Wittnauer 242T Chronograph

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SKU AS02426
SKU AS02426

Why We Love it

Due to the Omega Speedmaster’s historic connection to NASA and the Moon Landing, it is, without question, one of the most significant watches ever made. And yet it was not the first—or only—watch to be considered for the task. Watches made by several other brands were up for consideration, including some made by Rolex, Breitling, Omega, and Wittnauer. 

Rolex's entry to the contest was a Valjoux 72-based chronograph, the predecessor to the Daytona. The Navitimer, Reference 809, was Breitling's entry; moreover, Scott Carpenter wore one during his historic spaceflight on May 24, 1962. Other entries included the Omega Speedmaster, worn by Walter Schirra and Ed White during their respective missions, and a chronograph by Wittnauer. 

The tests that NASA subjected these watches to were grueling and comprehensive, meant to simulate conditions that they would endure in space, as well as the uses to which the astronauts would put them.

Since the astronauts would need to time a variety of tasks, the chronographs were left running for several hours. To simulate the cold vacuum of space, as well as the inferno of reentry, they were decompressed for 90 minutes and exposed to temperatures from 0 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, to recreate the tumultuous launch conditions, the watches were exposed to intense vibration for 30 minutes, and then had to withstand shocks of 40 Gs.

There's no proof from either Wittnauer or NASA that the chronograph submitted by Wittnauer was this watch, the Reference 242T. However, advertisements following the Qualification Test Procedures did proclaim the 242T as Wittnauer's entry into the contest. Whether this is true or not, the 242T certainly met the requirements that NASA set forth: it had to be a wrist-worn chronograph that was both water-resistant to 50 meters and legible under both low and high light conditions.

Therefore, it’s perhaps not a coincidence that the 242T shares aesthetic DNA with the other watches that were put to the test; however, the 242T had enough unique elements to make it stand out among its contemporaries.

Unlike the Speedmaster and the Cosmonaute, the dial of the 242T has a chapter ring in decimal time. This feature, useful in aviation, breaks a 24-hour day into 10 decimal hours consisting of 100 decimal minutes, comprised of 100 decimal seconds. Although it also appears on chronographs made by Gallet and Meylan, it’s rarely seen, and poses an attractive alternative to the tachymeter or telemeter tracks on chronographs of the era.

Although the 242T never made it to space, it has become more and more popular among collectors who are looking to explore the wider world of vintage chronographs. With its handsome dial and Valjoux 72 movement, this particular 242T has all the makings of a classic. We've been lucky to offer a few on our site over the years, but they've quickly flown off to new homes; snag this one before it does!

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Wittnauer 242T Chronograph

Wittnauer 242T Chronograph

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Wittnauer 242T Chronograph

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