About Marcus Webb

Marcus Webb writes about horology, mechanical history, and the engineers who shaped the watch industry. He believes the most interesting stories in watchmaking have never been told.

View all posts by Marcus Webb

A vintage field watch featuring a brown leather strap and a black dial with white numbers on a textured surface, inspired by classic GG-W-113 vintage military watches.

Marcus Webb

Horological History

04 May 2026

May 4, 2026

The Vintage Field Watch: From the Dirty Dozen to the Modern Khaki

A history of the vintage field watch across three eras: the Dirty Dozen of 1944, the American mil spec line through Vietnam, and the Hamilton Khaki era.

Close-up of a vintage Omega Seamaster, showcasing a heavily patinated and spotted tropical dial—an iconic choice for collectors of vintage watches.

Marcus Webb

Horological History

27 Apr 2026

April 27, 2026

Tropical Dials: How a Manufacturing Defect Became the Most Valuable Patina in Vintage Watches

In October 2023, a Rolex Daytona reference 6263 with a Paul Newman tropical dial, one of fewer than twenty known examples of the so-cal...

A vintage Hamilton Thin-O-Matic wristwatch with a black leather strap rests elegantly on blue fabric, showcasing the classic style and precision of Hamilton craftsmanship.

Marcus Webb

Talking Watches

25 Apr 2026

April 25, 2026

Hamilton CLD and Thin-O-Matic: America’s Last Argument for Thin-Line Watchmaking

In 1969, Hamilton Watch Company transferred its remaining movement production from Lancaster, Pennsylvania to Biel, Switzerland. The La...

Close-up of a Baume & Mercier Genève wristwatch with a silver dial and black leather strap, showcasing the timeless elegance of Baume Mercier craftsmanship.

Marcus Webb

Talking Watches

16 Apr 2026

April 16, 2026

Baume & Mercier: The Quiet Swiss House Collectors Keep Overlooking

Baume & Mercier's 195-year history, movements, and collector market position, from the Kew Observatory records of 1892 to the 2026 Damiani sale.

About Marcus Webb

The Vintage Field Watch: From the Dirty Dozen to the Modern Khaki

Tropical Dials: How a Manufacturing Defect Became the Most Valuable Patina in Vintage Watches

Hamilton CLD and Thin-O-Matic: America’s Last Argument for Thin-Line Watchmaking

Baume & Mercier: The Quiet Swiss House Collectors Keep Overlooking

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About Marcus Webb

The Vintage Field Watch: From the Dirty Dozen to the Modern Khaki

Tropical Dials: How a Manufacturing Defect Became the Most Valuable Patina in Vintage Watches

Hamilton CLD and Thin-O-Matic: America’s Last Argument for Thin-Line Watchmaking

Baume & Mercier: The Quiet Swiss House Collectors Keep Overlooking

The Wednesday Drop