To be completely honest, vintage Vetta is a territory I've never explored in depth. But that’s the beauty of vintage watches, right? There's always more to discover. This Vetta monopusher chronograph is one such revelation for me. While I’ve always known that the brand made some interesting multi-scale chronographs in the past, seeing a rare example of a monopusher chronograph like this has been quite an eye-opener for me.
For those unaware, Vetta was originally named ‘Wyler.’ The brand was known for producing timepieces with specially engineered components, such as the ‘Incaflex balance,’ which enhanced the shock resistance and overall durability of their movements. The name ‘Vetta’ emerged in the 1930s when Wyler began distributing watches in Italy under the name ‘Wyler-Vetta,’ later shortening it for marketing purposes.
The watch features a well-proportioned 37mm x 12.5mm nickel-chrome, anti-magnetic case, which was considered quite substantial for its era. When viewed from the side, the case has a profile reminiscent of the edge of a coin. Thanks to its two pairs of slightly downturned lugs, it is also very wearable.
The true highlight of this vintage piece is its stunning sector dial, which remains relatively well-preserved despite its age. This configuration is particularly intriguing, as it pairs beautifully with the intricate multi-scale chronograph layout. The dial is complemented by a set of blued steel hands and alternating numerals in the centre, creating a visually compelling combination.
All in all, I really like how it looks and feels on my wrist. Despite its vintage styling, the case size and profile resemble some of the modern case designs we see today, making it quite wearable by today’s standards.
Eventually, like many other brands, the brand couldn't overcome the challenges of the quartz crisis and became just another name with a storied history that would change hands over time. While they do still produce watches today, their modern offerings are a far cry from what they once produced. That said, one thing remains clear: at almost 100 years old, this particularly rare example has withstood the test of time and is a handsome timepiece that provides a nostalgic glimpse into the brand's glory days. It's no wonder collectors often prefer Vetta's offerings over those of its parent company—the vibrant dial colours, intricate multi-scales, and overall design come together beautifully.
