At Set Back in Time, we have a soft spot for the Omega Genève. It was a good-quality watch that always contained high-Omega calibres. Unfortunately, it just couldn’t find its niche up against the likes of the Constellation, Seamaster and De Ville. Sadly, the range is no longer with us, but there are plenty of…Read more
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.
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
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
Omega 30T2 wristwatch, 1947
Omega seems to be a recurring theme at Set Back in Time. Its not really surprising, Omega is a very well-respected brand and their movements are superb. A well maintained Omega movement will last for generations. One of our regulars brought this particular watch to our attention. It is an Omega 30T2 wristwatch dating to…Read more
Doxa Cricket alarm watch, 1950s
In a recent Set Back in Time meeting, a regular brought along an out-of-town guest. In itself, that is not unusual. Our meetings are open to anyone happy to talk about watches. However, in this instance, the guest was wearing a Doxa Cricket alarm watch dating from the 1950s. Most of us admitted that we…Read more
The mainspring barrel: the power behind a mechanical watch
A mechanical watch is a complicated piece of machinery, with dozens of tiny parts working in perfect harmony. At the centre of it all is the mainspring barrel, the crucial component responsible for powering the entire movement. Understanding how the mainspring barrel works, along with its various types and historical developments, helps us appreciate the…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
The Rolex Oyster case
Established in 1905, Rolex is world-famous for tough, reliable watches. This reputation largely comes from the Oyster case, Rolex’s patented waterproof design. Introduced in 1926, the Oyster was a radical step in watchmaking. Rolex had found a way to seal a wristwatch so water and dust could not enter. The brand’s own account calls it…Read more
Omega 351 bumper automatic, 1950
This is an early Omega Seamaster 351 bumper automatic that we came across recently. It has one of the early “bumper automatic” movements, the Omega calibre 351. It is a classic vintage Seamaster, dating from 1950, and has aged very well. Timekeeping is good, and it has that distinctive “bumper action” on the wrist. The…Read more