Vetta Automatique Super

Among the vast world of vintage timepieces, there is no doubt that vintage dive watches hold a special place in the hearts of many collectors, ourselves included. With their simple, clean designs and reliable, robust movements, the tool watches of the 1960s and 1970s were built to accompany the adventurer across the globe and to keep time at its great heights as well as its dark depths.

Given the popularity of the style (even to this day), there are hundreds of interesting variants from dozens of companies. Though these companies all, for the most part, ceased production due to the ravages of the Quartz crisis, their watches remain--all with a story to tell and a unique take on a tried and true theme. Among these, vintage dive watches are some of the most attractive; even when relegated to desk duty, there's just something so right about a vintage dive watch on your wrist.

In the 1930s Wyler, a Swiss watchmaker known for their patented Incaflex shock-protection mechanism, wanted to enter the Italian market. They did so by partnering with distributor Lucio Binda, leading to a lucrative partnership and the creation of a new brand--Vetta. Vetta enjoyed success in the Italian market, thanks to Binda's flair for the dramatic. To promote the brand, Binda and his representatives drove around Milan with watches tied to the back of a car, or threw a pair of watches off the Eiffel Tower to prove the robustness of the Incaflex system (in both cases, the watches kept ticking).

This particular watch, a Reference 45052 Super Automatique, is often referred to as a "Baby Panerai" due to the similarity of its case to those used by Panerai. However, these watches — at a respectable 40mm — are more suitable to smaller wrists. With 1000m depth rating and powered by a redoubtable Vetta movement, this diver brings some great touches to the vintage dive watch formula: a beautifully patinated dial, a rotating bezel, and of course that handsome case.

Marrying Italian design and Swiss engineering, this piece is not only a prime example of Vetta in its heyday, but a proper vintage diver that has stood the test of time.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.