Why This Watch Matters

This attractive chronograph offers a modern 'Big Boy' build and classic black and white composition.

The Full Story

Wakmann Watch Company started out in New York in 1946 and is best known as the official US importer of Breitling, but its own pieces have slowly gained momentum within the vintage collecting community due to an eye-catching design language. This particular watch from Wakmann, the 'Big Boy' ref. 1382, is an attractive chronograph model. Over the years, there were many different versions of this chronograph, but the watch we have here today has a few standout features.

The ref. 1382 gets its 'Big Boy' name due to its oversized 40mm build. Although this sizing is more commonplace now, it was notably large in the 1970s. The true beauty of this watch is in the details. These 'Big Boy' chronographs were considered 'diving chronographs' with rotating bezels and a 600 feet depth rating (though we don’t recommend submerging this vintage piece in water). Legibility and function were key for these watches, hence the large case and contrasting colors on the dial.  It has a great black and white composition with a black dial surrounded by a white tachymeter scale, which is mirrored by the arrangement of the black subdials, each surrounded by white rings.

The ref. 1382 shares a similar case design to the Heuer ref. 2446. However, the Wakmann features a screw back as opposed to the compressor style. In addition, the movement is the durable and reliable Valjoux 7734, also used by Breitling, Heuer, and Zodiac during the era. The dial and movement of this watch are signed "Wakmann," and the inside caseback is signed "Charles Gigandet." Last but not least, we've paired this watch with our Reid strap in orange to play off the vibrant orange seconds hand and give it a fun and sporty look. 

The Fine Print

Maker: Wakmann 
Model: Chronograph 
Reference: 1382 
Year: 1970s  
Case No: 6886
Material: Stainless steel 
Dimensions: 40mm diameter; 11.5mm thickness 
Crystal: Plexiglass 
Lume: Yes, tritium 
Caliber: Manual winding Valjoux 7733
Bracelet/Strap:  
Lug Width: 20mm
Box/Papers: No 

What we Love and What You Should Know

This Chronograph is in overall great condition. The case is strong with scratches and the facets of the lugs are still crisp. The tip of the 11 o’clock lug has scratches. The caseback text and ship engravings are clearly visible. The dial is in overall very good condition with light patina. The hands and hour markers have developed some patina. The lume on the hands and on the dial have aged to the same color. The bezel is in good condition with some scratches and wear on the sides. The dial and movement are signed, "Wakmann," and the inside caseback is signed, "Charles Gigandet." Other Wakmann watches have been branded, or co-branded, as "Charles Gigandet," another Swiss watch company that imported watches to the U.S. The crystal has light scratches. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.