Amateur repairers of clocks and watches grow in number every year as they discover the delights and challenges of the horological hobby. Often an initiate will begin with one of the classic books on the craft for the professionals, published by NAG Press. This time, however, this book is for amateurs.The author, Anthony Whiten, was bitten by the horological bug and communicated his enthusiasm to others with the result, as he says, that he was asked so many questions he had to write this book! If the reader does not have the right tools or they are too expensive to buy, the author describes how to make alterations out of simple and easily obtainable materials, or how to avoid the necessity for the tool at all. He also describes how to dismantle and assemble movements, what may go wrong with them and how to set faults right. He tells you how to oil the right parts and how to restore cases in all stages of decay. The book is illustrated with over 270 line drawings specially drawn to the author's specification. These range from step-by-step demonstrations of how to do things, to diagrams of movements identifying each part and its position in the movement - a great help at the 'gulp and shut the case' stage. Tony Whiten is not a professional, but many who are will find his comments both stimulating and inspirational. The amateur will find a sympathetic guide because the author has been through all the agonies of learning by hand experience. He hopes that this book will help others to avoid making some of his worst mistakes and encourage them to tackle bigger and better problems in the future.

A full history of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner watch. The first ever book authorized by Rolex.

For the first time, Rolex has authorized a wide-ranging account and full history of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner watch, in the first of a series taking a deep dive into the watches of the iconic brand.

Oyster Perpetual Submariner: The Watch That Unlocked The Deep, written by author, editor, and watch expert Nick Foulkes, is published by global design authority, Wallpaper, which brings its sharp, cinematic eye to the project, creating new and original photography in collaboration with Rolex to run alongside testimonies from renowned witnesses to the Submariner's illustrious 70-year history, including marine biologist Sylvia Earle, photographer David Doubilet, and aquanaut Dr Joe MacInnis – further highlighting the role this iconic timepiece continues to play in the exploration and protection of the marine environment.

From stopwatches and alarms, to world clocks and calendar functions, to tourbillons that counter the effects of gravity, these so-called complications have been the crowning glory of fine watchmaking for centuries. The Watch Book - More than Time is an illustrated compendium of watchmaking that explores these most intricate elements of the horologist's craft through timing, astronomy, and striking. This volume is a unique and impressive addition to the book market and a lavish tribute to the mastery of horology. Text in English and German.

Here is a unique book. It describes the theories and processes of repairing and adjusting the modern watch in precise and meticulous detail: a thing which has never been done so completely before in the many books on the same subject. As a text book it is a revelation. Taking nothing for granted, except the ability to read and comprehend a simple description of mechanical processes, de Carle takes his reader through every stage and every operation of watch repairing ...and to deal with them thoroughly is quite a programme - it takes 300 pages containing 24 chapters, two appendices and 553 illustrations. The fine draughtsmanship and accurate technical detail of the illustrations set a new standard. Practical Watch Repairing can justifiably claim to be the best illustrated book on practical horology yet issued, and one of the best of its kind on any subject. The publication of the book marks the beginning of a new epoch in the study of the mechanics of horology.

This book complements available one-make books on domestic synchronous clocks. It is also a history of science book that sets British domestic synchronous clocks, their manufacturers and technology in their social context. Part I covers the historical background, British domestic synchronous clock manufacturers and brands, how synchronous clocks work, domestic synchronous clock cases, practical advice on the servicing of domestic synchronous clocks and analysis of the marketing and reliability of British domestic synchronous clocks. This analysis provides an explanation of the rise and eventual fall of their technology. Part II contains galleries of a selection of British domestic synchronous clocks and of the movements with which they are fitted. There is a front and back view of each clock, together with a brief description. Views of each movement include views with the movement partly dismantled, together with a brief technical description of the movement. This profusely illustrated book is primarily for fellow enthusiasts and is based on an extensive archive of information on domestic synchronous clocks, their movements and their manufacturers. Current electrical regulations mean that professional clockmakers are reluctant to repair synchronous clocks. In fact, provided that they have not been mistreated, synchronous clocks are usually reliable, and quite easy to maintain.

The tenth anniversary edition of the dramatic human story of an epic scientific quest: the search for the solution of how to calculate longitude and the unlikely triumph of an English genius. With a new Foreword by the celebrated astronaut Neil Armstrong. 'Sobel has done the impossible and made horology sexy - no mean feat' New Scientist Anyone alive in the 18th century would have known that 'the longitude problem' was the thorniest scientific dilemma of the day - and had been for centuries. Lacking the ability to measure their longitude, sailors throughout the great ages of exploration had been literally lost at sea as soon as they lost sight of land. Thousands of lives, and the increasing fortunes of nations, hung on a resolution. The quest for a solution had occupied scientists and their patrons for the better part of two centuries when, in 1714, Parliament upped the ante by offering a king's ransom (GBP20,000) to anyone whose method or device proved successful. Countless quacks weighed in with preposterous suggestions. The scientific establishment throughout Europe - from Galileo to Sir Isaac Newton - had mapped the heavens in both hemispheres in its certain pursuit of a celestial answer. In stark contrast, one man, John Harrison, dared to imagine a mechanical solution. Full of heroism and chicanery, brilliance and the absurd, LONGITUDE is also a fascinating brief history of astronomy, navigation and clockmaking.

