Albert Wittnauer immigrated to New York City in the 1870s to work for his brother-in-law, an importer of fine Swiss timepieces like Jaeger-LeCoultre and Vacheron & Constantin. In 1885, at the age of only thirty-one, he established the A. Wittnauer Company. Soon after the company's establishment, Wittnauer became the distributor for Longines watches in the United States.

Together with Longines, Wittnauer gained a reputation for their excellent aviation instruments and chronographs. Aviators such as Amelia Earhart piloted their planes with instruments made by Wittnauer. Daredevil aviator Jimmy Mattern wore a Wittnauer AllProof in his aborted flight around the world in 1933. 

Longines formally bought Wittnauer in the 1950s, and the brand continued to produce exceptional chronographs at a more competitive price point than their Swiss contemporaries. But like so many watch brands, Wittnauer was forced to fold in the face of budget crises in the mid-1980s - caused in large part by the proliferation of Quartz - which lead Longines to dissolve their relationship with Wittnauer. Still, their watches remain, a testament to the brand's ingenuity and elegance.

This watch, the Reference 3256-228T, has everything you could want in a vintage chronograph. Perhaps the most interesting and unique feature of this watch is the dial. With a distinctive, exotic color scheme that just screams 70s, the dial plays off the elegantly tapered lugs, softening the strong retro vibe it exudes. It's also powered by a dependable movement, the 14Y, a modified Landeron 249 produced especially for Wittnauer. 

We've been touting Wittnauer chronographs for years, and for good reason. They combine sturdy steel cases with fun and interesting designs and a history that's just as reputable as other horological heavy-hitters like Universal Genève and Breitling. And, combined with a distinct design language, this vintage chrono is sure to garner some attention...