A question was asked in one of the Set Back in Time sessions in the local pub. As usual, there was a wrist check, and the watch that gathered the most attention was a 1958 Omega Seamaster. And of course, this led to the question: “How water-resistant are vintage Omega Seamaster watches?” In this post,…Read more
Category: Collecting
Explore our articles on vintage watch collecting. This covers everything from identifying and researching watches to understanding movements, restoration, and building a meaningful collection.
Technos Goldshield wristwatch, 1960s.
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
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
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
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
A brief history of timekeeping and wristwatches
For many, a wristwatch is an essential daily accessory, something they cannot leave home without. Others see wristwatches as a stylish addition to an outfit, reserved for special occasions. For collectors, perhaps the most enduring appeal of owning a vintage watch is the knowledge that you own a particular piece of history. In an age…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