In the last two years, the Wittnauer 242T has rocketed to fame and has become one of the most desired vintage chronographs on the market. Always referred to as the watch that was tested by NASA alongside the Omega Speedmaster to go to the moon, despite there being no proof of this, it has captured the imaginations of collectors.

While that has played a role in its recent popularity, I would go to say that it’s unique dial design is just as responsible. The 242T has one of the most interesting luminous plot layouts I’ve ever seen, varying in sizes and alternating in its position throughout. The plots on its matte black dial certainly look like a planetary chart in the night sky. No wonder it’s space travel connection is so strong.

Not only that, the matte dial is made even more complicated with an inner dotted track and a decimal track on the periphery of the dial. The dial has added depth with glossy subdial rings contrasting with the matte finish. To top this off, the 242T has classic thick Wittnauer hands filled with lume and a lollipop seconds hand.

A huge watch at 39mm, all the magic is in the beautifully unusual design of the dial. This really is the kind of watch that you just continually stare at without thinking about reading the time.