How do I wind an automatic watch?

Automatic watches wind themselves through the movement of your wrist during daily wear. If the watch has stopped completely, give the crown a gentle manual turn to jumpstart the movement before wearing it. Most automatic calibres do not require daily hand-winding once active. Setting the time and wearing the piece keeps the internal mainspring tensioned.

Are these watches water resistant?

Vintage timepieces generally lack modern waterproof seals. Exposure to moisture, heavy rain, or swimming can cause condensation inside the crystal. Keep these watches dry during daily use. Gaskets degrade over decades, so professional pressure testing is necessary before any exposure to water.

What is a chronograph?

A chronograph functions as both a standard timepiece and a stopwatch. Pushers on the side of the case start, stop, and reset the central sweep seconds hand. These complicated movements require careful handling of the pushers. They represent some of the most sought-after mechanical designs from the mid-century period.

How do I set the date?

Date mechanisms vary by movement calibre, with some requiring the hands to be advanced past midnight repeatedly. Other models feature a quickset date position when pulling the crown to the first notch. Avoid changing the date manually during the hours near midnight when the internal gears engage the date wheel. This protects the delicate teeth of the calendar mechanism.