Times Ticking

From daring expeditions to Hollywood glamor, Wittnauer has been at the forefront of watchmaking for over a century. This iconic brand has crafted timepieces that shaped history, blending innovation, elegance, and resilience. Here are 10 fascinating things about Wittnauer you (probably) didn't know.

Imagine a world where even a split-second delay could spell disaster—where lives, industries, and society itself relied on the precision of a pocket watch. During the Industrial Revolution, this was not a distant threat but a daily reality. Once a symbol of luxury, pocket watches became indispensable tools for train conductors, factory managers, and industrial workers. These meticulously crafted timepieces weren't just about telling time—they were the backbone of progress, ensuring coordination and safety as factories hummed and railroads expanded across nations.

In the world of art, few figures stand as tall as Pablo Picasso, a true innovator who reshaped creativity and pushed boundaries. While his genius is most often associated with the canvas, his life and style also reflected a fascination with elegant and innovative objects. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, with its iconic Art Deco design and groundbreaking reversible case, embodies the same spirit of innovation that defined Picasso's artistic legacy—making it a fitting symbol of his era.

Bulova and the legendary singer, songwriter, and actor joined forces, in September 2022, to celebrate their mutual passion for watches, music, and innovation—capturing their shared artistic spirit. The Bulova & Marc Anthony collection features timepieces and jewelry, with Anthony personally involved in the design process.

Nearly a century ago, a remarkable duo and a brand, driven by a perfect alignment of forces, became a powerful symbol of hope, proving that goodness can triumph even in the face of tyranny.

In 1972, while training at Ellington Air Force Base in Houston, Texas, astronaut William Pogue discovered a Seiko 6139 automatic watch at the PX (Post Exchange). The Seiko 6139-6002, introduced in 1969, with its 17-jewel automatic movement, 30-minute chronograph, and 45-hour power reserve, caught his eye—especially with its distinctive bright yellow dial and Pepsi-colored bezel.

Selecting the most iconic vintage Breitling watches is no easy feat, considering the brand's rich heritage and its strong ties to aviation and technical chronographs. Each of the following five watches stands out as a landmark in Breitling's history, showcasing the brand's innovation and influence over the years.

The Omega Speedmaster is a piece of human ingenuity that played a crucial role in one of mankind's greatest achievements. This is more than just a watch; it's a symbol of precision, reliability, and a legacy that transcended its original purpose. Now, let's journey through time and space to explore how this iconic timepiece became part of history.

Introduced in the 1970s, the Seiko Turtle quickly earned its nickname from its cushion-shaped case, which resembles a turtle shell. This design wasn't just for aesthetics—it provided robust protection for the movement, making the Turtle a trusted companion in the harshest underwater environments. Divers praised its durability and functionality, and its distinctive appearance set it apart in the crowded dive watch market.

Residing in the States, it's easy to assume many beloved brands are American, but that's not always the case. For example, Lululemon, widely recognized for its athletic apparel, is actually a Canadian company. Budweiser, though originally American, is now owned by the Belgian-Brazilian conglomerate Anheuser-Busch InBev. Even Timex, the iconic watch brand, has an international story.

They say time flies when you're having fun, and now, you can mine every second with a watch that brings the magic of Minecraft to your wrist. Whether you're a lifelong Fossil fan, a dedicated gamer, or a collector of unique timepieces, this rare collaboration between Fossil and Minecraft is a must-have. But what makes it so special? Let's dig in.

Augsburg's rich history of horology continues to inspire, with the legacy of its master watchmakers still evident in the city's spirit of craftsmanship. From the intricate designs of David Buschmann to the innovative astronomical clocks of Ulrich Schniep, Augsburg stands as a testament to the artistry and precision that once made it a hub for some of the world's finest timepieces.

Step into the world of Tudor Watches, where innovation meets timeless elegance. Inspired by the grandeur of the Tudor dynasty and founded by the visionary behind Rolex, this iconic brand has carved out a unique identity in the realm of horology. From its origins to its modern-day success, discover how Tudor blends artistry, precision, and bold design to create watches that stand the test of time.

Step back in time with us as we explore the rich history of Bailey Banks & Biddle, a brand synonymous with luxury and craftsmanship. From its humble beginnings in 1832 to its prestigious commissions and iconic designs, this story reveals the fascinating journey of a company that once set the standard in American jewelry and fine goods. Join us as we delve into the legacy of a brand that adorned some of the most influential figures of the 20th century.

Throughout history, families have often moved in search of better opportunities. The early 20th century saw many families emigrating from Eastern Europe to the United States, including the Romanian Lazrus family, who settled in New York City. New York was a popular destination due to its bustling economy and diverse population. In 1921, Benjamin Lazrus, along with his brothers Oscar and Ralph, founded the Benrus Watch Company, leveraging the city's vibrant commercial environment.

