What We Learn from a Winding Watch
— Reflections from Vintage HERMÈS and OMEGA —
These days, checking the time is just a glance at your smartphone.
But the act of winding a mechanical watch doesn’t simply give you the time—
it offers a quiet moment to reconnect with time itself.
The vintage watches from HERMÈS and OMEGA, carefully curated by OLIM, embody this beautiful relationship with time.
Each piece is a reminder that elegance often lies in the quietest of gestures.
■ The Sound and Rhythm of a Hand-Wound Movement
Bring a vintage hand-wound HERMÈS or OMEGA close to your ear.
You’ll hear a faint, rhythmic ticking—tick, tick, tick…
It’s the sound of time breathing gently,
a heartbeat that begins again each morning with the turn of a crown.
This rhythm carries a warmth—a subtle reminder that time, too, has a pulse.
■ As Refined as Jewelry
Take, for example, the iconic carriage logo on the dial of a vintage HERMÈS watch.
It’s not just decoration—it’s a symbol of the maison’s philosophy and artistry.
Meanwhile, OMEGA's hand-wound models, such as those equipped with the Cal.625,
are known for their elegant slim profile and reliable accuracy—a seamless blend of form and function.
They wear like jewelry, gracing the wrist with understated beauty while remaining practical for everyday use.
This harmony between grace and utility is what makes vintage watches truly special.
■ Unisex Elegance and Slim Comfort
Vintage HERMÈS and OMEGA timepieces are timeless in design, even by modern standards.
Especially those in the 27–32mm range, which offer a versatile, unisex fit
and pair beautifully with both casual and formal styles.
Their slim cases slip easily under sleeves, providing an incredibly comfortable wear.
They don’t shout for attention—but their quiet confidence leaves a lasting impression.
This is not fast fashion. It’s a subtle luxury, lived every day.
■ How to Care for Your Hand-Wound Watch
To keep your hand-wound timepiece in beautiful condition for years to come,
here are a few simple tips to remember:
・Wind it once a day, ideally at the same time—morning is perfect for establishing a rhythm.
・Stop winding when you feel resistance at the crown—overwinding can damage the mechanism.
・Avoid water and humidity as much as possible. Vintage watches typically aren’t water-resistant.
・Even if you don’t wear it daily, wind it every few days to circulate the internal oils and keep it healthy.
Like any meaningful relationship, caring for a mechanical watch is about small, consistent gestures.
■ The Ritual of Winding
No batteries. No Bluetooth. Just you and the time in your hands.
Winding a watch each morning is like a tiny ceremony—
a moment to pause, reset, and step into the day with intention.
That’s the quiet richness that a hand-wound watch brings.
And in today’s fast-paced world, that feeling is more precious than ever.
HERMÈS and OMEGA have gifted us with timeless beauty.
With each tick, they carry the warmth of craftsmanship,
the presence of human hands, and the quiet memory of time well lived.
So the next time you wind your watch,
perhaps take a moment to reflect on the time that matters most to you.
At OLIM, we carefully curate vintage timepieces by HERMÈS, OMEGA, and other timeless makers.
Each piece tells a quiet story of craftsmanship, elegance, and enduring value.