Wyler Dynawind wristwatch, 1950s

Back in the summer of 2024, one of the Set Back in Time regulars shared an advertisement showing a cartoon image of a watch being dropped from the Space Needle in Seattle, USA. The image caught our attention, as did the name of the watch company, Wyler. It was a Swiss brand, but not a name that we were familiar with, but we are now. The advertisement was a recreation of an actual event where Wyler dropped watches from over 300 feet to prove the sturdiness of their in-house shock protection system, Incaflex. In reality, despite, the gimmick, the name soon disappeared from our memories. That was until one of us saw this Wyler Dynawind wristwatch recently advertised online.

The Wyler Dynawind is a little known brand and model. The watch has a modifed ETA 2375 automatic movement, signed Wyler, which is working well.

A brief history of Wyler

Paul Wyler founded the Wyler Watch Company in Basel, Switzerland in 1924. Its initial rise to prominence in the Swiss watch industry came with the development of the Incaflex system in 1927. This was an innovative balance wheel design featuring two curved elastic arms, which provided shock absorbance to the balance wheel.

In 1932, the company introduced a new water-tight case. This case could only be opened from the top by removing the crystal. This system was designed to minimise the possibility of any moisture seeping through the seams of the case. The following year, Wyler joined forces with Vetta in Italy, establishing them as their importer for the Italian market. In 1934, Wyler Vetta became an official sponsor for the Italian National Soccer League (Wyler at Chronopedia).

In December of 1956, as part of a publicity stunt, several Wyler-Vetta watches were thrown from the Eiffel Tower. It was a 300-metre drop, designed to showcase their toughness. All of the watches were reportedly working perfectly afterwards.

Incaflex

Paul Wyler developed the Incaflex in 1927, creating a revolutionary shock protection system for watch movements. Wyler uniquely incorporated the Incaflex system directly into the balance wheel itself. Unlike balance wheels with straight spokes, the Incaflex design used two curved, flexible spokes. These spokes were embedded on either side of the balance wheel, joined at the level of the staff. This allowed the spokes to absorb any external shock. This inbuilt system granted a far greater degree of protection to the delicate balance staff and pivot. This major, patented innovation became a standard feature in early Wyler production. According to Mikrolisk, Wyler registered the Incaflex trade mark in 1937. However, it was eventually replaced by the later Incabloc system (Incaflex at Watchonista).

ETA 2375 movement, known as Wyler WH26

The WH26/ETA 2375 movement is a 11.5 ligne movement. ETA produced the movement, with modifications by the Wyler Watch Company. The Wyler version, is an automatic watch movement featuring Incaflex shock protection. The ETA 2375 was in production from 1955 and featured a jewel count of 17, 21 or 25. The watch has a frequency of 18,000 vph. The watch is keeping time, but the previous service history is unknown.

ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse, known as ETA, is a Swiss company manufacturing a range of mechanical watch movements (or ébauches). The Swatch Group owns ETA, which has its headquarters in Grenchen, Switzerland. The company has a heritage which traces back to the 18th century through a series of mergers (ETA SA official website).

Case and dial

The watch measures 33mm in diameter excluding the winding crown and the lugs. The case is stainless steel with a contrasting gold plated bezel. Overall, it is in good condition with just light surface marks. The plexiglass lens is in good condition. The signed dial, “Wyler, Incaflex, Dynawind”, is in its original finish. It has age-related flecking, which most collectors value as patina. The dial features crosshair detail, original hands and centre seconds hand with detailed end. The watch features a new leather strap. The Wyler word for automatic movement, Dynawind was in use as a brand name on many dials. Period advertising promoted the Dynawind as the watch with the elastic balance wheel.

Summary

Wyler made good quality watches. However, they don’t have much in the way of brand recognition today. The current Wyler-Vetta watch company is still in operation, but have little distribution outside of Italy. In reality, Wyler remains best known for its Incaflex balance. The dropping of the Wyler watches from the Eiffel Tower was a memorable publicity event. Despite that, the general consensus amongst the Set Back in Time group, was that they are “interesting”. However, not a particularly desirable vintage watch. That’s not to say that anyone would refuse a gift of a vintage Wyler watch. Although, they aren’t likely to be on anyone’s Christmas list this coming year.