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
Category: Automatic
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
Rules for wearing a vintage watch
Vintage watches aren’t just practical timepieces. They add a stylish touch to your look. Whether you lean towards dress, sport or tool designs, a good watch elevates your game. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you’re wearing it right and keeping it in good working order. These are…Read more
Should I keep my vintage watches running when I don’t wear them?
Do you own a collection of vintage automatic watches? If so, you might be wondering if you need a watch winder. It’s a question that is regularly asked in the world of watch collecting, particularly by those new to the hobby. One option may be to invest in a watch winder that can keep your…Read more
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
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
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
Diving into history: The iconic Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner is often hailed as one of the most iconic watches in the world, and for good reason. It has a blend of robust functionality, timeless design, and history dating back to the early 1950s. All of this has cemented its status as a classic timepiece, desired by vintage watch collectors around the…Read more