Category: Components

Browse our articles on vintage watch components. Understanding the individual parts of a watch is essential for identifying, dating, and appreciating vintage timepieces. This category explores the design and, functions of watch components.

Eterna-Matic automatic wrist watch, 1968

February 24, 2024By Jason

The latest addition to the Set Back in Time collection is this Eterna-matic 2000 Centenaire automatic wrist watch, dating from 1968. Eterna introduced the Centenaire range in 1956 to celebrate the centenary of the company. This is a classic dress watch, a little small by today’s standards, but certainly acceptable as a vintage timepiece. The…Read more

The Dirty Dozen watches

February 17, 20243 commentsBy Jason

The story of the Dirty Dozen watches began in 1943 when the British War Department realised the necessity of having a general service wristwatch built to high standards. They commissioned a watch for its forces. The aim was to find a replacement for the old A.T.P. (Army Trade Pattern) watches that had been in service…Read more

1950s Cyma bumper automatic wristwatch

February 11, 20242 commentsBy Jason

This vintage Cyma bumper automatic wristwatch exudes character. The Cyma brand is well-respected amongst vintage watch collectors. The watch, which dates from the 1950s, has aged well, and it keeps good time. The dial is branded Cymaflex, which was a proprietary shock protection system developed by Cyma in the late 1930s. Cyma Joseph and Theodore…Read more

1970s Certina Bristol 235 wrist watch

February 10, 2024By Jason

This vintage Certina watch is stunning. It is branded, Certina Bristol 235, and has a good quality 17-jewel hand-winding movement, calibre 25-66, which is working nicely and keeping good time. The clean movement bears the Certina name in full. Certina Adolf and Alfred Kurth founded Certina in 1888 in Grenchen, Switzerland. The Swiss watchmaker has…Read more