1940s OLYMPIC Super Automatic Watch Cal. Buren BAA 525 "Pendulum Automatic" Wristwatch - VERY Rare

OLYMPIC Super Automatic – Cal. Buren BAA 525 Wristwatch

We are pleased to offer this exceptionally rare and collectible vintage timepiece: an OLYMPIC Super Automatic watch, dating from the 1940s. This model represents an important milestone in horological history, as it features one of the earliest prototype automatic movements ever developed. Very few examples of this reference are known to exist today.

At its heart beats the Buren BAA 525 "pendulum automatic" movement, a self-winding caliber with 17 jewels, hacking seconds, a sweep second hand, date indicator, a 33-hour power reserve, and operating at 18,000 vibrations per hour. Swiss made, this innovative mechanism reflects a key moment in the evolution of automatic watchmaking.

The watch is housed in a 32mm round stainless steel case with elegantly curved “fancy” lugs, giving it a distinctive vintage charm. The original black dial features aged cream Arabic numerals, luminous baton hour markers, and a white outer minute/second track for enhanced legibility. The dial is signed with the Olympic name and logo at 12 o'clock.

Fitted with a brand-new black genuine leather strap, this timepiece is in very good vintage condition—running smoothly and keeping excellent time. A remarkable find for collectors seeking early automatic movement history.

This wristwatch is in very good pre-owned condition, running smoothly and keeping excellent time.

Thank you for considering this timepiece. Feel free to reach out with any questions or respectful offers!

Movement

Lemania
Olympic Watch Co.
R. GSell & Co. INC.
Seventeen 17 Jewels
Unadjusted
BAA 525
Swiss

Case Back Markings

Olympic Watch Co.
R. GSell & Co. INC.
Swiss
Acier Inoxydable
134.601

Measurements (mm)

Case: 32
Case with Crown: 35
Lug to Lug: 40
Case Thickness: 11
Lug Width: 17
Band Width: 17

Note on Sizing

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men’s watches typically measure between 29–36mm wide (some larger, some smaller) excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women’s watches from the 1900s–1970s were also much smaller than today's offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have concerning size.

About Second Hand Horology

At SECOND HAND HOROLOGY, we offer a curated selection of watches ranging from vintage to modern, including both brand-new and pre-owned timepieces. We’re committed to quality, accuracy, and integrity. Our listings feature:

Professional, unedited photography and clear, transparent descriptions. Every watch is thoroughly inspected and securely packaged to ensure a confident, seamless buying experience.

We also warmly invite you to visit our physical shop and explore the collection in person.

Contact Us

We appreciate you checking out our listing! Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, offers, or just to talk watches — we love what we do and enjoy connecting with fellow enthusiasts.

Thank you for your business — we truly appreciate your support and look forward to serving you again in the future!

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