Wittnauer Dag & Datum Horloge

Wittnauer  
Submerk van Longines  
Dag & Datum
10kt gold filled  
Jaren '50
Mechanisch handopwind  
17 Jewels  
Uurwerk kal. 10SC  
​Swiss made  
Ø 33.5 mm

Wittnauer is an Amerikan watch brand, yet founded by a Swiss immigrant Albert Wittnauer in 1880 New York. Though it was officially established in 1888, when Wittnauer took over the company from his brother-in-law and renamed it.   The watches were produced for the Amerikan market but made in Switzerland. Wittnauer produced high-quality watches at affordable prices. Their watches were known for their exceptional durability, which set them apart. Aviators like Amelia Earhart contacted them for precision instruments, as did other early expeditions. Even the US Navy placed orders for aviation and navigation instruments. 
Martha Wittnauer (sister) took over at the helm when the last of the Wittnauer men passed away in 1916. She became the first woman ever to become the leading director of a watch company. Under her leadership they invented the ‘All-Proof’ watch, which meant; waterproof, anti-magnetic and shock-proof. During WWII Wittnauer provided military personnel with a range of compasses. Longines bought Wittnauer in 1950, they kept both marks separated and in use. Under the Wittnauer brand they eventually launched cameras/lenses and accessories, these were manufactured in Germany.

Compared to watch brands of the same caliber, Wittnauer is underexposed, undervalued and underestimated, while it has so much to offer, like this rare specimen. The whole package is out of the ordinary. The most significant features, are the lugs, the crown, and the beautiful fluent shape raising up to a dome/bubble shape crystal, and the convex dial underneath, matching the dome.
The crown has a double function, one is to set the hands and for winding, nothing out of the ordinary, but the middle part can be push down to set the date, which is quite exceptional. 
The lead packaging is still in place, as is the dust/anti-magnetic shield inside. The caliber 10 SC Wittnauer manual wind movement is based on the AS1200, with added module for the calendar functions.