Wittnauer
1960s Wittnauer Professional Chronograph (Ref. 7004) "1st Series"
Vintage Wittnauer chronographs have been growing in popularity among vintage collectors. Specifically, the Wittnauer chronograph reference 7004, or 7004A for later generations. This fantastic chronograph possesses some key elements that make it highly desirable, including its 40mm case size, lollipop sweep seconds hand, and a unique and eye-catching burgundy bezel. The simple, clean dial displays a tachymeter and a regatta countdown in the rightmost sub-dial, additionally, this first-generation example lacks the "Geneve" text under the Wittnauer signature commonly seen in series that came after, a small but impactful detail that both uplifts the rarity of this watch specifically and also offers a cleaner dial aesthetic. The Manual-wound Landeron cal. 248 chronograph movement is not only a workhorse and a favorite among manual wind chronograph fans but is also characteristic of early examples of the reference, before the platform switched to the Valjoux Cal. 7733 movement.
SPECS
| Stock # | WITTCHRON-5 | |
| Brand | Wittnauer | |
| Style | Professional Chronograph | |
| Model | 7004 | |
| Serial | N/A | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Matte Black | |
| Millimeters | 40 | |
| Bracelet | Wittnauer "Beads of Rice" Bracelet |
CASE & BRACELET
The extremely crisp case is impressively well-preserved, showing sharp angles and finishing throughout with normal signs of honest use present. The original burgundy bezel is in exceptional condition, showing nominal signs of previous use. The pump pushers and Wittnauer signed crown remain original to the watch. The screw-down case back is clean, showing no notable wear. The Wittnauer "beads of rice" bracelet exhibits minimal stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/4-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The original matte black dial is in exceptional condition, with no damage present and virtually no signs of age. The sub-dials remain flawless and the 3 o’clock sub-dial retains all of its original brown/burgundy paint within the 5-minute countdown portion. The tritium lume plots have achieved a beautiful golden patina. Under UV light inspection, there is some minor surface cracking present in the lume; however, no lume appears to be actually missing. The original tritium broad hands and lollipop chronograph hand match the dial almost perfectly, though the lume in the chronograph hand has aged slightly darker; under UV light inspection, there is also surface cracking present in all three hands, though it remains stable with no notable lume loss.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is running and keeping time, though the previous service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.
