Wakmann Triple Calendar Chronograph c1958

Wakmann

In the early stages of World War II, Mr. Wakmann started his watch business in Portugal at the same time, warfare was spreading across Europe. In 1946, he officially set up Wakmann Watch Company in New York with the following major brand concepts clearly defined: – Professional accuracy for professional users – Quality production delivering quality products – Innovative research and development, coupled with continuous improvements & technology. During the early business years, Wakmann focused on the design and production of high-end timepieces and gained its status as the leading manufacturer of precise professional timepieces. In the 1950s, Wakmann extended its business horizon from North America to establishing itself as a reliable global brand.

Description

Here we have a wonderful unrestored Wakmann gent’s watch from c1958 with a triple date calendar. This is a classic and an excellent 1950s example of some of the outstanding work Wakmann created. This watch shows some wonderful signs of ageing, which is one of the reasons we have to decided to leave this watch alone to keep this watch completely original and retain some of its charm.

The Dial

This dial is beautifully symmetrical, well balanced and proportioned. The dial itself, in silver, contrasts wonderfully with the stainless steel case, original pink gilt ‘indec’ hands and original pink gilt 1 – 12 standard Arabic numerals. Even though this watch is completely original and unrestored, it is in wonderful aged condition.

The dial may look a little complicated, but actually conveys a lot of information quite simply and beautifully. The dial carries a triple date design, which is one to which most of the top watch houses adhere. The window you see at 3 indicates the month of the year, the window at 9 indicates the day of the week and the date of the week is read around the outside of the dial.

The dial we have here is of course, the more sought after triple register chronograph. These registers measure constant seconds at the 9 dial position, minute recording at the 3 position and hour recording at the 6 position. The constant seconds dial runs constantly and independently of the chronograph function while the large centre hand and the other two registers operate while the chronograph is operating.

This is the original dial which remains unrestored and untouched. Considering its age and also that it remains unrestored, it is in remarkably good condition. The overall effect is quite wonderful, with a very nice and even patina.

This dial is signed with ‘Wakmann’ along with ’17 Jewels’ at the very top of the dial along with ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom of the dial below 6.

As this dial is in original, unrestored condition, this has been left untouched by our restoration team due to its superb condition. Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however we decided in this case to leave it alone, due to its unusually good condition and to retain its originality and charm for those who prefer this. It also helps to contrast with almost all of the other watch dials you see on our website, which have been restored. The hands, likewise, have also been left in their original untouched condition.

Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras, and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. Also the dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the image you’re seeing may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself. Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.

The Movement

The watch carries its original Wakmann 17 Jewel hand-wound movement which is in tip-top condition following a thorough overhaul and service by our vintage specialist watchmaker. This means the movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using only original parts where required, before careful calibration and testing. Upon return to stock, the watch is now running to within +5 seconds per day, which is outstanding for any vintage watch of this age! When fully wound, this movement also has a 36-hour power reserve. It has been very well maintained and cared for and is in sparkling condition.

These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable, making it completely practical and appropriate for regular everyday use. Our watchmaker has indicated this particular movement is in top condition and with regular servicing, every 3 years we fully expect this watch to run very happily for many more decades to come! We are therefore very pleased to offer a 12-month warranty on this watch movement* and servicing in the future, as required.

The movement is simply signed ‘Swiss Made’ and ‘17 Jewels’.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid.

The Case

The three-piece stainless steel case bezel measures 35mm in diameter, excluding the correct unsigned winding crown.

The case, as we would expect from Omega, is very solid and well made and the press-fit case-back closes with a very solid and satisfying ‘pop’, indicating the case has been impeccably built and maintained. It is of full-thickness and has never been engraved.

Having been cleaned, carefully examined and lightly hand-polished by our case-maker, the case is totally immaculate, being very crisp with no scratches, dings or other blemishes visible to the naked eye. This, along with the superb general condition of the rest of the watch, indicates this watch has received an excellent level of care and only light use.

The inside of the case back is correctly signed with ‘Britix Watch Co’ and the exterior of the case back carries the case reference number 3526.

As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A high quality black leather strap and matching stainless steel buckle has been fitted, which we feel matches the watch perfectly. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige, free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin, but we can also obtain most types and colours of strap from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of straps if you wish here.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to c1958.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

A high quality hardwood presentation box is included in the sale of this watch.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.

In Conclusion

This is a very impressive vintage Wakmann hand-wound wristwatch, which is ready to wear and very practical for everyday use. If treated with care, this watch will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece. Wakmann has always benefitted from a first class reputation for the superb quality of their watch movements and just as in the case of Longines, which have been undervalued in the past, this is beginning to show in the way Omega watches are increasing in value.

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post-sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We, therefore, consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage stainless steel watches.

Thank you