In the modern world, there seems to be an abundance of devices that can tell the time, from smartphones and tablets to microwaves and even my washing machine. There seems to be no need today to bother wearing a watch, unless of course, it is a statement of personal style. However, it wasn’t that long ago,…Read more
Category: Manual wind
What determines the “condition” of a vintage watch?
When buying a vintage watch, you are also buying a piece of history. Your new timepiece may have had a sheltered life, sitting in a box at the back of a drawer for fifty years and it will be in pristine condition. Alternatively, your latest acquisition may have been the daily wearer for its previous…Read more
Longines wristwatch for J W Benson, 1933
In my recent searches for a nice Art Deco style wristwatch, I came across the following offering from The Vintage Wrist Watch Company, a Longines cushion-cased wristwatch for J W Benson dating from 1933. Although, not the typical rectangular-curvex Art Deco design I was looking for, the battered dial has appeal, much like a well-loved…Read more
9ct gold Art Deco J W Benson wristwatch, 1947
The features of Art Deco design have recently caught my eye and I am keen to add a watch to my collection that captures the charm of the period. In this instance, during my initial research, I came across this Art Deco J W Benson wristwatch dating from 1947. It is made in the Art…Read more
How to wind a vintage watch
A vintage mechanical watch is powered by the mainspring and will only run if the mainspring is wound to some degree. The mainspring is wound either by hand or by a self-winding mechanism, i.e. an automatic movement. Normally, a mechanical watch has a 40 to 48-hour power reserve on a full wind. This means to…Read more
Oris Super wrist watch, 1960s.
Oris has long been a favourite Swiss brand of mine. I own a modern Oris 65 Divers watch with a bronze bezel and leather strap. It looks amazing, keeps great time and flies under the radar, only a watch aficionado would appreciate it for the respected Swiss made brand that is it. The bronze and…Read more
Longines wrist watch, tropical dial
This vintage Longines watch has a good quality 17-jewel calibre 6952 hand-winding movement which is keeping time well. The movement is fully signed and it has the serial number 53903096 which dates it back to 1977. For such a good quality movement, I am surprised that it is not part of one of the Longines…Read more
Should I have my vintage watch serviced?
A vintage watch is more than just a tool to tell the time. It is an extension of your personality and style. That said, it is of utmost importance to ensure that your vintage watch is accurate, otherwise, it is just a piece of jewellery on your wrist. Regular maintenance and servicing can help prevent…Read more
Are vintage watches waterproof?
A question that gets asked a lot in the vintage watch world is, are vintage watches waterproof? The simple answer is no! Even if it states on the case that the watch is waterproof it should, as with any vintage watch, be kept away from water and moisture. Water resistance The term “waterproof” is no…Read more
Key components of a mechanical watch movement
The movements in vintage watches are typically mechanical, although it is entirely possible for a vintage era watch to include a quartz movement. Most of the vintage watches that will appear on this website will have mechanical movements, hand-winding or automatic. Although, you have probably spent a lot of time admiring that vintage watch on…Read more