Founded in 1890 as an American importer of Swiss watches, Wittnauer grew from relatively humble beginnings into one of the best-known makers of aviation-based watches in the 1930s. With a reputation for well-built chronographs, it serves as no surprise that chronographs like this ref. 235T that we have here were well-regarded for their time, and today they live on as a representation of Wittnauer’s impressive watchmaking pedigree. Powere by the same manual-wind Valjoux cal. 72 as you would find in watches such as the Rolex Daytona and so on, the ref. 235T is a typical mid-century chronograph with a utilitarian stainless steel construction and a wonderfully legible display. Featuring twisted lyre lugs and a colorful multi-scale dial that features red, black, and blue inscriptions on top of its silver dial with aged luminous hour markers, the ref. 235T is a no-nonsense mid-century tool watch that makes no secret of its desire to fulfil its wearers needs while also hitting the necessary points for style and substance, of which make it a spectacular addition to the collection of anyone who appreciates a historically rich chronograph from the 1960s.

Watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case shows surface scratches as expected of a watch of this vintage. The case back retains well-defined engravings and a circular brushed finish, with some surface scratches. The watch still retains its original W-embossed crown. The dial remains excellent, with bold colours to the scales, showing a few surface marks and light staining. The blue chronograph hands remain very clean, while the central hour and minute hands show some oxidation. It is fitted with a generic expanding steel bracelet.

Representing Wittnauer's impressive mid-century watchmaking capabilities, the ref. 235T is an under-the-radar 1960s chronograph that hits on a lot of points that collectors go crazy for in chronographs from more prominent brands, such as its colorful multi-scale dial and twisted lyre lugs.