In an unscientific era when maps were rarities, how did ancient Romans envisage their far flung empire? This was done by various means for certain, including with the aid of an ingenious type of portable sundial that has barely attracted notice. As the Romans understood before the first century BCE, to track the passage of the sun across the sky hour-by-hour one needed to know one's latitude and the time of year, and that, furthermore, sundials did not have to be fixed objects. These portable instruments, crafted in bronze, were adjustable for the changes of latitude to be expected on long journeys-say, for instance, from Britain to Spain, or from Alexandria to Rome, or even on a Mediterranean tour. For convenient reference, these sundials incorporated lists of twenty to thirty names of cities or regions, each with its specific latitude. One of the insights of Roman Portable Sundials is that the choice of locations offers unique clues to the mental world-map and self-identity of individuals able to visualize Rome's vast empire latitudinally. The sixteen such sundials known to date share common features but designers also vied to create enhancements. Comparison with modern calculations shows that often the latitudes listed are incorrect, in which case the sundial may not perform at its best. But then the nature of Romans' time-consciousness (or lack of it) must be taken into consideration. Richard Talbert suspects that owners might prize these sundials not so much for practical use but rather as prestige objects attesting to scientific awareness as well as imperial mastery of time and space. In retrospect, they may be seen as Roman precursors to comparable Islamic and European instruments from the Middle Ages onwards, and even to today's luxury watches which display eye-catching proof of their purchasers' wealth, sophistication, and cosmopolitanism. Richly enhanced with detailed photographs, line drawings, maps, a gazetteer, and a table of latitudes and locations, Roman Portable Sundials brings these overlooked gadgets out of the shadows at last to reveal their hitherto untapped layers of meaning.

Over a decade John Glanville and Bill Wolmuth undertook an important horological project for the British Museum. This involved establishing a representative collection, for the Museum, of twentieth-century domestic mechanical clocks made in England and Wales using industrialized manufacturing methods. This remarkable book is the culmination of their efforts. Wide-ranging in its coverage, it will be a key reference tool for horologists, horoligical students, collectors, and antiques and clock dealers. It provides a comprehensive history of each significant manufacturer, including the principal people involved and covers the various mechanical clock movements that were produced. Previously unpublished research about the manufacturers, the clocks they made and the dates when they were manufactured is presented. Finally, this book informs readers how they can identify and date almost all of the clocks they are likely to encounter.

The repair of clocks calls for a variety of skills and crafts, few of which can be 'picked up' by bench work alone. In the horological trade, it is technical practice that the 'prentice hand' is first tried out on clocks, before attempting repair work on watches. Clocks have the advantage of possessing sizeable and robust parts and of being easier to handle. But there the advantage for the repairer ends. The sizes, shapes, complications and even the nationalities of clocks appear to be without end. Every movement has detail difference and, naturally, the defects when due for repair, are as varied. In this book, the author has dealt with the usual faults likely to develop in each type of movement in general use; from the lordly grandfather to the humble alarm. All the tools and equipment are described and illustrated, together with the ways of using them. The craftsman's most important and valuable tools of all - his skilful fingers - are shown in use in the clearest manner. As is usual in N.A.G. Press textbooks, the drawings have been specially made from parts under working conditions. A glance through the book will show their usefulness and clarity. Over 400 line drawings are used throughout and the reader is left in no doubt of what he is asked to do in following the author's clearly written technical and practical instructions.

"Moonwatch Only is certainly one of the best books ever written about a single watch model." - William Massena - Timezone.com "It is an indescribable reference work and a true must-have for every Speedmaster collector." - Forbes "This book sets a new standard. Not only for books on the Omega Speedmaster, but for watch books in general. I've never seen anything like it, and believe me when I tell you that I could fill an impressive sized wall with books on watches. Authors of other books or publishers should take a look at Moonwatch Only as well to see how it should be done." - Robert Jan Broer - FratelloWatches "The OMEGA Speedmaster Professional - the Moonwatch - has done things that no other timepiece has done and it's been worn in places that only a few human beings have been." - Captain Eugene Cernan, 'Last man on the moon' There are very few timepieces in the world that deserve a definitive and comprehensive book such as this one. The OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is one of them. Initially designed for automobile racing teams and engineers, the Omega Speedmaster embarked on a very different trajectory when NASA chose it to accompany astronauts heading for the Moon in 1965. Its involvement in the space adventure has propelled the Moonwatch to the top of the list of celebrated timepieces. After years of research and observation, the authors present a complete panorama of the Moonwatch in a systematic work that is both technical and attractive, making it the inescapable reference book for this legendary watch. This third edition has been enriched with numerous new features including a 16-page gallery of astronauts and their Speedmaster, QR codes to extend your exploration and a detailed story of a vintage Speedmaster.

