Wakmann Watch Company
New York, United States · Est. 1900
Founded by William Keifer
Wakmann Watch Company was a New York-based firm that imported and branded high-quality Swiss chronographs from the 1930s through the 1970s. Known for their co-branded pieces with Breitling and their use of top-tier movements like the Valjoux 72.
- Founded
- 1900
- Headquarters
- New York, United States
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Defunct
Ceased: 1975
Wakmann, an American importer of Swiss chronographs, ceased operations during the quartz crisis as demand for mechanical chronographs collapsed.
New York's chronograph connoisseur — Wakmann curated the best Swiss movements for American wrists that demanded precision.
Key Collections
- Triple Calendar Chronograph — Sophisticated chronographs featuring day, date, and month complications alongside chronograph functions, typically housing Venus or Valjoux calibres.
- Valjoux 72 Chronograph — Premium three-register chronographs powered by the legendary Valjoux 72 movement, considered among the finest manual-wind chronograph calibres ever produced.
- Breitling Co-branded Pilots — Aviation chronographs produced in partnership with Breitling, including variants of the famous 765 AVI and Top Time models bearing both brand names.
- Two-Register Chronograph — Classic chronographs with running seconds and 30-minute counter, typically featuring Valjoux 7733 or similar movements in sport-oriented cases.
Timeline
- 1900 — William Keifer establishes the company that would become Wakmann Watch Company in New York City.
- 1936 — Wakmann formally incorporates and begins importing high-grade Swiss chronographs under its own brand name.
- 1950 — Partnership with Breitling expands, producing co-branded chronographs for the American market including military contractors.
- 1965 — Peak production period with extensive range of Valjoux-powered chronographs competing with established Swiss brands.
- 1975 — Wakmann ceases operations as the quartz crisis devastates demand for traditional mechanical chronographs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wakmann Watch Company
- When did Wakmann stop making watches?
- Wakmann ceased operations in 1975, a casualty of the quartz crisis that dramatically reduced demand for mechanical chronographs. The company had operated for approximately 75 years.
- Are Wakmann watches still valuable?
- Vintage Wakmann chronographs have appreciated significantly among collectors, particularly models featuring Valjoux 72 movements and Breitling co-branded pieces. Their quality movements and relative obscurity make them attractive alternatives to more expensive vintage chronographs.
- Can I still buy a Wakmann watch today?
- Wakmann watches are available exclusively through the vintage market, including specialist dealers, auction houses, and online platforms. No revival of the brand has occurred, making original pieces the only option.
- What is the relationship between Wakmann and Breitling?
- Wakmann served as Breitling's American distributor and produced co-branded chronographs bearing both names. These dual-signed pieces, including variants of the 765 and Top Time, are particularly sought after by collectors today.
- What movements did Wakmann use?
- Wakmann equipped their chronographs with top-tier Swiss movements including the Valjoux 72, Valjoux 7733, Venus 178, and Landeron calibres. The use of premium movements distinguished Wakmann from lesser importers.