In my daily search for vintage watches, we came across this very interesting Hermetic wristwatch dating from 1930. At first glance, it looks a little odd because it appears to be missing the crown. However, the crown exists. It is just hidden inside the innovative “hermetic watch case”. This was one of the early attempts…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.
A beginner’s guide to buying a vintage watch
Buying a vintage watch is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. For those not involved in watchmaking or collecting, the process may seem complex and intimidating. Vintage watches have a rich and nuanced market with numerous styles, terms, and brands to learn. I remember the first vintage watch I bought, an Omega Geneve automatic…Read more
A guide to dating vintage watches
Vintage watches are like time capsules that carry the character of their era. Some vintage watches can easily be dated by their serial numbers or the years of production for a specific model. However, if that information is not readily available, it is possible to estimate the date of a watch based on its particular…Read more
The pros and cons of vintage watch ownership
It’s important for potential buyers of vintage wristwatches to understand both the rewards and the demands of owning a classic vintage watch. Very few vintage watch dealers will try to address this because they would risk losing business. However, we aren’t dealers. We are collectors and want to share the benefits and the limitations of…Read more
Longines Surfing wristwatch, 1966
I must be honest; in this post, I am actually writing about a vintage watch I had no intention of buying. It is a Longines Surfing wristwatch, Reference: 7625-1, dating from 1966. I have a great deal of respect for the Longines brand, but I see them as a watchmaker that focuses on elegance rather…Read more
A brief history of the trench watch
Strictly speaking, trench watches have not been considered vintage for decades. They are beyond vintage and very much antique. However, the design of the trench watch and its practical usage throughout the First World War led to a change in how we presented the time. For this reason, we take a brief look into the…Read more
Oriosa wristwatch, 1960s
By chance, I recently bumped into a fellow vintage watch collector. I was in a local shoe repair shop looking to have a leather watch strap repaired (I know I could buy a new one, but the existing one has a lovely patina). Sadly, the strap couldn’t be salvaged, but it led to a long…Read more
Omega bumper automatic wristwatch, 1952
This Omega bumper automatic wristwatch, dating from 1952, represents the transition from traditional manual-wind watches to automatic movements. In this instance, the bumper automatic movement was an Omega calibre 351. Its stainless steel case, signed crown, and iconic bumper automatic movement make it an appealing choice for vintage watch collectors. History of Omega Omega was…Read more
The history of the Omega Seamaster
Vintage Omega Seamaster watches are renowned for their timeless, understated designs. Featuring clean dials, slim hands, and well-proportioned cases, they reflect the elegance of mid-20th-century watchmaking. Built with durability in mind, these watches were crafted to endure, thanks to high-quality materials and Omega’s advanced waterproofing technology. Many vintage Seamasters remain functional after decades of use,…Read more
Certina Blue Ribbon wristwatch, 1960s
We had a recent short break in Worthing, a seaside town on the south coast of England. The plan was to spend a couple of days strolling along the seaside in bright sunshine. However, the weather had other ideas. Instead of sunshine, there was howling wind and horizontal rain. We replaced the seaside walk with…Read more