Why This Watch Matters

Wittnauer's 242T is truly one of the best chronographs of the 1960s and this example features an incredibly uncommon "solo" dial.

The Full Story

This Wittnauer ref. 242T is one of the niftiest models the company has produced. This watch was released in the 1960s right in the midst of the Space Race, which escalated during the Cold War. Among the watch community, this watch has had an association with NASA and was thought to be one of the chronographs tested along with the Speedmaster. Modern scholarship is not completely certain and occasionally credits the as the watch to undergo NASA's trials, but this is a rumor that has followed the 242T throughout its lifetime and has added to its historic appeal. Even without going to space, this watch is certainly cool for any earthly endeavors. The large case at 38mm stands out on your wrist, and the dial configuration is nothing like any other. The large cream-colored lume plots on the dial and the matching lume on the wide-set hands with the exaggerated lollipop styling immediately jump out at you. The lume on this example is an attractive creamy yellow color – not too light and not too dark – and contrasts beautifully against the soft black dial. The engine-turned subsidiary dials have a glossy black ring around them that also adds some nice contrast to the dial.

These chronographs also feature an outer decimal scale on the edge of the dial. The scale on the dial is broken down by 10ths of a second rather than 60ths. This is because the ref. 242T was geared toward scientific research and testing, providing the wearer with more accurate readings regarding percentages or units per hour. For example, if a certain number of units on a production line go by when the hand is at the 90 mark, you know you can produce that number of units in 9/10ths of a minute.

Beyond all of that, this particular example is an uncommon "solo" dial with only "WITTNAUER" text at 12 o'clock rather than the standard script "Geneve" in addition to the brand name as well as "professional chronograph" wrapped around the sub-register at six o'clock. When we say uncommon we really mean it here, very, very few of these have come to the market in excellent condition (like this one) making this dial incredibly desirable to collectors.

We paired this Wittnauer with our Sedona Strap in a dusty green tone. The color works really well with the overall look and the texture is perfect for a vintage tool chronograph like this one. 

The Fine Print

What We Love And What You Should Know

Things We Love:

- "Solo" dial variant
- Lollipop seconds hand
- Attractive lume color
- Crisp overall condition

Things To Know:

- Light scratches on case

This Wittnauer Professional Chronograph is in overall great, honest condition. The case is sharp with light scratches. The bevels on all the lugs are clearly visible. The caseback has a few deeper scratches (most likely from opening the caseback).

The dial and hands are in great condition with light patina. The lume on the hands and on the dial have aged to nearly the same color as a creamy dark yellow tone. The hands have all developed patina. The lume on the dial shows some very slight signs of normal degradation. The painted white numbers and accents on the dial are overall mostly intact with the "60" showing some wear.

The dial, case, crown, and movement are all signed by Wittnauer. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.