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
The history of the Omega Seamaster
Vintage Omega Seamaster watches are renowned for their timeless, understated designs. Featuring clean dials, slim hands, and well-proportioned cases, they reflect the elegance of mid-20th-century watchmaking. Built with durability in mind, these watches were crafted to endure, thanks to high-quality materials and Omega’s advanced waterproofing technology. Many vintage Seamasters remain functional after decades of use,…Read more
West End Matchless wristwatch, 1940s
In this post, we take a look at an interesting brand of Swiss-made watches that are better known on the sub-continent than in Europe, the West End Watch Company. In this instance, we are looking at a West End Watch Company “Matchless” wristwatch dating from the 1940s. This post was inspired by a question from…Read more
Vintage watch hands: a guide to the most common types
When it comes to vintage watches, the shape and design of the hour, minute, and second hands not only contribute to the watch’s visual appeal but also play a crucial role in legibility and functionality. Over time, various styles of hands have emerged, each with distinct characteristics and often tied to particular watch brands or…Read more
Roamer Popular wristwatch, 1950s
I came across this vintage Roamer Popular wristwatch dating from the 1950s. It is the perfect example mid mid-20th century Swiss watchmaking with its simplicity, reliable movement, and elegant, yet understated, appeal. It has a Roamer MST 371 movement, which is a notable model for those who appreciate the quality and precision of vintage watches….Read more
Vintage watch cases – stainless steel
Stainless steel is a versatile material that is widely used in watchmaking due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and hypoallergenic properties. It is highly resistant to rust, moisture, and sweat. This makes it ideal for timepieces and jewellery that need to withstand daily wear. Additionally, stainless steel causes minimal skin irritation, making it a preferred…Read more
Certina Blue Ribbon wristwatch, 1960s
I had a recent short break in Worthing, a seaside town on the south coast of England. The plan was to spend a couple of days strolling along the seaside in bright sunshine. However, the weather had other ideas. Instead of sunshine, there was howling wind and horizontal rain. The seaside was replaced by window…Read more
Mechanical watch movement frequency
Frequency is a term that is used regularly in these pages when discussing the specifications of watch movements. Movement frequency in a mechanical watch refers to the number of oscillations or vibrations the balance wheel makes per hour. It’s typically measured in Hertz (Hz) or vibrations per hour (VPH) or beats per hour (BPH). For…Read more
Tissot Seastar automatic wristwatch, 1972
I will be the first to admit that I have a soft spot for the Tissot brand. Although my first Swiss watch was a Tag Heuer 1500 Series Professional, it was (sadly) quartz. My first “real” Swiss watch was a Tissot Visodate, which I purchased new in 2018 (it still has a few years before…Read more
What is a vintage “tool watch”?
If you spend any length of time around vintage watch collectors, you will overhear the term “tool watch”. In this post we explain exactly what is meant by the term “tool watch” and give some examples of each from the vintage watch world. A tool watch serves practical, functional use in specific professional tasks or…Read more