If you enjoy collecting vintage watches, you know how rewarding it is to find a rare timepiece in great condition. However, with counterfeits becoming more sophisticated, making sure a vintage watch is authentic is more important than ever. Whether you’re a collector, investor, or enthusiast, knowing how to authenticate a vintage watch can save you…Read more
Doxa Cricket alarm watch, 1950s
In a recent Set Back in Time meeting, a regular brought along an out-of-town guest. In itself, that is not unusual. Our meetings are open to anyone happy to talk about watches. However, in this instance, the guest was wearing a Doxa Cricket alarm watch dating from the 1950s. Most of us admitted that we…Read more
The mainspring barrel: the power behind a mechanical watch
A mechanical watch is a complicated piece of machinery, with dozens of tiny parts working in perfect harmony. At the centre of it all is the mainspring barrel, the crucial component responsible for powering the entire movement. Understanding how the mainspring barrel works, along with its various types and historical developments, helps us appreciate the…Read more
The Omega Medicus wristwatch 1937
Introduced in 1937, the Omega Medicus was a deliberate response to a critical professional need, revolutionising medical timing with its central sweep seconds hand. It is not a well-known timepiece, and the name “Medicus” seems to be a nickname applied to the watch. The name itself never appeared on the dial of the watches or…Read more
Why does my vintage watch keep losing time?
If you notice your vintage watch losing time, you are not alone. Many factors can affect a watch’s accuracy over time. It is common for even the finest timepieces to lose a few seconds or even minutes over a day. In this post, we will explore several possible reasons for this issue and offer advice…Read more
Longines Flagship automatic watch, 1960
I have written about vintage Longines Flagship models in the past. I have owned a modern Heritage version and have always been on the lookout for a classic vintage Flagship. Last time, it was another case of the “one that got away”. However, this time I got lucky and have a nice Longines Flagship automatic…Read more
The Rolex Oyster case
Established in 1905, Rolex is world-famous for tough, reliable watches. This reputation largely comes from the Oyster case, Rolex’s patented waterproof design. Introduced in 1926, the Oyster was a radical step in watchmaking. Rolex had found a way to seal a wristwatch so water and dust could not enter. The brand’s own account calls it…Read more
Omega 351 bumper automatic, 1950
This is an early Omega Seamaster 351 bumper automatic that we came across recently. It has one of the early “bumper automatic” movements, the Omega calibre 351. It is a classic vintage Seamaster, dating from 1950, and has aged very well. Timekeeping is good, and it has that distinctive “bumper action” on the wrist. The…Read more
Vintage watch buyers guide
Vintage watches have captured interest worldwide, and it’s no surprise why. They combine craftsmanship, design, and a touch of history. Sports watches from legendary brands like Rolex and Omega are especially sought after, but thanks to the internet, vintage watch collecting has become more accessible than ever. You can now browse and buy any vintage…Read more
Zenith Sporto, 1970s
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