A watch, if you'll pardon the pun, is a timeless gift. Whether for an anniversary, birthday, graduation, or holiday, you can use a watch as a gift to perfectly communicate your feelings toward someone. You should carefully consider the occasion on which you gift a Vacheron Constantin watch as well as the specific model you choose.

If you own a Jaeger-LeCoultre timepiece, you know the brand's excellence firsthand. Jaeger-LeCoultre is a luxury watch brand known for its spectacular innovations in watchmaking. The French-Swiss brand has endured for just under 200 years, during which time it has built over 1,200 different movements and contributed dozens of groundbreaking developments to the world of watchmaking.

In the heart of London's bustling Goldsmith's Row at 30-32 Cheapside, a mundane demolition in 1912 led to an extraordinary discovery. Workers unearthed a hidden wooden box containing a stunning collection of jewelry and precious items, now known as the Cheapside Hoard. This remarkable find, dating back to the Elizabethan and early Stuart periods, includes a rare emerald pocket watch and showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of that era. First exhibited in 1914, the hoard is currently awaiting a permanent display at the Museum of London's new location, set to open in 2026. Join us as we delve into the story behind one of London's most significant archaeological finds.

We uncover the incredible journey of Theodore Roosevelt's cherished pocket watch. Gifted to him before leading the Rough Riders in 1898, this watch traveled with him through wars, hunts, and explorations. Stolen in 1987, it resurfaced 36 years later at a Florida auction house and has now been returned to Sagamore Hill. Join us to explore this remarkable piece of history and its connection to one of America's greatest leaders.

Hamilton watches have a long and rich history. The company began as a U.S. pocket watch maker, then evolved into supplying wristwatches before ultimately becoming a Swiss watchmaking company. Hamilton is known for being the watchmaker of choice in military, aviation, and even Hollywood. With a wide range of beautiful and unique designs, Hamilton has a reputation for innovation, precision, and excellence.

You've finally found the beautiful Movado vintage watch you've always wanted. However, upon arrival, it shows its age: the crystal is cracked, the case is scratched, and it's not ticking anymore. Now, it's time to restore it to its former glory. How do you do it? Where do you even start? Never fear—we'll take you through the process of restoring your vintage Movado exactly the way you want it.

If you ask someone on the street to name the first watch brand that comes to mind, there's a good chance that they'll answer, “Rolex.” It's an incredibly well-known and well-respected brand. Rolex watches have graced the wrists of celebrities, U.S. presidents, and even princes. With so many wearers sitting in the lap of luxury, it's not surprising that Rolex watches carry a hefty price tag. So, what makes these watches so expensive? What justifies the exorbitant price? Here, we'll examine seven reasons behind Rolex's watch prices to determine what makes them tick.

If you have an appreciation for the latest trends and styles and understand the importance of choosing a reliable brand, you're in the right place. Let's dive into what's trending in the world of wristwatches and explore the insights from watch connoisseurs about today's top timepieces.

Have you ever wondered why your expensive new mechanical watch seems slightly off compared to the atomic clock app on your smartphone? Over time, advancements in timekeeping technology have drastically improved accuracy, from the early mechanical clocks to the highly precise quartz watches of the 1970s. Despite the superior accuracy of quartz watches, esteemed watchmakers continue to refine mechanical timepieces, achieving impressive precision through meticulous craftsmanship.

Let's explore the poignant moment in 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' where Mrs. Weasley gifts Harry and Ron watches on their 17th birthdays. These watches, symbolizing their transition to adulthood, carry deep meaning and highlight the true essence of love and generosity. Join us as we delve into how these simple yet profound gifts reveal the heartwarming values of giving and belonging in the wizarding world.

Collecting watches is a favorite pastime, but what about when you're on a budget? Financial constraints can seem to make life difficult for watch lovers, but you can indulge your passion in several ways without breaking the bank.

Patek Philippe uses many materials that are common among other watchmaking companies, but what sets them apart from the rest is their commitment to excellence and fine craftsmanship. Many of their watches are made using techniques and materials that no other brand in the industry uses.

Whether your watch is standard, luxury, or vintage, you might want to protect it from damage. Everyone's idea of “damage” is different—many watch owners, especially vintage watch collectors, find minor scratches to be desirable in telling the watch's story. But if you're a purist and want to keep your watch looking pristine, or you just want to avoid significant damage, here are several things you can do to protect your watch.

Watch owners everywhere know the dreaded feeling of a malfunctioning watch. Whether the cause of the issue is known or not, nearly all watches will need to be repaired at one point or another. The good news is that when you take your watch to a trusted watchmaker for repair, you can rest assured that your watch will be diagnosed, repaired, and returned to you in perfect condition.

Every owner of a luxury watch will understand the dread of accidentally dropping or banging it. But what about habits that you didn't even know were damaging to your watch? Here are 11 things you may be doing that will unintentionally ruin your beloved timepiece.

