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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Wittnauer Professional Chronograph Ref. 242T Wristwatch

Partially verified

This stainless steel Wittnauer Professional Chronograph reference 242T dates to circa 1960. The round 38mm case features pump pushers, a fluted crown, and a screw-down back engraved 'California Relays Modesto' with number 8024, having been awarded to the consignor at the California Relays in 1966. The matte black dial features luminous dot hour markers, an outer decimal and minute track, and three subsidiary dials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock for 30-minute recording, 12-hour recording, and running seconds. The watch is powered by a 17-jewel Valjoux caliber 72 manual-wind column wheel chronograph movement.

Wittnauer Professional Chronograph reference 242T wristwatch on black leather strap
Wittnauer Professional Chronograph reference 242T wristwatch on black leather strap — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Wittnauer
Reference
242T
Catalogue / lot identifier
0244
Source-reported date
Circa 1960
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
8024

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Object Identity and Provenance

The object is a stainless steel Wittnauer Professional Chronograph, identified by reference 242T and serial number 8024. The watch features a brushed and polished round case and a screw-down case back.

The case back is engraved with 'California Relays Modesto' and the number 8024. According to the source, the watch was awarded to the current owner at the California Relays in Modesto in 1966.

Evidence for this section
  • “Reference: 242T”
  • “screw down back engraved 'California Relays Modesto', No.8024”
  • “awarded to the current owner at the California Relays in Modesto in 1966”

Dial and Visual Features

The watch features a black dial with luminous dot hour markers and white outer minute divisions. It contains subsidiary dials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock for seconds, 30-minute recording, and 12-hour recording.

The dial is signed 'WITTNAUER Genève' and 'PROFESSIONAL CHRONOGRAPH'. The hands consist of polished pointed batons with luminous inserts and a central chronograph hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: Black, luminous dot hour markers, white outer minute divisions, subsidiary dials at 3, 6 and 9 for seconds, 30 minute and 12 hour recording”
  • “Matte black dial marked 'WITTNAUER Genève' below 12 o'clock and 'PROFESSIONAL CHRONOGRAPH' above the 6 o'clock subdial.”
  • “polished pointed baton hands with luminous inserts, centre chronograph hand”

Mechanism and Reported Condition

The timepiece is powered by a 17-jewel Valjoux Cal.72 manual-wind, column wheel chronograph movement. The case, dial, and movement are signed.

Mechanical issues are noted: the watch runs when wound, but the chronograph does not reset. The glass is described as having surface scratches and being loose in the case. The case and strap show signs of wear and age.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: 17-jewel Valjoux Cal.72 manual wind, column wheel chronograph”
  • “Signed: Case, dial & movement”
  • “chronograph stops/starts but does not reset, will require attention before seeing use”
  • “Glass: Surface scratches throughout, loose in case”

Open research questions

  • Is the movement serial number consistent with the production date of the case?
  • What is the specific cause of the chronograph reset failure?
  • What is the nature of the crystal looseness and does it compromise water resistance or integrity?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Wittnauer Professional Chronograph Ref. 242T Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ModelProfessional Chronograph“Model: Professional Chronograph”
Reference242T“Reference: 242T”
DateCirca 1960“Date: Circa 1960”
Movement17-jewel Valjoux Cal.72 manual wind, column wheel chronograph“Movement: 17-jewel Valjoux Cal.72 manual wind, column wheel chronograph”
Case Size38mm“Size: 38mm”
EngravingCalifornia Relays Modesto, No.8024“screw down back engraved 'California Relays Modesto', No.8024”
StrapAssociated black leather“Strap/Bracelet: Associated black leather”

Visible details

  • Matte black dial marked 'WITTNAUER Genève' below 12 o'clock and 'PROFESSIONAL CHRONOGRAPH' above the 6 o'clock subdial.
  • Three subsidiary dials positioned at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock.
  • Central chronograph hand with a round luminous or metallic lollipop feature.
  • Pointed baton hour and minute hands with aged luminous infill.
  • Two round pump chronograph pushers and a fluted winding crown on the right case band.
  • Mounted on an associated black textured leather strap.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and engraved case back are not visible in the primary photograph.
  • Bonhams condition report notes the chronograph starts and stops but does not reset, requiring attention before use.
  • The crystal is noted as loose in the case with surface scratches.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Wittnauer. A Rare Stainless Steel Manual Wind Chronograph Wristwatch Awarded To The Current Owne... - Sep 9, 2026 | Bonhams In Grb

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 132f196e0c

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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