How do I wind a manual watch?

Turn the crown clockwise between your thumb and forefinger until you feel gentle resistance. Stop immediately to avoid damaging the internal mainspring. Wind the watch at the same time each day to maintain consistent tension and accurate timekeeping.

Are these watches waterproof?

Vintage gold timepieces lack modern rubber gaskets and screw-down crowns. Exposure to moisture can easily compromise the delicate paper dials and unsealed movements. Treat these items as strictly non-waterproof and remove them before swimming or washing hands.

An alloy containing thirty-seven point five percent pure gold mixed with other metals to increase durability. This standard has been widely used in British jewellery and watchmaking for centuries. It offers a durable structure suited to daily wear while retaining a warm precious metal lustre.

How do I read hallmarks?

Examine the inside of the case back or the exterior of the lugs for tiny stamped symbols. These marks indicate the gold purity, the assay office city, and the year of manufacture. Consulting a standard assay guide helps decode these small stamps accurately.