How do I wind a manual watch?

Turn the crown gently between your thumb and forefinger in a clockwise direction until you feel firm resistance. Stop immediately to avoid over-tensioning the internal spring. Most vintage manual pieces require daily winding to maintain accurate timekeeping throughout your routine.

Are these watches waterproof?

Vintage pieces generally lack modern waterproofing seals and should be kept away from water, swimming and heavy rain. Humidity and moisture can easily penetrate older cases and damage the delicate movement. Treat the watch as a dry accessory to preserve the internal metal components and dial.

How do I identify the decade?

Examine the design language of the dial, numerals, case shape and style markers like art deco or mid-century modern cues. Mechanical movements and hallmarks often provide further clues to the manufacturing era. Reference numbers inscribed on the case back can also help date the exact year of production.

How do automatic movements work?

An internal weighted rotor spins freely as your wrist moves during the day, transferring energy to wind the mainspring. This removes the need for manual winding when worn regularly. If left off the wrist for a few days, the power reserve depletes and the watch stops until worn again.