1 in stock

Wittnauer 3256 Chronograph Venus 188

This Wittnauer chronograph, reference 3256, is powered by a Venus 188 manual-wind movement. It is housed in an unpolished stainless steel case, noted to be in excellent condition, which features distinctive beveled lugs. The silver sunburst dial has two recessed, snailed sub-dials in a bicompax layout and is framed by a blue outer tachymeter scale. The dial is appointed with applied stick indices and silver-toned dauphine hands containing luminous inserts. The chronograph is operated by two pump-style pushers, and the watch is fitted with a signed Wittnauer crown and a new snake skin leather strap.

1 in stock

1 in stock

General

Brand

reference

3256

Manufactured

Switzerland

Department

Men

Dial Color

Silver

Case

Case Shape

Round

Bezel

Fixed

Case Material

Stainless Steel

Case Width

35mm

Case Height

44mm

Strap / Bracelet

Lug Width

18mm

Strap Material

Leather

Strap Color

Brown

Clasp

Buckle

Max Wrist Size

8.5"

Movement

Movement

Manual Wind

Caliber

Venus 188

Accuracy

>10 seconds

The movement showed a daily accuracy deviation ranging from 0 to 10 seconds across six positions.

Extras

Original Box

No

Original Papers

No

Warranty Every watch sold by Ottuhr comes with a 1-year mechanical warranty. Select pieces may also include additional guarantees or extended coverage.

1-Year Ottuhr Warranty

Overview

In the golden age of watchmaking, the mechanical chronograph was king. These were not mere time-tellers; they were precision instruments, beautiful, functional tools that represented the pinnacle of mid-century horological engineering. Wittnauer, with its deep roots in American style and its prestigious access to the finest Swiss manufacturing, was a master of the form, creating some of the most handsome and reliable chronographs of the era.

The secret to a great chronograph lies in its engine, and beating at the heart of this stunning timepiece is a true legend: the Venus Caliber 188. Venus was one of the premier movement specialists of the 20th century, and their Caliber 188 was a brilliant and robust workhorse. It utilized an innovative and highly durable cam-lever system that made high-performance chronographs accessible beyond the highest echelons of luxury. This movement was so successful and so brilliantly designed that its architecture was eventually acquired by Valjoux, where it became the direct ancestor of the legendary Valjoux 7730 family—one of the most prolific and important chronograph movements ever made.

This particular Wittnauer, a Reference 3256 from the 1950s, is an absolutely stunning example of this golden age. Housed in a beautifully preserved stainless steel case, it is distinguished by its elegant and sharply faceted lugs, which add a wonderful touch of architectural sophistication. The silvered dial has aged to a gorgeous, warm cream patina and is a visual delight, featuring a vibrant multi-colored scale. The outer track is a tachymeter in a crisp blue for calculating speed, while the inner track is a telemeter in a rich red for measuring distance. This beautiful, functional printing is perfectly complemented by a handsome combination of applied gilt dart and Arabic numeral hour markers.

This watch is a true survivor, wearing its roughly 70 years of history with incredible grace. The stainless steel case is in excellent condition, appearing unpolished with its sharp lug facets fully intact. The intricate dial is wonderfully preserved, with its multi-colored scales remaining sharp and legible. The original lume in the elegant “alpha” hands has aged to a beautiful, consistent khaki hue, a perfect sign of honest, authentic aging.

Timing: The watch has been measured with a timegrapher at six different positions. The rate, amplitude, and beat error are within acceptable ranges.

Functions: All functions including the crown winding, time setting, etc are working as expected.

Integrity: The movement shows no signs of damage, rust, or corrosion, with all components appearing clean and well-maintained.

Authenticity: Each timepiece is evaluated and authenticated in-house. This watch is guaranteed to be correct to its manufacturer and time period.

Warranty: This timepiece includes a 1-year mechanical warranty, activated upon the date of purchase. 

Shipping: This timepeice includes complimentary insured shipping within all 50 states. 

Returns: If, for any reason, you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase, you may return the product for a full refund within 30 days from the date you received or signed for the item.

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