When people think of vintage watches, one of the first associations that comes to mind is the sound of ticking. Almost all watches tick, and this distinctive sound has become synonymous with the passage of time itself. A common belief is that quartz watches tick, while mechanical watches exhibit a sweeping motion. While this appears…Read more
Category: Automatic
Browse our articles that include vintage watches with automatic movements. Discover classic self-winding mechanical timepieces that power themselves with your every movement.
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
Mechanical watch movement frequency
Frequency is a term that is used regularly in these pages when discussing the specifications of watch movements. Movement frequency in a mechanical watch refers to the number of oscillations or vibrations the balance wheel makes per hour. It’s typically measured in Hertz (Hz) or vibrations per hour (VPH) or beats per hour (BPH). For…Read more
Tissot Seastar automatic wristwatch, 1972
I will be the first to admit that I have a soft spot for the Tissot brand. Although my first Swiss watch was a Tag Heuer 1500 Series Professional, it was (sadly) quartz. My first “real” Swiss watch was a Tissot Visodate, which I purchased new in 2018 (it still has a few years before…Read more
Diving into history: The iconic Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner is often hailed as one of the most iconic watches in the world, and for good reason. It has a blend of robust functionality, timeless design, and history dating back to the early 1950s. All of this has cemented its status as a classic timepiece, desired by vintage watch collectors around the…Read more
Longines Admiral 5 star wristwatch, 1970s
This is a vintage Longines Admiral 5-star automatic wristwatch in excellent condition. The movement is signed with the Longines name, and the serial number dates back to the mid-1970s. Longines is one of the most underrated brands in the vintage watch world. In my opinion, it’s just as deserving of attention as other well-known Swiss…Read more
Vintage watch condition ratings
If you are starting to visit the multitude of online shops that specialise in vintage watches, you are going to come across the term “condition”. This is where the retailers describe the overall condition of a vintage watch, and this does influence the price. There is no standard listing, and many retailers provide their own…Read more
Omega Seamaster Reference 165-009, 1962
I have been searching for a vintage Omega Seamaster for a number of months. In my opinion, the Omega Seamaster is a must-have for any serious watch collector. I am looking for a vintage Seamaster, dating from the early 1960s. It should be in very good condition and a reliable timekeeper. I don’t expect the…Read more