted on a new 19mm wide black teju lizard grain “Emporio” leather strap with matching gold finished buckle, handcrafted by Fluco, Germany. The condition couldn’t be nicer with this Witty and the fancy case only adds to its wrist appeal.

Watch sizes: I provide exact case measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in one photo as a size reference. Draw the measurements on a piece of paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, men’s vintage watches are noticeably smaller than oversized timepieces you see today. Prefer a brown strap instead of black? For most men’s watches I can switch the color before mailing; just let me know.

U.S. winners pay $9.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS shipping with door-to-door tracking. Washington State residents (and those with shipping addresses in Washington State) are required to pay 9% sales tax.

Canadian winners pay $33.00 (actual cost) for Global Priority Express with insurance. Other international buyers pay $49.00 (actual or below cost) for Global Priority Express Mail with door-to-door tracking. I cover any additional insurance fees and always pay MORE for shipping than what I charge.

International buyers: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are your responsibility. Please check with your country\'s customs office to confirm any additional costs prior to offerding. I ship within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment, but your local custom authorities can cause delays.

Payment is due within three days of sale end, unless you have contacted me prior to sale end to arrange otherwise. In accordance with policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.

All of my watches are under warranty. In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt, return the wristwatch to me (or mail it to my watchmaker, David, in New York City) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you. Note: I will not pay for or offer a partial refund for work done by another watchmaker. I am a proud member of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors (NAWCC).

If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add me as one of your favorite sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s to 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies cocktail watches.

Need accessories for your watch? Our sister store, Holben\'s Fine Watch Bands, offers an extensive selection of sport, military and dress straps, buckles, deployment clasps and other wristwatch accessories from European and American manufacturers.

Cautious Carl (my old and kind dog friend) and I want to thank you for dropping by, and we hope you place a offer. Let us know if you have any questions!