Sometimes a watch is greater than the sum of its parts. A strong movement, a quality construction, and a recognizable name go a long way. But there’s something to be said for synergy—if a watch has a great movement, say, but the exterior is less than inspiring, then the watch just doesn’t sing.

Wittnauer is a brand where, if their watches were a choir, they’d be singing Beethoven’s Ode to Joy.

Once a thriving subsidiary brand of industry heavyweight Longines, the manufacturer was once responsible for some of the most beautiful dress watches and chronographs from the mid-20th century.

The beauty of their chronographs in particular is nothing short of symphonic. There’s a definite element of sportiness to them (after all, Wittnauer’s chronographs were favored by aviators and even considered by NASA for use in manned spaceflight). But there are touches of elegance to them as well.

Take this chronograph, for example, a Reference 6002/5.

At 36mm it’s the perfect size for both men and women, and it’s perfectly proportioned, with a definite heft to it. But the lugs are elegantly beveled, off set by the prominent barrel pushers. And while the dial, with its (base 1000!) tachymeter scale hints at an automotive inspiration, those blued-steel Dauphine hands are more elegant than they have a right to be.

We’ve been touting Wittnauer for years, and it’s watches like this one that are a perfect example of why. All of those elements (including a signed Wittnauer bracelet) aside, when considered together, this is the real deal.