Zenith is a brand that rarely appears in these pages. There is a reason for that, which we will discuss further down the page. That said, this post is about a vintage Zenith Sporto wristwatch dating from the 1970s. It caught our eye and our interest. Although the watch was sold before any of us…Read more
The Omega Genève range, an overview and history
The Omega Genève is one of Omega’s lesser-known brands. It was an entry-level watch of good quality that fell by the wayside in the late 1970s. Although when it launched in the 1950s, it was a high-tier dress watch, second only to the Constellation. Later, in the 1960s, Genève’s target audience shifted to the entry-level…Read more
Omega Seamaster replacement dial, 1965
Omega Seamasters feature prominently at Set Back In Time. It’s hard not to like a Seamaster. The Omega brand has history, and the Seamaster range has proven itself to be a reliable, rugged timepiece for over 70 years. As collectors, we value originality and authenticity. We aren’t investors. We just appreciate vintage watches. That said,…Read more
Vintage watch maintenance
Vintage watches are amazing little time machines. They’re built with skill and care, and they can last a lifetime if you take good care of them. However, keeping these mechanical masterpieces in great shape means regular maintenance (How to care for a vintage watch at Gear Patrol). Experts say you should get your vintage watch…Read more
Vintage watch date complications
A watch complication, by definition, is any function of a timepiece that is in addition to its primary function of keeping time. One of the most common complications on modern watches is the Date function, which is a display of the date via a numbered disk. Typically, this is displayed via a small aperture or window…Read more
Longines Ultra-Chron, High Frequency
Longines relaunched the Ultra-Chron in 2022. It is a near-perfect revival of the high-frequency range that first appeared in the 1960s. We saw a vintage Ultra-Chron on one of our recent expeditions to an Antiques and Collectors Fair. There wasn’t a known service history for this particular example, so it wasn’t purchased. However, it did…Read more
1950s Cyma Triplex wristwatch
I came across this interesting watch during my endless search for my next vintage timepiece. Its a 1950s Cyma Triplex available at The Vintage Wrist Watch Company (a favourite supplier of mine). I was already familiar with the Cyma brand, as I have had a few pass through my hands over the years. However, I…Read more
Identifying a vintage Tissot watch
Tissot is a much under-estimated brand, which is a shame considering it has successfully bridged the gap between luxury and affordability in the Swiss watch industry. I have a lot of respect for the brand, and I have owned a few Tissot watches over the years. They have served me well. If you are looking to…Read more
How to get moisture out of a vintage watch
Discovering condensation inside your vintage watch can be a frustrating experience. Yet with the right techniques and a little care, you can remove the moisture and preserve your timepiece. In this guide, we explore various methods to remove moisture from your vintage watch, explain why condensation occurs, and share tips to prevent future issues. How…Read more
The Omega Ranchero
In my never-ending online search for vintage watches, I stumbled across this Omega Seamaster 2990 (Ranchero). The Ranchero was not a model I was familiar with, so it caught my attention. The watch in question was originally an Omega Ranchero with a replacement dial and hands from a Seamaster. The watch in question had been…Read more