Wittnauer Electro-Chron Openworked

In 1960, about a decade before the Quartz Crisis changed the face of horology forever, Bulova produced a watch that eschewed the traditional balance wheel in favor of a 360-hertz steel tuning fork, powered by electromagnets attached to a battery-powered transistor oscillator circuit. Designed by engineer Max Hetzel, the Accutron made waves. It became the first wristwatch to be precise enough to be qualified for U.S. Railroad certification, guaranteeing accuracy to about one minute per month, or roughly two seconds per day.

The Accutron's success prompted Swiss brands to introduce their own versions of the technology. Universal Geneve released its first — and only — electric watch, the Ultrasonoc, in the early 1960s. Like Universal Geneve, Wittnauer (then known mainly for its chronographs and its association with Longines) was likewise an early adopter of this new technology. 

R&D on what would become Switzerland's first electric movement began in the 1940s, spearheaded by designers André Breyer and René Besson of Ébauches SA. ESA secured the patent (numbers 345611 and 346828) for its electric movement in 1959. The movements — L4750/51 —were assembled at ESA's manufacture at Landeron and used WD-5 batteries manufactured by Leclanché. Unlike its American counterparts by Bulova and Hamilton, the L4750 contained no magnets. Instead, it relied on the electric impulses produced by the contact wires reacting with the steel balance plate. 

The first Wittnauer Electrics with the Landeron 4750 movements rolled off the production line at the close of 1960 and debuted at Basel in April 1961. Earlier executions of this watch are notable in that the dial reads "Electric," rather than "Electro-Chron," which is seen on later models. Thirty different brands utilized the Landeron 4750 movement, among them Benrus and Gruen. But it's the Wittnauer Electric — with its distinctive hands shaped like lightning bolts — that remain among the most collectible, relics of an era just a few short years before the introduction of the industry-changing quartz technology.

This particular Electro-Chron lacks the signature handset, but gains a notable design feature in the form of a skeletonized dial that gives a view into the Landeron 4750 ticking away within. Housed in a 36 mm stainless steel case with a signed crown, a smooth bezel, and an acrylic crystal, it features a silver dial with an outer open minute track, applied 'wedge' indices, a 'sword' handset, and an inner skeletonized section. Its bracelet — which makes use of a "T"-shaped endlink with a long tail giving way to a more conventional beads-of-rice design — further helps differentiate this watch from masses of similar fare.

For fans of unconventional movements; for design nerds; and for those in search of an avant-garde time-teller that still looks cool some six decades after it left the production line, this Electro-Chron is the perfect choice!

From its inception in the 1880s, Wittnauer gained a reputation for its excellent complicated watches. Aviators like Amelia Earhart piloted their planes with instruments made by Wittnauer. Daredevil aviator Jimmy Mattern wore a Wittnauer AllProof in his attempted flight around the world in 1933. During the Second World War, the firm produced compasses for the U.S. military. And for decades, Wittnauer was inextricably tied with Longines — indeed, many of both brands’ wares from the mid-20th century are signed “Longines-Wittnauer Watch Co.”
In the 1950s and ‘60s, the brand produced exceptional chronographs at a more competitive price point than its Swiss contemporaries. Products such as the reference 3256, which used the affordable Venus caliber 188, are today relatively plentiful, and handsome to boot. Slightly more high-end pieces such as the reference 7004A featured unique elements like thick sword hands, a lollipop seconds hand, and a red count-up bezel. And the 242T Professional is well known to fans of the Space Race — supposedly submitted for trials in the 1960s against the likes of the Rolex Daytona and others, it may have very nearly beat out the Speedmaster to the Moon.
But like so many watch brands, Wittnauer folded in the face of budget crises in the mid-1980s, causing Longines to dissolve its relationship with the company. Despite this, vintage Wittnauer watches remain a testament to the company’s ingenuity and elegance, while some of their more unique pieces — like the Wittnauer 2000 mechanical calendar watch and their Super Compressor dive watch — can be had at relatively affordable prices.

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 two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

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

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.