Mitka's vintage watch service.

It’s What’s Inside that Counts… but Sometimes Packaging Matters!

Posted on September 20, 2021 by mitka88

Part III. Taking it to the Next Level – A Few Notable “Modern” Case Designs

As described in Part II of this survey, with the exception of Omega’s Marine dive watch, most early 20^th century “transitional” watch cases essentially combined elements already developed in the late 19^th century – albeit often in new, innovative ways. (Part I surveys these early case design elements.) With the mid-20^th century came two world wars, driving further refinements to earlier designs and experimentation with new, innovative materials.

***By:* Scott Burton* Co edited by Mitka**

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It’s What’s Inside that Counts… but Packaging Matters! A Survey of Notable Wristwatch Case Designs.

Posted on August 8, 2021 by mitka88

Part II. Putting the Pieces Together – Transitional Case Designs

As described in Part I, wristwatch case design foundations were established during the latter half of the 19^th Century. Several names stand out for their early innovation of key design features adopted later by household name watch producers. Waltham (Dennison, Fitch and Twing), Droz and Borgel each contributed important pieces – e.g., threaded bezel and case back, modular design without bezel or case back opening, threaded crown and packing or gland seals – or improved their use in overall case designs providing enhanced resistance to the elements.

***By:* Scott Burton* Co edited by Mitka**

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Summer update.

Posted on July 16, 2021 by mitka88

So… This Monday my son decided to enter into this world, 4 weeks before schedule! Both Nikolai and his mommy Maja are in great shape and happy. I will still be working, but shorter days. Some delays are to be expected. Hope you are all having a fantastic summer!

PS: I was wearing my Lanco Tropic at the time, timing the moments in-between contractions;)

Best regards,

Mitka Engebretsen

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It’s What’s Inside that Counts… but Packaging Matters! A Survey of Notable Wristwatch Case Designs

Posted on July 3, 2021 by mitka88

Part I. Foundations – Early Case Design Innovations

Origin Stories (mid-1800s)

According to one knowledgeable source, the earliest documented water resistant case dates to the 1851 Great Exhibition in London. W. Pettit & Co. of London reportedly exhibited a watch in a water-filled glass globe surrounded by goldfish. The UK Intellectual Property Office reportedly has been unable to find evidence of a patent corresponding to this watch case. But a pre-1880 pocket watch signed W Pettit Commercial Road East suggests Pettit may have been a Swiss watch importer – in which case Trappett may have originated the case design. Unfortunately, nothing more is known about this early water resistant case.

***By:* Scott Burton* Co edited by Mitka**

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Roamer now available in store!

Posted on May 31, 2021 by mitka88

I can’t hide the fact that Roamer watches are awesome! Scott and I looked into the brand earlier this year and where amazed by their great quality and history. Scott even wrote an article about them.

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Rolex calibre 1570 review.

Posted on May 21, 2021 by mitka88

Rolex 1570 was introduced in about 1965 as a replacement for the 1560. The main difference is the gear train is geared for for a higher beat rate and a new balance design. The new movement now had a beat rate of 19800 A/H from 1800. It also features a free Breguet hairspring balance with regulating screws. The 1575 (marked 1570) is the date version. The 1575 GMT features a 24 hour display. Later versions feature hacking lever and a final 1580 variant antimagnetic (Milgauss)

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IWC calibre: 83 Review

Posted on April 26, 2021 by mitka88

IWC started making calibre: 83 about 1930. It was made up to 1947. In 1943 it was upgraded with inca shock protection. The design is essentially a downsized pocket watch movement. The crown and ratchet wheel is placed under the bridges.

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Roamer watch co.

Posted on March 31, 2021 by mitka88

The forgotten independent innovator… Roamer delivered great in-house movements, clever case solutions and beautiful dials – the full package! And better yet, iconic vintage pieces are still reasonably priced as they have so far avoided collector hype.

By: Scott Burton,* co-edited by Mitka

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Omega calibre 26.5 review.

Posted on February 16, 2021 by mitka88

Omega started making calibre: 26.5 about 1927. It had a life span well into the late 1940’s. The movement was updated during it’s production run spawning many different variants. The Omega calibre 26.5 is essentially a miniature pocket watch movement that was suitable for the wrist.

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2021 Delay,

Posted on January 11, 2021 by mitka88

Dear clients,

We are currently in a lockdown no: III. Little one is not allowed to go to school, keeping her in the workshop all day is not a option as Speedmasters do not make good footballs;)

I’m doing my best to get your watches sorted.

Apologies for any delays. Stay sane!

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By: Scott Burton* Co edited by Mitka

By: Scott Burton* Co edited by Mitka

By: Scott Burton* Co edited by Mitka

***By:* Scott Burton* Co edited by Mitka**

***By:* Scott Burton* Co edited by Mitka**

***By:* Scott Burton* Co edited by Mitka**