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
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.
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
Vintage watch buyers guide
Vintage watches have captured interest worldwide, and it’s no surprise why. They combine craftsmanship, design, and a touch of history. Sports watches from legendary brands like Rolex and Omega are especially sought after, but thanks to the internet, vintage watch collecting has become more accessible than ever. You can now browse and buy any vintage…Read more
Zenith Sporto, 1970s
Zenith is a brand that rarely appears in these pages. There is a reason for that, which we will discuss further down the page. That said, this post is about a vintage Zenith Sporto wristwatch dating from the 1970s. It caught our eye and our interest. Although the watch was sold before any of us…Read more
Vintage watch date complications
A watch complication, by definition, is any function of a timepiece that is in addition to its primary function of keeping time. One of the most common complications on modern watches is the Date function, which is a display of the date via a numbered disk. Typically, this is displayed via a small aperture or window…Read more
Longines Ultra-Chron, High Frequency
Longines relaunched the Ultra-Chron in 2022. It is a near-perfect revival of the high-frequency range that first appeared in the 1960s. We saw a vintage Ultra-Chron on one of our recent expeditions to an Antiques and Collectors Fair. There wasn’t a known service history for this particular example, so it wasn’t purchased. However, it did…Read more
How to get moisture out of a vintage watch
Discovering condensation inside your vintage watch can be a frustrating experience. Yet with the right techniques and a little care, you can remove the moisture and preserve your timepiece. In this guide, we explore various methods to remove moisture from your vintage watch, explain why condensation occurs, and share tips to prevent future issues. How…Read more
The history of the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch
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