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
Category: Automatic
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
Longines Admiral 5 star wristwatch, 1970s
This is a vintage Longines Admiral 5-star automatic wristwatch in excellent condition. The movement is signed with the Longines name, and the serial number dates back to the mid-1970s. Longines is one of the most underrated brands in the vintage watch world. In my opinion, it’s just as deserving of attention as other well-known Swiss…Read more
Vintage watch condition ratings
If you are starting to visit the multitude of online shops that specialise in vintage watches, you are going to come across the term “condition”. This is where the retailers describe the overall condition of a vintage watch, and this does influence the price. There is no standard listing, and many retailers provide their own…Read more
Omega Seamaster Reference 165-009, 1962
I have been searching for a vintage Omega Seamaster for a number of months. In my opinion, the Omega Seamaster is a must-have for any serious watch collector. I am looking for a vintage Seamaster, dating from the early 1960s. It should be in very good condition and a reliable timekeeper. I don’t expect the…Read more
Omega Seamaster 501 automatic, 1956
This vintage Omega Seamaster wristwatch has a calibre 501 20-jewel automatic movement that works well and keeps time accurately. The movement is fully signed by Omega, and the serial number 15,832,615 dates back to 1956. The Seamaster is one of those iconic brands that every true watch connoisseur wants to have in their collection. I…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
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