Wakmann Triple Date Chronograph

Soldspan>
Sold
SKU AS02189
SKU AS02189

Why We Love it

Without distributors, many of the vintage watches that we know and love would never have entered the United States.

In the 1930s, the U.S. government passed the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Bill. Under the Bill, the tariff on Swiss watch exports—mainly the inexpensive, six jewel watches that flooded the market—was raised to 53%. In response, Swiss exports to the United States declined by 48%.

Tariffs waxed and waned throughout the next twenty years, as the United States and Switzerland entered trade agreements to bolster the world’s flagging economy, but the damage was done.

However, many savvy watch companies—from Heuer to Longines to Breitling—found a way around the duties on Swiss imports. They partnered with U.S.-based companies, to whom they’d send disassembled watch parts. The watches would then be assembled in the distributor’s headquarters and sold under the distributor’s name. 

Wakmann was one such distributor. Founded in the 1940s, the company entered into a partnership with Breitling. Watches—mainly the  chronographs with which Breitling made its name—were sent to Wakmann’s New York city facility and then sold into the U.S. under the Wakmann mark.

We’ve offered chronographs like this one before, and we simply can’t get enough of them. It’s a triple calendar chronograph powered by a Valjoux 723, a variant of the ever-popular Valjoux 72 equipped with day, date, and month. Even in this Digital Age, a triple calendar chronograph has a touch of whimsy that we lovers of “cool old things” find absolutely delightful.

Beyond their looks, a triple calendar chronograph proves the truth in the word “complication.” In an industry where anything—be it a date, a chronograph, or even alarms—is known as a complication, watches like this one that have more than one were incredibly hard to produce. Breitling introduced its first triple date chronograph, the Datora, in the 1940s, and by the time variants like this one came along, they only got better and better.

The sporty case, being 39mm, is larger than the more commonly-seen ones that we have offered previously. This makes it feel at home on the modern wrist. And the black-and-white “reverse panda” dial gives the watch an overall look and feel that still resonates with us today.

Possessing a strong case and a handsomely-aged dial, this Wakmann chrono is an artifact from a time in horological history. Though the brand might still be around today, it has never enjoyed as much success as it did during the Breitling years. The watches that they produced remain, handsome and sturdy, and just as desirable as they were when they were made.

A:S Guarantee

+

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

+

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Wakmann Triple Date Chronograph

Wakmann Triple Date Chronograph

Soldspan>
Sold
Wakmann Triple Date Chronograph

Inquire

Thank you for your interest in the Wakmann Triple Date Chronograph. Please fill out the form below and we will get back to you shortly.