WWII American Officers Pocket Watch Compass by Manufacturer ‘Wittnauer’. 21786. WWII American Officers Pocket Watch Compass by Manufacturer ‘Wittnauer’. 21786. Antique & Militaria

The manufacturer now known as Longines-Wittnauer Watch Co. Inc. Albert Wittnauer was a Swiss immigrant who arrived in New York City in 1872 at the age of 16, and was employed by his brother-in-law, Eugene Robert, an importer of Swiss watches. He began working for his brother-in-law, Eugene Robert. Albert Wittnauer felt there was a market in America for a lower priced Swiss made watch. During World War I Wittnauer produced instruments and watches for the early aviation units. During World War 2, Wittnauer started its major production line of compasses, used by soldiers and aviators during combat. These compasses were included as part of a survival kit for U.S. aviators, and were frequently seen as officers compasses. To show their brand name, the name Wittnauer was usually placed on the face of the compass, in line with the large "S" (South) on the face. Wittnauer's long history with watch manufacturing and case manufacturing expedited their speed and precision with which their compasses were made. Furthermore, Wittnauer had previously attained a good relationship with the U.S. military, and was permitted to produce such compasses. In 1950 the Swiss company Longines bought Wittnauer, and marketed some very similar lines of watches under both brand names, maintaining separate factories. The compass has a nickel case, with a glass. This example is in very good condition, the spring catch works as it should, as does the compass itself. The price includes UK delivery. 21786.