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Wittnauer is one of those brands that serious collectors are starting to pay very close attention to, and pieces like this Ref. 2598-2 are a big reason why. As Longines’ American distribution arm throughout the mid-twentieth century, Wittnauer had access to genuinely excellent Swiss movements and components, yet possessed the creative freedom to design cases and dials that were often bolder and more expressive than what the parent brand would produce under its own name. The result was a catalog full of watches that combined Swiss mechanical credibility with a distinctly American flair for design, and the asymmetric case models from the late 1950s and early 1960s are arguably the most compelling examples of this spirit.
This Ref. 2598-2 is, to us, a masterclass in mid-century case design. The shape is immediately arresting: neither round nor cushion, it’s a sculptural form where the bezel extends beyond the traditional circular boundary, creating dramatic angular peaks at the lugs that give the watch an almost architectural presence on the wrist. The lugs themselves are sharp, faceted, and geometric, tapering to fine points that feel like they were drawn by a Googie-era architect. Viewed from the side, the case is impossibly slim, a testament to the efficient packaging of the Cal. 11AO automatic movement within. The Wittnauer-signed crown sits neatly recessed into the case band, preserving that clean silhouette from every angle. It’s the kind of case that makes you turn it over in your hands, admiring how it catches light differently from every direction.
The dial on this particular example is in stunning condition. The silvered sunburst finish radiates cleanly from the center, and the applied gold stick indices, with double bars marking the cardinal hours, remain sharply attached and beautifully polished. The gold dauphine hands are crisp and free of damage, and the small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, with its delicate crosshair detail, adds a classical finishing touch to an otherwise thoroughly modern design. The “Automatic” script below center has a wonderful period flourish to it, and the fine dot minute track provides just enough functional detail without interrupting the dial’s open, airy feel. It’s a remarkably clean and well-preserved dial for a watch of this era.
The 10K gold-filled case retains its warm luster beautifully. The bezel and lugs show only the lightest of surface wear consistent with occasional use, and the sharp faceted edges of the lugs remain well-defined. The stainless steel caseback is clean with only minor marks, stamped “10K Gold Filled Bezel, Stainless Steel Back” along with “All Proof” and wrench specifications. The overall condition suggests this watch spent much of its life carefully stored, emerging only for special occasions.
For anyone drawn to the intersection of mid-century modern design and mechanical watchmaking, this Wittnauer is an absolute gem. It offers the kind of sculptural, conversation-starting case design that would cost many multiples of this price from a more heavily marketed brand. Paired with a reliable Swiss automatic movement and that immaculate dial, it’s a watch that looks far more expensive than it is, and one that rewards the collector who values design ingenuity over brand cachet. Perfect for the wearer who wants something elegant, distinctive, and unapologetically of its era.