If you're considering a career in watchmaking, it's essential to know whether you have what it takes. Watchmaking is a very individualized career with a specific set of skills, and while it takes years of training, it also requires some innate traits and talent.

On the surface, watch collecting seems like a simple hobby: just find a watch you like and purchase it for your collection. But there are a few guidelines that all watch collectors should know in order to avoid making costly mistakes and ruining their investment. From purchasing the perfect timepieces to researching reputable buyers and learning when to wear the watches in your collection, here are 15 dos and don'ts of watch collecting.

Whether you own a mechanical, quartz, or automatic watch, there are a variety of reasons why your watch could be losing time. Luckily, much of it can be solved with a simple watch repair. We'll take a look at what could be causing your watch to slow its ticking.

In today's world of commodities and mass-produced products, it can be difficult to find unique yet classic pieces that hold true value. Enter the vintage watch: a pre-owned work of art that has its own history and complements any outfit. Anyone looking to add a vintage watch to their collection is likely not only to be very happy with the purchase but also to reap the rewards of a great investment. Because of their many benefits, the interest in vintage watches is ever-growing. Those wanting to buy a vintage watch—or even those simply browsing the physical or online watch displays—may have a good idea of what makes a watch vintage, but even the most serious buyers may not be aware of all the advantages that a vintage watch can hold.

While you may wear your timepiece as a fashion accessory, you still count on your watch to keep accurate time. Your watch battery should last two to five years, depending on your watch type, usage, etc.

Not only the time, but an entire digital world is at our fingertips, or at least in our back pocket. Does that mean that the mechanical watch, whose primary function is simply to tell time, is no longer relevant in today's world?

Discover the remarkable journey of Breitling, a name synonymous with precision and innovation in watchmaking, in this captivating two-part series. From Léon Breitling's first workshop in Saint-Imier in 1884 to the brand's evolution into a global icon, we explore how Breitling's pioneering spirit and technical prowess shaped the world of luxury timepieces. Join us as we delve into the history and legacy of Breitling, celebrating 140 years of horological excellence.

Discover the remarkable journey of Breitling, a name synonymous with precision and innovation in watchmaking, in this captivating two-part series. From Léon Breitling's first workshop in Saint-Imier in 1884 to the brand's evolution into a global icon, we explore how Breitling's pioneering spirit and technical prowess shaped the world of luxury timepieces. Join us as we delve into the history and legacy of Breitling, celebrating 140 years of horological excellence.

As we celebrate what would have been the King's 89th birthday this year, we wanted to take a look back at some of the megastar's more beloved timepieces. Elvis' favorites ranged from the conservative to the extraordinarily glitzy, but he wasn't a collector in the traditional sense. He valued the artistry of his watches more than their functionality.

In an era dominated by digital innovations, the question of whether investing in a mechanical watch is still worthwhile often arises. We asked our horology experts here at Times Ticking to share a few reasons why they feel a mechanical watch will always be a great investment.

"What is the lifespan of a kinetic watch?" — this question invites us to explore the fascinating world of kinetic timepieces, where advanced horology meets everyday motion.

Much like a beautiful piece of art, a luxury watch will occasionally need repair and refinishing. While it's a bit nerve wracking to think of your Rolex Submariner in another person's hands, when it's in the right hands, a bit of spiffing up can go a long way in protecting the value of your investment. Our watch enthusiasts offered some guidance on this topic.

Some would say meca-quartz is the best-kept secret in affordable, high-quality chronographs. Others, like mechanical purists, think it's a cheap imitation of the real thing. Either way, meca-quartz movements have made their way back into high-end watchmaking, and it looks like they're here to stay.

Delve into the compelling stories of 5 Collectors Who Successfully Reintroduced Classic Brands.' This video explores the journeys of collectors reviving iconic watch brands, with Part 2 concentrating on Angelus, Airain, and Sherpa.

Delve into the compelling stories of 5 Collectors Who Successfully Reintroduced Classic Brands.' This video explores the journeys of collectors reviving iconic watch brands, with Part I concentrating on Czapek and Nivada Grenchen.

Whether you're a seasoned watch enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of horology, it's important to understand which tools are essential to nurturing your collection.

The stories of three heroic watch owners and the timepieces that lived on to memorialize them.

While there are a bevy of beautiful watches, hand-wound ones are by far your best option if you want to increase mindfulness and bring more joy into your life. A mechanical watch can help you become more aware of what's happening around you in various ways.

As we continue to develop ingenious ways to determine the day, date, and time with growing precision, one method stands out among the rest: the perpetual calendar.

If someone were to ask you to think of an iconic luxury watch company, Rolex would likely be the first to come to mind. But what is it that puts Rolex into a class of its own?

Our expert watch repair technicians compiled a list of 5 modestly-priced (under $1,000) wristwatches that deliver on price, functionality, and durability.