So What Now?

Whether you've just become the proud owner of a vintage timepiece or you're looking to take your first steps on your watch journey, we hope this page provides the insights to help you understand what it is to own a vintage watch. 

Each vintage watch we sell carries a unique history and craftsmanship that deserves to be cherished and understood, but we know this can sometimes get a little confusing as there are so many options, so where do you start? We have started by looking at the different movement types, and answering some Frequently Asked Questions below...

If you have purchased one of our vintage timepieces, please also familiarise yourself with our Shipping Policy and Refund Policy, linked here and also found at the bottom of each page of our website. 

Movement Type

The watches we sell are all either Manual or Automatic movements. Knowing this is an important aspect of your purchase, as the movement type defines how the watch will run. 

How do I know if a watch is manual or automatic? 

Many automatic watches will have "automatic" written on the dial, however this is not always the case. Therefore, within all of our product descriptions the movement is listed to ensure you know which type you are purchasing. This is vital as each works in a different way... described below!

How does a manual watch work?

1. Winding the Watch: To keep a manual watch running, you need to wind it regularly. This is done by turning the crown (the small knob on the side of the watch). When you wind the crown, you are tightening a small, coiled spring inside the watch called the mainspring. Most mechanical watches can run for at least 40 hours with a fully wound spring, however it is recommended to wind your watch once a day as low tension in the spring may compromise the accuracy of the time.
   
   
2. Storing Energy: As you wind the mainspring, it stores energy. Think of it like winding up a toy car: the more you wind it, the more energy it has stored up to run.
   
   
3. Releasing Energy: The stored energy in the mainspring is gradually released. This energy is used to power the watch’s movement, which is a series of tiny gears and springs that work together to keep time.
   
   
4. Regulating the Time: Inside the watch, there is a small part called the escapement. The escapement controls the release of energy from the mainspring in precise, regular intervals. This is what makes the watch tick at a steady pace.
   
   
5. Moving the Hands: The regulated energy moves the gears, which in turn move the hands of the watch. The hour hand, minute hand, and second hand all move at their own rates to display the correct time.

By regularly winding your manual watch, you ensure it has the energy it needs to keep running accurately. It’s a beautiful, mechanical process that doesn’t rely on batteries or electronics—just the careful engineering of tiny parts working in harmony.

How does an automatic watch work?

1. Self-Winding Mechanism: Unlike a manual watch, an automatic watch winds itself using the movement of your wrist. Inside the watch, there is a small, semi-circular weight called a rotor that moves as you wear the watch.
   
   
2. Storing Energy: As the rotor moves, it winds a small, coiled spring inside the watch called the mainspring. This is similar to how you wind a manual watch, but in this case, your wrist's movements do the winding for you.
   
   
3. Releasing Energy: The mainspring stores energy and gradually releases it to power the watch’s movement. This energy keeps the watch running without the need for manual winding.
   
   
4. Regulating the Time: Inside the watch, there is a component called the escapement that controls the release of energy from the mainspring in precise, regular intervals. This ensures that the watch ticks at a consistent pace.
   
   
5. Moving the Hands: The regulated energy is transferred through a series of tiny gears, which move the watch hands. The hour hand, minute hand, and second hand all move at their own rates to display the correct time.

By wearing your automatic watch regularly, you keep it wound and running accurately. If you don’t wear it for a few days, you might need to manually wind it using the crown to give it a little boost. This fascinating, self-winding mechanism makes automatic watches a marvel of engineering that combines convenience with the beauty of mechanical watchmaking.

Looking After Your Vintage Watch

When owning a vintage timepiece, it is important to know what steps you can take to help maintain its condition! 

Regular Servicing: Have your watch serviced by a professional every three to five years to keep it running smoothly. Servicing includes cleaning and oiling all the parts; replacing any damaged or worn-our pieces, adjusting the watches timing to ensure accuracy, and testing it's function. Depending on the age of your watch more regular servicing may be required. 

Avoid Water: Due to their age, vintage watches cannot be guaranteed as 100% waterproof. Therefore, keep your vintage watch away from water, and remove them before showering or swimming. 

Proper Storage: Store your watch in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as extreme heat or cold can affect its performance. Also avoid strong magnetic fields such as storing your watch next to your laptop, smart phone etc, as these can cause inaccuracy in timekeeping which would require demagnetising and regulating by a watchmaker to resolve. 

Gentle Handling and Winding: Handle your watch carefully and avoid dropping or bumping it against hard surfaces. If your watch is manual, wind it gently and regularly, preferably at the same time each day.

Use a Soft Cloth: Clean your watch with a soft, dry cloth to remove dirt and sweat. Avoid using water or chemicals.

Wear Regularly: Wearing your watch regularly can help keep its mechanisms working well, as long as you follow the other care tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

As someone who has purchased, or looking to purchase, from our website, it is important to understand how we work! We have answered some frequently asked questions below, however if you have further questions please do no hesitate to contact us either through the "Contact Us" page on this website... or drop us a message on Instagram!