The Omega Speedmaster, commonly known as the Moonwatch, has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the early days of space exploration. It is one of the most legendary and collectable watches in the world of horology. The Speedmaster was not originally designed for space exploration. Introduced in 1957 as part of a…Read more
Category: Manual wind
Browse our articles on vintage manual wind watches. Before automatic movements became widespread, manual winding was the standard way to power a mechanical watch.
Rules for wearing a vintage watch
Vintage watches aren’t just practical timepieces. They add a stylish touch to your look. Whether you lean towards dress, sport or tool designs, a good watch elevates your game. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you’re wearing it right and keeping it in good working order. These are…Read more
9ct gold Omega wristwatch, 30T2 calibre, 1944
The Omega 30T2 is one of the brand’s most respected movements. A vintage watch with this calibre has been on my wish list for a while. During my search for a suitable candidate, I came across this particular example at The Vintage Wrist Watch Company. It’s a 9ct gold Omega wristwatch, dating from 1944. Sadly,…Read more
Is my vintage watch overwound?
Is my vintage watch overwound? As vintage watch collectors, we hear this question a lot from both new and experienced watch collectors. But here’s the thing, for as many times as we’ve been asked about overwinding, we’ve never seen a watch that was actually overwound. It’s simply not possible, if a watch is fully wound and not working,…Read more
Vintage gentleman’s Longines Jamboree wristwatch, c1958
I must admit I had no intention of buying the Longines Jamboree even though it had been sold when I had a chance to review the piece. Although I am familiar with the Longines brand, I had no knowledge of the Jamboree model. I spent a few hours researching this obscure model, and below is…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
Why do vintage watches tick?
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
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