How do I wind a manual watch?

Gently rotate the crown clockwise between your thumb and forefinger until you feel firm resistance. Stop immediately at that point to avoid over-winding and damaging the mainspring. Establish a consistent daily routine for winding, ideally at the same time each morning, to maintain steady tension and accurate timekeeping throughout the day.

Are these watches water resistant?

Vintage manual wind models lack modern rubber gaskets and screw-down crowns. Exposure to moisture, rain, or humidity can easily compromise the internal mechanical movement. Keep these timepieces away from water entirely. Remove them before washing hands, swimming, or engaging in any activity involving liquids.

How often should a vintage watch be serviced?

Mechanical movements require periodic cleaning and fresh lubrication to prevent friction wear on metal gears. A professional service every three to five years ensures longevity. During a service, a watchmaker dismantles the movement, cleans the components, replaces worn parts, and calibrates the timing for optimal accuracy.

Can I wear a vintage watch daily?

Many collectors wear these pieces regularly, provided the watch has been recently serviced and checked for basic mechanical reliability. Care must be taken around physical impacts and magnetic fields. Treat the vintage case and acrylic crystal with gentle consideration, avoiding harsh environments, sports, or heavy manual labour while wearing the watch.