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
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.
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
Should I keep my vintage watches running when I don’t wear them?
Do you own a collection of vintage automatic watches? If so, you might be wondering if you need a watch winder. It’s a question that is regularly asked in the world of watch collecting, particularly by those new to the hobby. One option may be to invest in a watch winder that can keep your…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
Guide to vintage bumper automatic movements
In the world of vintage watches, the bumper automatic movement holds a special place, representing an era of innovation and ingenuity in mechanical watchmaking. These early self-winding mechanisms, developed in the early 20th century, were an important step towards the modern automatic wristwatch. Despite being eventually replaced by more efficient designs, bumper movements have left…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
The Rolex winding crown
Rolex watches have a long association with innovation, precision, and durability. Among the many defining features of these iconic timepieces, one of the most critical components is the Rolex winding crown. The crown serves a vital function beyond just setting the time. It’s also the key to one of Rolex’s most remarkable achievements, water resistance….Read more
Vintage watch case design
In this guide, we will explore the most common types of vintage watch case shapes and designs, their popularity over different periods, and how they relate to specific types of watches and materials. In the early days of watchmaking, timepieces were fragile and easily damaged. To safeguard their intricate mechanisms, the first watch cases were…Read more
Vintage watch hour markers: a comprehensive guide
In this post, we’ll explore the most common types of Vintage watch hour markers, detailing their shapes and historical significance. Despite their essential role in telling time, hour markers are often overlooked in favour of other design elements. However, these markers not only serve a functional purpose but also significantly contribute to a watch’s overall…Read more