Wittnauer Chronograph 242T

The Wittnauer Professional Chronograph Ref. 242T was produced during the 1960s, representing a significant yet often underappreciated model from the Space Race era. Its key features include a robust stainless steel case typically measuring 38mm in diameter, the highly respected Valjoux 72 manual-wind chronograph movement (often marked Wittnauer 13W1), and a distinctive matte black dial characterized by large tritium lume plots and a unique outer decimal scale for calculations. The significance of the model is tied to its position as a high-quality, professional-grade chronograph from a historically important Swiss-American brand, offering performance comparable to its contemporaries. Its allure and collectibility are further enhanced by a persistent, though debated, narrative linking it to NASA’s astronaut watch trials in the mid-1960s.  

Specifications Table

(Note: Dimensions like diameter, thickness, and lug-to-lug can show variations across sources, potentially due to measurement techniques or minor production variances.)

Variations and Key Features

The Wittnauer Professional Chronograph Ref. 242T, while primarily known for its standard configuration, exhibits several variations and specific features that are important for collectors:

Case:

• Style: Classic 1960s stainless steel chronograph case with a screw-down case back.  
• Lugs: Feature distinct facets or chamfers; preservation of these sharp edges is key to assessing condition.  
• Pushers: Standard pump/barrel style chronograph pushers.  
• Crown: Typically signed with the Wittnauer ‘W’ logo, though unsigned crowns are also seen.  

Dial Variations:

• Standard (Ref. 8024/242T): Matte black dial with three recessed sub-dials, white printing, large circular tritium lume plots, outer decimal scale, and inner minute track. Signed “WITTNAUER” (often with “Geneve”) at 12 and “PROFESSIONAL CHRONOGRAPH” around the 6 o’clock sub-dial.  
• “Solo” Dial: Rare variant featuring only the “WITTNAUER” name at 12, omitting “Geneve” and the “Professional Chronograph” text. Highly sought after due to scarcity.  
• “Exotic” Dial (Panda/Reverse Panda): Rare configurations with white/silver main dial and black sub-dials (“panda”) or black main dial with white sub-dials (“reverse panda”). Some may feature red accents. Also typically under Ref. 8024/242T.  

Hands:

• Main Hands: Usually straight, lume-filled stick or broader arrow-style hands.  
• Chronograph Seconds Hand: Often features a distinctive large circular lume plot (“lollipop” hand), though simple straight hands also exist.  
• Sub-dial Hands: Typically simple, thin stick hands.  

Lume:

• Original luminous material is tritium. Its aging process results in desirable patina ranging from cream to yellow or gold. Consistency between dial and hand lume is a key indicator of originality.  

Movement:

• Caliber: Valjoux 72, manual-wind, column-wheel chronograph. Often marked Wittnauer 13W1 or with the “AXA” US import code.  
• Significance: A highly respected and robust movement used by many prestigious brands (including early Rolex Daytonas), lending significant horological credibility to the 242T.  

Additional Information

NASA Testing Connection: A significant part of the 242T’s allure stems from its long-rumored participation in NASA’s 1964-65 astronaut watch trials. While the Omega Speedmaster ultimately won the selection, the Wittnauer entry reportedly failed when its crystal detached. However, recent research suggests the watch submitted was likely the Wittnauer Ref. 235T, not the 242T. Despite this evidence, the narrative linking the 242T to the trials persists and significantly contributes to its mystique and market value.  

Brand Context: The 242T represents Wittnauer’s historical strength in producing reliable, professional-grade instruments, particularly for aviation, leveraging Swiss movements (like the Valjoux 72) for the American market. Its quality and features positioned it competitively against contemporaries from Omega and Rolex, often at a more accessible price point.  

Collectibility: The Wittnauer 242T has gained significant traction in the vintage market, evolving into a “cult classic”. Value is primarily driven by originality and condition, with unpolished cases and clean dials with original, well-patinated lume being most desirable. Rare dial variants (“Solo,” “Exotic”) command premiums. While often trading below comparable Rolex Daytonas or Omega Speedmasters, its combination of the Valjoux 72 movement, unique design, and compelling (if debated) history makes it an attractive proposition for discerning collectors.