The story behind this DeWitt Furtive Chronograph
In 2013, the year marking the 10th anniversary of the Geneva-based manufacture, DeWitt unveiled the DeWitt Furtive, its first stainless steel collection. Designed as a more casual alternative to the brand’s grand complications, the collection is available in both automatic and chronograph versions, with design cues drawn from motor racing. The reference FTV.CHR.001 denotes the chronograph with a black dial, one of three colours available alongside midnight blue and white. On the market, this collection is also known as the Glorious Knight. Its most distinctive feature is the chronograph’s minute counter, positioned at the centre of the dial in the form of a rotating disc with an open window that reveals the count as it turns. DeWitt has added a patented inverted crown, engraved with the W logo, which tilts and returns to its normal position when adjusted. The imperial columns – the brand’s signature and a tribute to the history of the de Witt family – remain present, albeit in a more discreet manner.
Case, movement and strap of this Furtive Chronograph
The curved 316L stainless steel case measures 46 mm in diameter and features alternating satin-finished and polished surfaces. On the left-hand side, the imperial columns stand out against a black background, whilst on the right the pushers engraved with ‘START’ and ‘RESET’ flank the crown. The solid caseback, secured by screws, bears the inscriptions ‘Genève’, ‘Furtive’ and ‘316L’ around a medallion featuring the brand’s logo. Crafted in-house, the black dial echoes the design of a racing car’s dashboard, with the small seconds at 3 o’clock and the 24-hour display at 9 o’clock linked by a horizontal bar. In the centre, the guilloché disc displays the chronograph minutes through its aperture, surrounded by Roman numerals and a dotted minute track. The hour and minute hands, in 18-carat white gold, are open-worked in the shape of a sword, whilst the counter hands are tipped with a gold point. The automatic chronograph calibre beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of 42 hours. The watch is fitted with a black grained leather strap with white topstitching, lined with rubber, and fastened with a DeWitt-signed steel folding clasp.
Why this DeWitt watch
This chronograph is no longer listed in the DeWitt catalogue, and the second-hand market is now the only way to acquire it. It offers a glimpse into an independent Geneva-based watchmaker, which produces its watches by hand in small batches, through its sportiest range. Its central disc minute display and inverted crown remain unique to this collection, giving this steel chronograph an identity that is instantly recognisable. With its 46 mm case and black dial, it is designed for a bold wrist.
Contents and condition
The watch is supplied in a ‘The Swiss Collector’ box, without the original DeWitt box or papers. It has been previously worn and shows some signs of wear, including micro-scratches and wear marks on the case and bracelet, which do not affect the readability of the dial. Inspected by our experts, it has been tested by our partner watchmakers and is fully functional.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand watch retailer, backed by the largest network of boutiques, we offer online booking for a fitting and in-store collection, or fully secure international delivery.
* Good condition – Watch has been worn. Some signs of wear (micro-scratches, wear marks, etc.). Fully functional and tested by our partner watchmakers.
