Uncovering obscure Swiss vintage brands seems to be a recurring theme of recent Set Back in Time discussions. This post is no exception. One of the group recently uncovered this Technos Goldshield wristwatch dating from the 1960s. It is powered by a high-grade ETA 2391 21-jewel hand-winding movement and has a distinctive dial. However, none…Read more
Category: Collecting
Are vintage watches a good investment?
At Set Back in Time, we are a group of dedicated vintage watch collectors. We enjoy owning and wearing vintage timepieces. We are not buying for investment purposes. That said, vintage watches can have investment potential, and that is the topic of this post. In this guide, we explore why vintage watches are potentially a…Read more
Guide to vintage watches: case materials
If you are looking to purchase your first vintage watch, deciding on the right case material might be a bit of a challenge. It won’t be too surprising that steel is the most common material for vintage watches. It is a safe and durable choice, but there are other options. In this Set Back in…Read more
Garrard 9ct gold wristwatch, 1979
“Anyone heard of Garrard’s?” That was a question that was asked at a recent Set Back in Time session. The answer was “of course”. Garrard’s is a very distinguished retailer of luxury jewellery, which also includes a range of high-quality watches. In this instance, the watch in question was a Garrard 9ct gold wristwatch dating…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 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
Helvetia “tropical dial” automatic wristwatch, 1950s
This watch was brought to the attention of the Set Back in Time group a few weeks ago. No one in the group was particularly interested in buying, but it did have a few characteristics that caught our attention and made for a lively discussion. First was the “tropical dial”, which tends to be a…Read more
The history of vintage watch buckles
This may seem like a strange topic, “The history of vintage watch buckles” because, in the world of vintage watch collecting, it isn’t the component or feature of a watch that first comes to mind. However, in terms of overall originality and authenticity, it is the most likely part of vintage watch hardware to be…Read more
Essential rules for wearing vintage watches for the modern gentleman
Vintage watches are more than timekeepers, they are a reflection of history and personal style. These classic timepieces hold a special charm and can accentuate any outfit. Wearing a vintage watch properly ensures you enjoy its beauty and longevity. This Set Back In Time post explains the essential rules for wearing men’s vintage watches and…Read more
Polishing vintage watches: Yes, or No?
Can you polish a vintage watch? Absolutely. But the question is, should you? Well, that’s where things get tricky. Watch collectors have debated this for years, and there’s no simple yes or no answer. It all depends on the watch, its history, and what you hope to achieve. In this post, we discuss the pros…Read more