The Omega Railmaster is a timepiece deeply rooted in the history of both watchmaking and the evolving needs of professionals who require exceptional precision. This story begins with a tragic event in 1891. A train collision in Ohio highlighted the importance of reliable timekeeping for the railroad industry. A train driver relying on a watch…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.
Omega Genève gold-plated wristwatch, 1970
This gentleman’s Omega Genève gold-plated wristwatch was a Christmas gift for one of the lucky Set Back in Time group. The watch has a calibre 601 hand-winding movement, which is working nicely. The movement is fully signed, and it has the Omega serial number 30,845,753, dating it back to 1970. The Genève is not the…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
A collector’s guide to vintage dress watches
When it comes to building a vintage watch collection, there’s one type of timepiece that deserves a spot on everyone’s wrist, a vintage dress watch. While your everyday watch is the workhorse that gets you through most days, there are occasions that call for something a bit more refined. Think weddings, funerals, christenings, graduations or…Read more
Wyler Dynawind wristwatch, 1950s
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
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
Roamer Anfibio wristwatch, c1970
Roamer is not a name that immediately springs to mind when talking about vintage watches. However, it does have a long and reputable history. At one of the regular Set Back in Time meeintgs, this Roamer Anfibio was loudly ticking on a guest’s wrist. We took some time to research the history of the Roamer…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
How to authenticate a vintage watch: a collector’s guide
If you enjoy collecting vintage watches, you know how rewarding it is to find a rare timepiece in great condition. However, with counterfeits becoming more sophisticated, making sure a vintage watch is authentic is more important than ever. Whether you’re a collector, investor, or enthusiast, knowing how to authenticate a vintage watch can save you…Read more
The Omega Medicus wristwatch 1937
Introduced in 1937, the Omega Medicus was a deliberate response to a critical professional need, revolutionising medical timing with its central sweep seconds hand. It is not a well-known timepiece, and the name “Medicus” seems to be a nickname applied to the watch. The name itself never appeared on the dial of the watches or…Read more