Guide to vintage bumper automatic movements

In the world of vintage watches, the bumper automatic movement holds a special place, representing an era of innovation and ingenuity in mechanical watchmaking. These early self-winding mechanisms, developed in the early 20th century, were an important step towards the modern automatic wristwatch. Despite being eventually replaced by more efficient designs, bumper movements have left…Read more

Oriosa wristwatch, 1960s

By chance, I recently bumped into a fellow vintage watch collector. I was in a local shoe repair shop looking to have a leather watch strap repaired (I know I could buy a new one, but the existing one has a lovely patina). Sadly, the strap couldn’t be salvaged, but it led to a long…Read more

The Rolex winding crown

Rolex watches have long been associated with innovation, precision, and durability. Among the many defining features of these iconic timepieces, one of the most critical components is the Rolex winding crown. The crown serves a vital function beyond just setting the time. It’s also the key to one of Rolex’s most remarkable achievements, water resistance….Read more

Zenith Curvex “tank” wristwatch, 1939

No disrespect intended, but Zenith’s modern watches have never quite captured my interest. While the El Primero chronograph is widely seen as a modern classic, I lean toward simplicity. Complicated watches just don’t match my taste in watches. That said, when it comes to vintage watches, Zenith stands as an iconic watchmaker, and their vintage…Read more

Vintage watch case design

In this guide, we will explore the most common types of vintage watch case shapes and designs, their popularity over different periods, and how they relate to specific types of watches and materials. In the early days of watchmaking, timepieces were fragile and easily damaged. To safeguard their intricate mechanisms, the first watch cases were…Read more

Tissot bumper automatic wristwatch, 1952

In this post, we take a look at a 1950’s Tissot bumper automatic. I have long held an interest in the Tissot brand. It has a long history and still survives today. I have written before about my first Swiss mechanical watch, which was a Tissot Visodate. It is not yet vintage, but that particular…Read more

Vintage watch hour markers: a comprehensive guide

In this post, we’ll explore the most common types of Vintage watch hour markers, detailing their shapes and historical significance. Despite their essential role in telling time, hour markers are often overlooked in favour of other design elements. However, these markers not only serve a functional purpose but also significantly contribute to a watch’s overall…Read more

Why do vintage watches tick?

When people think of vintage watches, one of the first associations that comes to mind is the sound of ticking. Almost all watches tick, and this distinctive sound has become synonymous with the passage of time itself. A common belief is that quartz watches tick, while mechanical watches exhibit a sweeping motion. While this appears…Read more

Omega bumper automatic wristwatch, 1952

This Omega bumper automatic wristwatch, dating from 1952, represents the transition from traditional manual-wind watches to automatic movements. In this instance, the bumper automatic movement was an Omega calibre 351. Its stainless steel case, signed crown, and iconic bumper automatic movement make it an appealing choice for vintage watch collectors. History of Omega Omega was…Read more