Back in the summer of 2024, one of the Set Back in Time regulars shared an advertisement showing a cartoon image of a watch being dropped from the Space Needle in Seattle, USA. The image caught our attention, as did the name of the watch company, Wyler. It was a Swiss brand, but not a…Read more
Category: Automatic
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
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
Longines Ultra-Chron, High Frequency
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
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