How do I wind a manual watch?

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

Can I wear my vintage watch daily?

Many of these pieces were built for everyday wear and remain robust when handled with care. Ensure the watch is serviced regularly by a professional horologist. Keep older pieces away from water and strong magnetic fields, as vintage seals and movements lack modern protections.

What is a bumper automatic movement?

A bumper automatic relies on a semi-circle rotor that swings against internal springs rather than rotating in a full circle. You will feel a slight tap on your wrist as the weight moves. This mechanism represents an important transitional technology from the 1950s before full rotor automatics became standard.

How do I identify the decade of a watch?

Examine the typography on the dial, the shape of the case, and the style of the hands. Art Deco pieces from the 1930s and 1940s often feature geometric rectangular cases, while 1960s models favour clean, round sunburst dials. Opening the case back to check the movement serial number against maker records provides a precise production year.