Wittnauer 242T Chronograph

Vintage 38mm Wittnauer 242T Chronograph

The Wittnauer 242T Chronograph is a vintage wristwatch known for its strong ties to the golden age of aviation and space exploration in the 1960s. Produced by the American watch company Wittnauer, the 242T featured a manually wound Valjoux 72 movement—an iconic chronograph caliber also used in legendary watches like the Rolex Daytona.

One of the most notable aspects of the 242T’s history is its rumored connection to NASA. Before selecting the Omega Speedmaster as the official space watch, NASA tested several chronographs for use by astronauts, and the Wittnauer 242T was one of the contenders. Though it ultimately lost out to the Speedmaster due to performance issues under extreme conditions, the 242T gained cult status among collectors because of its sleek design, distinctive dial layout, and near-brush with space history.

Today, the Wittnauer 242T is a sought-after vintage timepiece, appreciated for its design, rarity, and the important role it played in the development of tool watches during the mid-20th century.

This watch was recently serviced (2025) after we received it from the original owner.  The original hands received colored match lume, while the beautiful, original dial retains the original lume. The case has not been polished and is in very good condition.