1953 Wittnauer Chronograph (Ref. 3256) Previously Owned by Clint Brawner, Chief Mechanic of the 1953 Indy 500 Winning Pole Car, Driven by Bill Vukovich

When considering the all-time greats of automotive racing, the names that come to mind are often the racers behind the wheel instead of the minds behind the engines. However, one name has risen above the rest as potentially the most important Chief Mechanic in Indy 500 history, Clint Brawner. Clint was responsible for the cars of some of the most notable wins in Indy 500 history, including both of Bill Vukovich wins of 1953 and 1954, Mario Andretti’s only Indianapolis 500 win in 1969, and amassed a total of 51 wins and 6 national champions. As a result of Clint Brawner’s impressive pedigree, the annual Clint Brawner Mechanical Excellence Award was introduced in 1987 to commemorate the best Chief Mechanic’s of the Indy 500, and Clint Brawner himself was inducted into the “MotorSports Hall Of Fame of America” in 1998.

Here at Craft + Tailored we love all things racing and automotive and It’s no secret that watches and automotive racing go hand in hand. Some of the most notable and iconic wristwatch references have a significant heritage in motorSport, so we’re proud to offer this significant Wittnauer Chronograph ref. 3256 which was gifted by Goodman Jewelers to the Chief Mechanic of the Pole Car in the 1953 Indianapolis 500, Clint Brawner. Clint’s Pole Car was driven by none Other than Bill Vukovich, who has gone down in history as one of the best Indy Drivers of all time and went on to win the 1953 Indianapolis 500 race in the very same car.

This Wittnauer ref. 3256 is in excellent original condition and the dial is exceptionally well preserved. The case back features the engraving “Chief Mechanic, Pole Car, ’53 Indianapolis 500′, Goodman JRLS” which is still very visible to the naked eye. Though seemingly simple this Wittnauer retains a deep heritage in the automotive world and would be the perfect collector’s piece for the automotive and wristwatch enthusiast alike!

CASE & Bracelet

The case was previously lightly polished but retains excellent chamfers and strong brushing. The case retains its original unsigned crown and pushers. The original case back features the engraving “Chief Mechanic, Pole Car, ’53 Indianapolis 500′, Goodman JRLS” and was gifted to the Clint Brawner, the Chief Mechanic of the winning car in the 1953 Indianapolis 500, driven by Bill Vuckovich. The watch will come supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The silver Chronograph dial with applied indexes is in stunning condition, featuring a red telemeter scale and a blue tachymeter scale on the outer track. The two sub-dials are in excellent condition, the right sub-dial shows some light aging. All of the hands, including the blued steel Chronograph hand and sub-dial hands, remain original and in excellent condition.

Accessories 

The watch will come with a photo of Bill Vuckovich in the winning 1953 Indianapolis 500 car. The watch was recently serviced and is functioning perfectly, back by a 1-year warranty of accurate timekeeping.