Wittnauer

Wittnauer is a storied watch brand with roots tracing back to 1885, founded by Swiss immigrant Albert Wittnauer in New Rochelle, New York. Initially established to bring high-quality, affordable Swiss-inspired timepieces to the American market, Wittnauer began as a small family business under the vision of Albert, who had arrived in the U.S. at age 16 in 1872 and worked for his brother-in-law’s Swiss watch import company. The brand quickly gained a reputation for reliability, appealing to explorers, aviators, and navigators—most notably supplying instruments for early aviation and military use, including compasses during World War II and the famous Wittnauer AllProof watch worn by figures like Amelia Earhart and Neil Armstrong. Over the decades, Wittnauer evolved through ownership changes, including a significant period under Longines starting in 1950, before being acquired by Bulova in 2001, now part of the Citizen Watch Co. Today, Wittnauer blends its rich heritage of precision and durability with modern craftsmanship, maintaining its legacy as a respected name in American watchmaking.