Watch shock protection systems are designed to protect the delicate components of a watch movement, in particular the balance wheel, from damage due to physical shocks or impacts. These systems are critical for maintaining the accuracy, reliability and longevity of a watch, as even minor shocks can cause damage to the movement’s intricate parts. How…Read more
9ct gold Art Deco J W Benson wristwatch, 1947
The features of Art Deco design have recently caught my eye, and I am keen to add a watch to my collection that captures the charm of the period. In this instance, during my initial research, I came across this Art Deco J W Benson wristwatch dating from 1947. It is made in the Art…Read more
How to wind a vintage watch
A vintage mechanical watch is powered by the mainspring and will only run if the mainspring is wound to some degree. The mainspring is wound either by hand or by a self-winding mechanism, i.e. an automatic movement. Normally, a mechanical watch has a 40 to 48-hour power reserve after a full wind. This means to…Read more
Oris Super wrist watch, 1960s.
Oris has long been a favourite Swiss brand of mine. I own a modern Oris 65 Divers watch with a bronze bezel and leather strap. It looks amazing, keeps great time and flies under the radar, only a watch aficionado would appreciate it for the respected Swiss made brand that it is. The bronze and…Read more
The Swiss made brand: a timeless legacy
The name “Swiss made” is one of the most iconic and revered brands in the world. The term “Swiss Made” is synonymous with high-quality luxury watches. The Swiss have jealously protected this venerated brand name for over a century. However, despite a long history of watchmaking the Swiss were not always known for their high-end…Read more
Eterna KonTiki 10, c1968
The Kontiki models of the 1950s and 60s are arguably some of Eterna’s most iconic models. Solidly constructed, inside and out in every respect, they were favoured by Divers and Military personnel at the time. This particular vintage watch is an Eterna KonTiki 10 dating from 1958. It is in stunning condition for its age….Read more
The peculiar history of MuDu watches
MuDu watches are a vintage watch brand that comes up online occasionally and the brand has a peculiar history. According to Mikrolisk, the “Bible” for horological trade marks, the MuDu brand was registered in 1957. It is listed as belonging to Brevinex SA/Kurt Dubach, Geneva, Switzerland. There is a separate, undated trade mark list on…Read more
Vintage watch crystals explained
Made of acrylic, glass or synthetic Sapphire, the crystal is a transparent cover or lens that protects the vintage watch dial and reduces glare. As well as allowing you to read the time on your vintage watch, the crystal also protects the delicate inner components of your timepiece from damage. It is one of the…Read more
Longines wrist watch, tropical dial
This vintage Longines watch has a good quality 17-jewel calibre 6952 hand-winding movement which is keeping time well. The movement is fully signed and it has the serial number 53903096 which dates it back to 1977. For such a good quality movement, I am surprised that it is not part of one of the Longines…Read more
Should I have my vintage watch serviced?
A vintage watch is more than just a tool to tell the time. It is an extension of your personality and style. That said, it is of utmost importance to ensure that your vintage watch is accurate, otherwise, it is just a piece of jewellery on your wrist. Regular maintenance and servicing can help prevent…Read more