Don't miss the next drop
Wyler is one of those brands that, once discovered, becomes an instant favorite for collectors who value genuine innovation over marketing fluff. Founded in 1924, Wyler built its reputation on durability. Their “Incaflex” balance wheel, introduced in 1927, was a revolution: its flexible, spiral arms could absorb shocks that would shatter the balance staff of lesser watches. They famously proved this by dropping their watches off the Eiffel Tower and the Seattle Space Needle, stunts that cemented their status as the ultimate “tough guy” watch of the mid-century. The Tri-Sport line was their answer to the growing demand for versatile tool watches, designed for the active man who might go from the office to the field to the mountains.
The design of this Tri-Sport is pure utilitarian cool. The most striking feature is the external 24-hour bezel. While often associated with GMT watches, on a time-only watch like this, it allowed the wearer to track a second time zone manually or simply serve as a military time reference, a feature often requested by soldiers and pilots. The matte black dial is highly legible, featuring a classic “Explorer-style” layout with prominent Arabic numerals at the cardinal points. The “monobloc” or front-loading case design is another testament to its ruggedness, eliminating the caseback seal as a potential point of water ingress.
This particular example has a fantastic “lived-in” aesthetic. The stainless steel case is unpolished, retaining the sharp definition of its lugs and the original brushed finish on the bezel. The bezel markings are filled with black enamel that has held up well, providing excellent contrast. The dial has aged gracefully, with the tritium lume on the hands and markers turning to a warm, earthy tone that pops against the black background. The acrylic crystal shows some crazing and wear, which we have chosen to leave as it adds to the vintage charm, though it could be polished if desired.
The Wyler Tri-Sport is a watch for the enthusiast who wants something different than the usual suspects. It’s a conversation starter with a legitimate history of toughness. Whether you’re drawn to the unique shock-protection technology, the military-inspired design, or just the sheer cool factor of a vintage tool watch, this Wyler delivers on all fronts.
