Category: Brands

A gateway to watchmaking history. Explore vintage timepieces organised by the brands that helped shape the industry. Each name reflects a distinct legacy of craftsmanship, technical achievement and enduring design.

Omega Seamaster automatic wristwatch, 1964

During the 1960s, Omega Seamasters featured classic round cases and minimalist dials. The emphasis was on elegance in preference to complexity. While stainless steel dominated the era, Omega offered silver or black dials featuring applied markers and sharp dauphine hands. This understated, gentlemanly design established the Seamaster as an all-occasion timepiece, complementing both formal suits…Read more

Cyma Navystar wristwatch, c1960

The Set Back in Time team is very familiar with the Cyma brand. Back in the 1950s and 60s, Cymas was producing high-quality watches with in-house movements that rivalled some of the bigger Swiss brands. Cyma watches of the aforementioned period are highly collectable. In a recent gathering, one of our group showed this example…Read more

Omega Seamaster De Ville wristwatch, 1965

This particular example of an Omega Seamaster De Ville wristwatch was brought to the attention of the Set Back in Time group in the lead-up to Christmas. It was high on the wishlist of one of our regulars, who wanted a second opinion before they made a purchase. Compared to more famous Omega lines like…Read more

Helvetia automatic wristwatch, 1950s

This vintage Helvetia automatic was shared with the Set Back in Time group in one of our normal Friday sessions. It dates from the 1950s and contains a Helvetia 838 automatic movement. The watch is keeping good time, perhaps +1 minute a day fast. However, this is perfectly acceptable for a 70+ year old watch….Read more

Do vintage Omega watches hold their value?

The short answer? Yes, they can. Vintage Omega watches generally hold their value well, and in some cases, they even appreciate over time. Certain models have achieved legendary status, making them highly sought after by collectors. However, as with any luxury item, factors like model, rarity, condition, and market demand all influence how well a…Read more

Omega Constellation “Pie Pan” wristwatch, 1963

The Omega Constellation is not a watch that regularly dominates the discussions at Set Back in Time meetings. Generally, when Omega comes up, the discussion centres around Seamasters, Speedmasters, and dare we say it, the MoonSwatch. However, in a recent meeting, a newcomer to the group was wearing an Omega Constellation with a Pie Pan…Read more

Omega Seamaster De Ville wristwatch, 1966

This is a nice example of a vintage men’s watch from the Swiss brand, Omega. It is an automatic Seamaster De Ville 165.008, which combines the qualities of a dress watch with the rugged functionality of a tool watch. The watch is in very good condition with a strong case and a remarkably clean dial…Read more

Why buy a vintage Omega Seamaster?

First of all, I have to admit I’m a fan of the Omega Seamaster, so I am a little biased. I have owned a few vintage Omega watches, and I have never been disappointed. The wide variety of vintage Omega Seamaster models on the market today means there is always something new to discover. In…Read more

Omega Seamaster Cosmic, 1960s.

At Set Back in Time, we’ve always felt that Omega is a brand that is right up there with the Holy Trinity (Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, and Patek Philippe), but isn’t pretentious. It’s an accessible brand for many people, with good quality, reliable vintage timepieces that don’t break the bank. We also like the history…Read more