Classic 1950s Watch
A classic 1950s watch carries the clean lines of mid-century design on the wrist.
Classic 1950s Watch
A classic 1950s watch is a mid-century gents or ladies wristwatch dating from the nineteen-fifties. The form is defined by mechanical movements housed in round or shaped cases, often paired with leather straps.
The pieces on this page span manual wind and automatic wristwatches. Makers range from large Swiss houses to British retailers, capturing the everyday and high-end output of the decade.
Materials and construction
Cases are formed from stainless steel, chrome, gold plate, gold plated metal, solid nine-carat gold, and eighteen-carat yellow gold. Crystals are fashioned from glass, acrylic, or acrylic glass to protect the dials.
Movements rely on mechanical gear trains driven by mainsprings, either wound by hand or powered by an automatic rotor. Dials sit beneath the crystal, finished with metal hands and hour markers.
Listings feature stainless steel, gold plate, solid gold, and chrome cases paired with leather straps.
Measures of quality
Quality rests in the specification of the movement and the preciousness of the case metal. Solid gold cases and chronometer-grade calibres sit at the upper end of the scale.
The preservation of the dial and the presence of original packaging, such as boxes, distinguish exceptional examples from standard daily wear.
Morex by Montilier·Smiths·J W Benson·DeRe·Longines·Omega·Rotary·Baume Bimatic·Lanco Sport·Prisma·Certina·Baume and Mercier·Rolex·Titus
The Classic 1950s Watch Glossary
- Manual wind
- A watch movement wound by hand via the crown to tension the mainspring. This traditional mechanism requires regular winding to keep time.
- Automatic
- A self-winding movement that uses a weighted rotor to tension the mainspring through the natural motion of the wearer's wrist.
- Chronometer
- A precision watch movement tested and certified to high standards of accuracy over various temperatures and positions.
- Calibre
- The specific manufacturer's designation for a particular watch movement design and size.
- New old stock
- Unworn vintage items preserved in their original condition over decades, often accompanied by original packaging.
Classic 1950s Watch: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wind a manual watch?
Turn the crown clockwise between your thumb and forefinger until you feel resistance.
Stop turning immediately to avoid damaging the mainspring inside the movement.
Are these watches water resistant?
Most nineteen-fifties wristwatches lack modern seals and gaskets.
Keep them away from water, rain, and moisture to protect the dial and movement.
What is an automatic watch?
An automatic watch winds itself using the movement of your arm.
A weighted internal rotor spins as you move, tensioning the mainspring throughout the day.
How do I date a watch?
Dates are identified through serial numbers, movement calibres, and case hallmarks.
Records and archives match these numbers to specific years of production.