How do I wind a manual watch?

Gently rotate the crown clockwise between your thumb and forefinger until you feel slight resistance. Stop immediately to avoid over-tensioning the internal mainspring. Perform this action at a consistent time each day if you wear the piece regularly. Pulling the crown to the correct position allows you to set the hands accurately.

Are these watches water resistant?

Vintage models lose their original waterproof seals as the rubber and cork components degrade over decades. Exposure to moisture can rust delicate steel gears and ruin paper dials. Treat these items as decidedly non-waterproof unless a professional watchmaker has recently pressure-tested the case with modern gaskets.

What is an automatic movement?

An automatic movement contains a weighted metal rotor that spins freely as your arm moves throughout the day. This motion winds the mainspring automatically without manual intervention. If left unworn for a couple of days, the power reserve depletes and the watch stops, requiring a gentle shake and reset before wearing.

How often should they be serviced?

Mechanical watches require periodic cleaning and lubrication every few years to prevent dried oils from wearing down metal pivots. A professional service ensures the internal gears run with minimal friction. During a service, a watchmaker dismantles the entire movement, cleans the components in specialised solutions, and calibrates the timing accuracy.