Watch and Clock Repair Blog

1. A Family Affair

Founded in 1880 by Albert Wittnauer, a Swiss immigrant who came to New York at just 16 years old, the brand aimed to provide high-quality, affordable Swiss watches tailored for the American market. Albert, alongside his two brothers, successfully blended Swiss craftsmanship with American innovation, positioning Wittnauer as a pioneer in accessible luxury timepieces in the rapidly growing U.S. market.

2. The Watch of Adventurers

Wittnauer watches played a vital role in groundbreaking expeditions, from early aviation to Arctic exploration. In 1926, explorer Richard Byrd relied on a Wittnauer timepiece during his historic flight over the North Pole. The brand also became synonymous with early aviation, with pilots like Jimmie Mattern and Amelia Earhart depending on Wittnauer watches during their trailblazing flights, including Earhart’s iconic solo transatlantic journey.

Things About Wittnauer You Probably Didn’t Know 3. AllProof’s Daring Stunt

In 1918, Wittnauer unveiled the AllProof, one of the first shock-resistant watches designed to withstand extreme conditions. To showcase its durability, the AllProof was put through a series of daring tests—it was dropped from a New York City plane, submerged in water, and exposed to intense temperatures. Despite these harsh trials, the watch remained fully functional, keeping flawless time. This bold display of resilience cemented Wittnauer’s reputation for producing rugged, reliable timepieces capable of thriving in the toughest environments without sacrificing precision.

4. The Watch That Almost Went to Space

Wittnauer was one of the few brands to be tested by NASA in the 1960s alongside Omega for space missions. While Omega’s Speedmaster won, Wittnauer’s 242T Professional Chronograph with its rugged build and durability made it a strong contender and earned it a lasting place in aerospace history.

5. Hollywood Glamor

Wittnauer wasn’t only known for its rugged functionality—it also became a symbol of luxury and sophistication among Hollywood’s elite. Stars like Clark Gable and Elizabeth Taylor embraced the brand, helping it gain a glamorous reputation in the mid-20th century.

6. A Legacy with Bulova

Since its acquisition by Bulova in 2001, Wittnauer has not only preserved its heritage but also embraced new opportunities for innovation. The brand continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking by integrating modern technology with its timeless designs. While its vintage models remain collector favorites, Wittnauer’s commitment to evolving with contemporary trends ensures it stays relevant.

7. The Chronograph That Defined the 60s

The Wittnauer Chronograph A, with its distinctive bi-compax dial layout, became a hallmark of 1960s design. Its sleek, minimalist aesthetic combined with robust functionality made it a favorite among both military personnel and adventurers. Its legacy continues to captivate collectors and aficionados today.

8. The Strength of Martha

The connection between Wittnauer and Martha Wittnauer is integral to the brand’s history. After the untimely death of her brother Albert Wittnauer, Martha took over the business in the early 20th century, becoming one of the first female executives in the watch industry. Under her leadership, Wittnauer thrived, maintaining its reputation for producing innovative, high-quality timepieces.

9. Keeping Time in Wartime

In 1941 as America entered the War, Wittnauer, because of its long relationship with the U.S. military, received contracts to produce compasses, laboratory timers, aircraft clocks and military watches. The company’s repair center also offered employment to many skilled watchmakers who were forced to flee war ravished Europe. With domestic watch production diverted, Swiss watches gained on the consumer market. While all their assembly and repair facilities were devoted to the war effort, the Wittnauer assembly line had worked overtime to produce watches for the domestic market.

10. 1949 to 1957

In 1949, Wittnauer continued to push the boundaries of innovation with the introduction of a slim, durable self-winding watch that offered greater accuracy than previous models. This advancement marked a significant improvement in automatic watches at the time. Eight years later, in 1957, Wittnauer took another leap forward by unveiling their first electric watch, further solidifying their reputation as pioneers in horological advancements.