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There is a certain kind of cool that is utterly timeless. It’s the quiet confidence of a well-tailored suit, a perfectly mixed Old Fashioned, and a slim, elegant wristwatch that whispers rather than shouts. This stunning Wittnauer dress watch is a dispatch from that very era, the 1960s, when style was paramount and understated luxury was the name of the game. It is a perfect encapsulation of “Mad Men” era sophistication.
Throughout the mid-20th century, the partnership between Longines and Wittnauer produced watches of exceptional quality and style. While their 1950s offerings often skewed towards the rugged and utilitarian, the 1960s saw the brands fully embrace a sleeker, more cosmopolitan aesthetic. This was the golden age of the dress watch, a time when a svelte profile and a clean dial were the essential markers of good taste. This watch, with its precious materials and refined design, was made for the boardroom and the cocktail lounge.
This Reference 1119 is a masterclass in minimalist elegance. Its 10k gold-filled case, signed by the venerable Longines-Wittnauer Watch Co., has a warm luster and a slender profile that wears beautifully on the wrist. The real showstopper, however, is the dial. A pristine silver sunburst surface radiates from the center, creating a dynamic play of light with every movement. In place of numerals, the hours are marked by a combination of faceted, star-like markers and four brilliant-cut diamonds, each set in a white gold chaton at the cardinal points. The effect is luxurious but impeccably tasteful. A clean cross-hair subsidiary seconds dial and simple stick hands complete the perfectly balanced design.
This watch is a true time capsule. It has been preserved in breathtakingly clean condition, showing only the most minuscule signs of age. The case is sharp, the sunburst dial is flawless, and the diamonds are as bright as the day they were set. It is a rare and remarkable survivor, looking as if it was purchased for a special occasion and then tucked away safely for decades. It stands as a testament to the quality of its original construction and the care it has received.
