- Posts
- 1
- Likes
- 0
Blubbedy
·Looking at a Wittnauer two-register chronograph and I've run into a mismatch I can't resolve. Photos attached (dial, caseback, movement, crown). I would appreciate input from anyone who knows Wittnauer chronographs.
What's there:
The problem: everything I can find has 6002/5 + 235T as the three-register Valjoux 72 Professional from the mid-'60s, with tachy/telemeter scales. Nothing like this dial.
Questions:
1. Did Wittnauer ever use the 6002 case family or the 235T designation for a two-register Valjoux 23 model? Or is this definitely a marriage? Or perhaps only a replacement caseback (and crown)?
2. On 7500017 - the first four digits are struck noticeably heavier than the last three. Two separate stampings? Batch plus serial, or something added later?
3. The balance bridge looks slightly different in tone from the surrounding bridges. Handling patina, or a replacement from another movement? I'd guess replacement.
4. The applied "W" emblem above the WITTNAUER text doesn't match the logo I know from '60s Wittnauers that is on the crown. Is this shape correct for a late-'40s piece? Given it's applied rather than printed, I'm inclined to think the dial is original, but I'd like a second opinion - pulsation dials seem like a natural redial target.
5. What are these actually worth in this configuration, assuming it needs a service?
Any period ads, catalogue pages, or dated comparison examples would be hugely helpful. Thanks.
What's there:
- Silvered/white two-register dial, "BASE 30 PULSATIONS" scale, running seconds at 9, 30-min counter at 3. Aesthetically reads late '40s / early '50s to me.
- Movement: Valjoux 23. I can make out "23" under the balance. Column wheel, no Wittnauer signature on the bridges. Only other marking is 7500017 on the mainplate.
- Caseback (screw-down): WITTNAUER WATCH CO INC / SWISS / STAINLESS STEEL / 6002/5 / 235 T. Seller says 36mm.
The problem: everything I can find has 6002/5 + 235T as the three-register Valjoux 72 Professional from the mid-'60s, with tachy/telemeter scales. Nothing like this dial.
Questions:
1. Did Wittnauer ever use the 6002 case family or the 235T designation for a two-register Valjoux 23 model? Or is this definitely a marriage? Or perhaps only a replacement caseback (and crown)?
2. On 7500017 - the first four digits are struck noticeably heavier than the last three. Two separate stampings? Batch plus serial, or something added later?
3. The balance bridge looks slightly different in tone from the surrounding bridges. Handling patina, or a replacement from another movement? I'd guess replacement.
4. The applied "W" emblem above the WITTNAUER text doesn't match the logo I know from '60s Wittnauers that is on the crown. Is this shape correct for a late-'40s piece? Given it's applied rather than printed, I'm inclined to think the dial is original, but I'd like a second opinion - pulsation dials seem like a natural redial target.
5. What are these actually worth in this configuration, assuming it needs a service?
Any period ads, catalogue pages, or dated comparison examples would be hugely helpful. Thanks.
