History of Wakmann:
As an importer and manufacturer of high quality timepieces, Wakmann Watch Company was founded in 1943 in Portugal by Icko Wakmann. He later took his watch business to New York in 1946 and in 1947 became Breitling's official US import partner, earning a position as known experts in the world of chronographs and multipurpose timekeeping.
At this time, the US had increased duties on imported Swiss watches, which opened the door for Wakmann to partner up with Breitling. Wakmann would receive a batch of nearly complete watches from Switzerland, which would then undergo final assembly before being sold under the Wakmann name.
Wakmann was appointed as the official producer and deliverer for the U.S. Military during WWII. This appointment was a further testament to the excellent quality of Wakmann watches, further to this they also supplied timekeeping devices for the U.S. Government, commercial airlines, and radio/television studios as part of their Breitling relationship.
Later the company would be purchased by Breitling and absorbed into the brand.
About this Vintage Wakmann Day Date watch:
There is something wonderful about excellent vintage watches that have yet to be 'discovered' by the general public. As collectors and enthusiasts, we are so often astounded at how, seemingly overnight, watches appreciate and go from being relatively attainable to becoming scarce and expensive.
We are not sure how long Wakmann will remain in this bracket, as Wakmanns have been getting a lot of attention in the past few months, with chronographs and triple dates fetching higher and higher prices. Collectors and enthusiasts familiar with Breitling's history and their relationship with Wakmann are keen to get their hands on honest examples that do get to the market.
This Wakmann Watch dates all the way back to the 1970's, although you would be hard pushed to tell it that old as it is in impeccable condition and has clearly been very well looked after. It has beautiful trident blue Day/Date dial powered by a Swiss Made Felsa 4019 manual wind sweep 17 Jewel movement, which is working perfectly and from our extensive in house testing is keeping accurate time over 48 hours. The hands are original, shown by the fact the stunning light green lume on the hands matches the lume dots next to the Arabic numerals. The dial is in incredible condition with a very light white spotted patina forming (only really visible under macro, see macro shots for detail).
CASE: Fabulous Condition
DIAL: Stunning condition, very light patina forming
BACK CASE: Amazing condition
CROWN: Good condition
CRYSTAL: Great condition.
OVERALL CONDITION: Has been tested, cleaned and checked over and is in excellent working order.
PRESENTATION: Presented in a vintage style pirate chest style box.
AUTHENTICITY: Certification provided upon request.
Technical Specs:
CASE SIZE: 35m to crown (33mm without crown)
STRAP SIZE: 18mm at lugs
CASE MATERIAL: Steel Case and Steel Case back
MOVEMENT: Felsa 4019 (day: set by +/-24h // date: set by changing 21:15-24h)
BRACELET: New Padded Dark Brown Calfskin Leather Strap
Shipping:
Worldwide shipping available, all items are shipped fully insured and sent as priority mail.
For outside of the EU customs or import charges will be paid by the customer (if applied).
T&C's
The watch is guaranteed to be in full functioning good working condition when it is posted from our store.
For your peace of mind Wilberforce Watches offers a 30 day mechanical limited warranty for all watches, please see full terms and conditions for full details, available at email request.
Whether it be two days after the sale or two years, please let us know the issue as we have got your back. However please bear in mind that due to the nature of vintage watches, we do expect reasonable treatment of all watches by their new owners. So, no cave diving or base jumping please.
Whether it be two days after the sale or two years, please let us know the issue as we have got your back. However please bear in mind that due to the nature of vintage watches, we do expect reasonable treatment of all watches by their new owners. So, no cave diving or base jumping please.
