Wittnauer - History's Timekeeper

 

What do Amelia Earhart, Howard Hughes and the National Broadcasting Company all have in common? Believe it or not, the answer is Wittnauer watches and timepieces. For over 100 years, these incredibly elegant watches have not only been innovators in their industry, but also they have been at the forefront of United States history. The history of A. Wittnauer Company, and their commitment to producing a quality product, adds to the beauty of their timepieces and makes them essential for anyone desiring fine Swiss watches at an affordable price.
Although the A. Wittnauer Company wasn't formally established until 1890, Albert Wittnauer and his brothers began operations nearly 20 years before that date. The company headquarters were in New York, in the heart of the jewelry and watch making regions, but the timepieces were made in Geneva, Switzerland. In the early days, employees included H.A. Lungrin, who developed a popular chronograph system; Ferdinand Haschka, who would later become the head watchmaker for Tiffany & Co.; and Charles Johns, creator of the perpetual calendar chronometer that was displayed at the World's Fair in 1939. With such an esteemed and highly capable staff, it is no surprise that Wittnauer watches and timepieces quickly became the favorites of anyone desiring accurate, affordable, and attractive timepieces.
Through the years, Wittnauer watches, timepieces and navigational instruments became the preferred equipment of explorers, aviators and the U.S. military. Amelia Earhart, Clarence D. Chamberlain and Charles A. Levine, Wiley Post, and Howard Hughes all set flight records using those timepieces as part of their essential equipment during flight. The U.S. military used the watches and navigational instruments, and the watches became the preferred timepieces for soldiers in both World Wars. During World War II, watchmakers fleeing Europe were given jobs helping make laboratory timers, compasses and other products as part of the war effort. After the war, returning veterans (even those with disabilities) were given positions as apprentices and watchmakers.
Of course, the beauty and accuracy of Wittnauer watches and timepieces made them appeal to more than just explorers, aviators and soldiers. When the National Broadcasting Company went on the air as the first radio network in the United States, they relied on the famous accuracy for timing their broadcasts. Athletes valued their accuracy and moisture resistance during competitive events, allowing the timepieces the opportunity to serve as official timers for the U.S. Olympic Committee.
Now a part of the Bulova Corporation, Wittnauer watches remain true to their original dedication to producing quality timepieces at an affordable price. To meet the needs of customers, they have expanded the product line to include both elegant dress styles and sleek, contemporary looks. The company's Quality Pledge and their "buckle-to-buckle" warranty are only part of the assurance to customers that every watch will duplicate the accuracy and superior character that has kept the A. Wittnauer Company at the forefront of timekeeping throughout their history. Owning one of these beautiful timepieces serves not only as a sign of incredible taste, but also as a link to the history of the country in which they chose to make their headquarters.

The History of Omega Olympic Watches

Since the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Omega has enjoyed a long and illustrious association with the greatest sporting event in the world.

Since that particular event over three quarters of a century ago, innovations such as the world's first photo finish camera and the introduction of electric timing methods have characterised Omega's continued contribution to the Olympic Games.

It is this continued commitment towards innovation in timekeeping which is the central reason why Omega knows who has claimed Gold before anyone else.

Louis Brandt was already a successful Swiss watch maker before his creations became popular all over Europe. After his death in 1879, his sons Cesar and Louis-Paul took over and moved production to a factory in Biel/Bienne. This was where the Omega brand was formed.

Since its inception, Omega has been synonymous with quality and innovation, which has led to the watch being chosen as the official timepiece for many groups and events.

Omega watches have been a part of numerous great moments in history. Chosen as the official watch of the UK's Royal Flying Corp in 1917 and the US army in 1918, Omega watches are trusted for their efficiency and accuracy.

Perhaps this was why Omega was the watch of choice for many astronauts. Buzz Aldrin wore his Omega Speedmaster Professional Chronograph when he stepped out onto the lunar landscape in 1969, making Omega the first watch ever to make it to the moon.

Aldrin's Speedmaster has since taken its rightful place as part of the legendary moon landing and is now on display at Washington's National Space and Air Museum.

In more recent years, Omega has become synonymous with another legend. 1995 saw Omega watches cement their reputation in celluloid by becoming the only watch to be worn by James Bond.

Pierce Brosnan was the first Bond incarnation to wear an Omega creation, sporting a Seamaster Quartz Professional in Goldeneye.

Keeping Up To Speed

In 1932, Omega became the official watch of the Olympic Games and since then has held the honour on 25 separate occasions. This year, at the London 2012 Games, will be even more special for Omega as it marks the 80th anniversary of its Olympic debut.

Timekeeping technology has come a long way in the last 80 years and Omega now use a number of highly advanced methods to keep time during Olympic races. Today, races and events are timed to the nearest millisecond by multiple timing devices; visual and numerical data is utilised to ensure the utmost accuracy.

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of their Olympic association, Omega is launching a spectacular Olympic Collection, with new watches for both men and women.

Now everyone can share in Omega with their Olympic Collection. Each watch in the range is a timeless classic, utilising the latest in timepiece technology.

All the watches in the Olympic Collection have a clever connection to the Olympic Games, like the Speedmaster 5 Counter which has five subdials that echo the shape of the Olympic rings; or the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ladies watch, which features the Olympic rings on its second hand.

Omega's Olympic association has helped cement its place in sporting history and the company continues to be one of the world's most popular and innovative watchmakers.