Wittnauer Fantasia

One factor that we feel differentiates the Analog:Shift approach to vintage timepiece dealings are that we readily step outside the box to source some incredibly interesting and unusual watches for your consideration.

This lovely timepiece by Wittnauer, formally known as Electro-chron is more commonly referred to as a 'Fantasia' - which is the style of hoop and stick handset attached. This beauty is a thin-cased electric timepiece---outfitted with the first Swiss electric movement on the market. Wearing a domed acrylic crystal over its silver dial, this piece is unique-- dial and movement. Paired up with a signed alligator leather strap, this piece is incredibly unique.

This piece wears much larger than expected and showcases an undeniably cool mid-century design language! Wittnauer is one of the forgotten brands of the modern watch market. There are few things that give us more pleasure than showcasing these little known gems of the industry for our customers.

If you love alternative movements, funky designs, and unique displays, this is the watch for you. Backed by one of the authoritative watchmakers out there, this piece is something you won't find on anyone else's wrist.

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.