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
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.
Omega bumper automatic wristwatch, 1952
This Omega bumper automatic wristwatch, dating from 1952, represents the transition from traditional manual-wind watches to automatic movements. In this instance, the bumper automatic movement was an Omega calibre 351. Its stainless steel case, signed crown, and iconic bumper automatic movement make it an appealing choice for vintage watch collectors. History of Omega Omega was…Read more
The history of the Omega Seamaster
Vintage Omega Seamaster watches are renowned for their timeless, understated designs. Featuring clean dials, slim hands, and well-proportioned cases, they reflect the elegance of mid-20th-century watchmaking. Built with durability in mind, these watches were crafted to endure, thanks to high-quality materials and Omega’s advanced waterproofing technology. Many vintage Seamasters remain functional after decades of use,…Read more
Vintage watch hands: a guide to the most common types
When it comes to vintage watches, the shape and design of the hour, minute, and second hands not only contribute to the watch’s visual appeal but also play a crucial role in legibility and functionality. Over time, various styles of hands have emerged, each with distinct characteristics and often tied to particular watch brands or…Read more
Vintage watch cases – stainless steel
Stainless steel is a versatile material that is widely used in watchmaking due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and hypoallergenic properties. It is highly resistant to rust, moisture, and sweat. This makes it ideal for timepieces and jewellery that need to withstand daily wear. Additionally, stainless steel causes minimal skin irritation, making it a preferred…Read more
Certina Blue Ribbon wristwatch, 1960s
We had a recent short break in Worthing, a seaside town on the south coast of England. The plan was to spend a couple of days strolling along the seaside in bright sunshine. However, the weather had other ideas. Instead of sunshine, there was howling wind and horizontal rain. We replaced the seaside walk with…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
Tissot Seastar automatic wristwatch, 1972
I will be the first to admit that I have a soft spot for the Tissot brand. Although my first Swiss watch was a Tag Heuer 1500 Series Professional, it was (sadly) quartz. My first “real” Swiss watch was a Tissot Visodate, which I purchased new in 2018 (it still has a few years before…Read more
Certina Waterking, 1960s
I came across this vintage Certina Waterking online and thought it was a really appealing watch from a much-underappreciated brand. I had every intention of buying this watch after I had completed my research. What a frustrating effort that was! Despite all of the online resources at hand, the history of the Certina Waterking is…Read more
Diving into history: The iconic Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner is often hailed as one of the most iconic watches in the world, and for good reason. It has a blend of robust functionality, timeless design, and history dating back to the early 1950s. All of this has cemented its status as a classic timepiece, desired by vintage watch collectors around the…Read more