They say the dial makes a watch and that is certainly the case with this one: Original silver and cream two-tone dial with lumed numbers, nicely accented by the blued-steel sweep seconds hand. Everything is original about this 1940s/50s early automatic Wittnauer watch. It is running well and keeping time, but the watch has not been serviced. We've added a nicely textured dark brown Genuine Goatskin new old stock period-correct strap from the Squinky store with a retail value of $49.99. Band has the single, wide strap keeper and the proper tapered shape, plus a matching gold-tone buckle. Case has a 10K yellow gold-filled top and Stainless Steel screw back.

This watch will look like it cost you several hundred more than you did. Nice long curved lugs. More of a mid-size watch of 32mm across (not counting the crown) with the 11/16 inches lugs common to early watches. Measures a nice long 39mm from the top of one of the lugs down to the tip of a bottom of one.

We use a strong macro lens for our photos which may make imperfections appear larger or worse than they actually are. The pictures here are magnified 2.5X and exaggerate small marks but, in person, everything looks excellent. There is no meaningful wear on this watch; what you see are reflections, not flaws. Just some light marks on the faceted lugs. Case back has one light opener scratches. Clear acrylic crystal. Has its original unsigned winding crown.

These early Wittnauer automatics are a classic addition to any vintage watch collection and great value in the 1940s vintage self-winding category.

Watch Talking Points


Brand: Wittnauer

Date: 1940s/50s

Case: signed Wittnauer 10K yellow gold-filled top and Stainless Steel screw back 

Movement: Wittnauer 17 jewels automatic caliber 11ARB

Dial: original two-tone silver/cream lumed Arabic numbers and raised gold arrow markers

Dimensions: 32mm across (not counting crown), 39mm lug tip to tip, 11.5mm thick case

Strap: single keeper Genuine Goatskin brown period-correct ($49.99 retail value)

Lugs: 11/16 inches (17.5mm)

Crown: original unsigned

Crystal: clear acrylic 

Condition notes: watch winds, sets and runs - has not been serviced - service history unknown - timekeeping not guaranteed - all vintage watches from Squinky are sold As Is with No Returns


VISIT OUR COMPLETE VINTAGE PARTS & BANDS SELECTIONS: We stock vintage watch bands from the 1930s to 1970s as well as parts for all major vintage brands including stems, balance staffs, crystals, straps and used mechanical watch movements.

See the Squinky Vintage Watch Store for 1000s of vintage watch parts and 2000+ vintage watch old stock bracelets and bands.


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