What We Fancy

The reference 242T is truly one of the 1960s best chronographs, this example with a very rare ‘Solo’ dial with Wittnauer-only text. This watch was released in the 1960s right in the midst of the Space Race and among the watch community, this watch has had an association with NASA and was thought to be one of the chronographs tested along with the Speedmaster. The large cream-colored lume plots on the dial and the matching lume on the wide-set hands with the exaggerated lollipop styling jumps out at you. These chronographs also feature an outer decimal scale on the edge of the dial. The scale on the dial is broken down by 10ths of a second rather than 60ths. This is because the ref. 242T was geared toward scientific research and testing, providing the wearer with more accurate readings regarding percentages or units per hour. This example is perhaps the best we’ve come across with a perfect dial and excellent matching tritium lume.

Brand: Wittnauer

Model: Professional Chronograph reference 242T

Case: 38mm wide (excluding crown), 44.5mm tall, 12mm thick, all stainless steel, pump pushers, domed crystal, original crown, screw-down case back

Movement: Valjoux cal. 72, manual winding, recently serviced

Bracelet/ Strap: Dark brown double stitch calfskin w/ quick release, 20mm lug width

Features: Rare solo text matte black dial, glossy outer sub-registers, pump pushers, tritium lume, domed crystal, screw-down cas

e back, 12-hour counting chronograph with 30-minute intervals, column wheel movement, lollipop seconds, thick steel case, circa the 1960s

Box & Papers: No

Condition: In overall excellent all original condition. The dial is perfect with no defects. The tritium lume is perfectly matching and aged beautifully to a creamy yellow. The case is very good with no signs of any overpolishing. No major scratches or dents. The movement has been recently serviced and runs very well keeping accurate time with smooth chronograph function.

Backed by our one-year repair warranty. To trade in your watch towards this purchase or to make arrangements for purchase via wire, check/ cash to save on fees, please send us a message or email.