World watch production today is concentrated in three countries: Switzerland, Japan and China. Former centres such as Great Britain, France, the United States and Russia saw the industrial manufacture of watches disappear from their territory during the twentieth century. How did this situation come about? The business of time aims to answer this question by presenting the first comprehensive history of the sector. It traces the evolution and transformation of the global watch industry from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day, highlighting the conditions that enabled watch production to expand across the globe and revealing how multinational companies gradually emerged to dominate the industry. -- .

First compiled in 1929 as a pioneer work by the late G.H. Baillie, this directory of watchmakers and clock makers of the past soon established itself as the standard reference source and has been used ever since by watchmakers and clockmakers, collectors, dealers, museums, historians, and libraries the world over. The list of makers has more than doubled, having been thoroughly updated and revised by Brian Loomes in this twenty-first century edition, and now contains information on about 90,000 makers working between the late 16th and early 20th centuries. As well as the makers and retailers of clocks and watches, the list includes makers of scientific instruments, sundials, and barometers. Working dates include dates and places of birth, apprenticeship, freedom, marriage and death, as well as movement between different locations, and monograms. It is a unique and essential work of reference.

Innovation, exclusivity, and elegance define Patek Philippe, a family-owned company with a single and passionate calling: to perfect the watch. These lavishly-illustrated books present some of the most important timepieces from the more than 3,000 watches exhibited at the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva. These precious timepieces have been passionately assembled over more than 40 years by Philippe Stern, Honorary President of the company, and include some of the most valuable pieces in watchmaking history. From the collection of historic watches featuring the first portable timepieces dating back to the 16th century to innovative milestones in Patek Philippe's portfolio since its founding in 1839, each watch is reproduced with such beauty and precision, you can almost hear it ticking. With expert curatorial insight and context from Peter Friess, Director of the Patek Philippe museum, these intricate mechanisms are not only presented for themselves; they also offer a unique perspective into the cultural history of the last 500 years. True to the trust and excellence of the Patek Philippe brand, the presentation, design, and content of these sumptuous publications meet the highest professional standards. They are the perfect books for the "perfect watch."

The watch has a long and fascinating history, from a fifteenth-century status symbol of the rich and powerful to the mass-produced everyday timepiece of modern times. This book describes the main technical developments across a 500-year timespan, from the beginnings in Germany and France, through the golden age of English horology in the 18th century, to the development of modern factory production in America and Switzerland. It also sets out to give the general reader and collector a grasp of the key technological developments in watch and sets the lives of the inventors and artisans in the context of the social and economic history of their times. With over 290 photographs and 3D diagrams, this book includes an extensive listing and history of watch brands and manufacturers to assist in identification along with a useful glossary of terms.

"...a beautiful book, filled with captivating images and explanatory text which never gets too dry or too technical..." - Revolution Despite the functional obsolescence of the mechanical wristwatch (our phones and computers tell more accurate time) the early 21st Century has seen a boom in the development, production, and appreciation of all things horological. Whether it is presented to the collector as an alternative investment, as a feat of micro-mechanical technology, or as a showcase of artisanal mastery, the mechanical wristwatch has never possessed more forms, functions or facets than it does today. The Wristwatch Handbook is written from the epicentre of a renaissance, a place in time between the Quartz revolution and the rise of the smart device - where the mechanical wristwatch is the antidote to the microprocessor and the permanent buzz of your inbox. From the multi-axis tourbillion, to the split-second chronograph, to the sidereal sky chart, The Wristwatch Handbook covers it all and does so with more than 470 rich illustrations from over 90 of the World's leading brands. The book is separated into two sections. The first section provides the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical movement. Its chapters explore power, transmission, distribution and regulation illustrating the basic concepts before considering the innovation and complexity that takes place further toward the cutting edge. From the fifty-day power reserve, to the constant force mechanism, and the 1,000Hz mechanical escapement, section 1 will allow the reader to understand and appreciate what is happening beneath the dial of their watch. Section two allows the reader to take this understanding and apply it to the vast range of complications (functions) that exist in modern horology. Each chapter showcases a distinct category of complication. For example, the regatta timer, pulsometer, and monopusher chronograph join a host of others in a chapter entitled 'Recording Lapses of Time'; The power reserve indicator, dynamograph, and crown position indicator are featured in a chapter for 'Power and Performance Indication'; The moon phase indicator, annual calendar, and planetarium can be found in the 'Astronomical Complications' chapter. Once the functional categories are exhausted, the final three chapters explore whimsical complications that have little regard for practical function, novelty time indication, and the 'super-complicated' watch - a rare breed of timepiece that houses an intimidating host of complications featured throughout the book. Upon completion of The Wristwatch Handbook the reader will be able to identify even the most exotic complication from across the room, and be able to share their appreciation and understanding of what makes it so useful and compelling. The Wristwatch Handbook is "brand agnostic", using only those watches that most aptly illustrate the given subject-matter. As a consequence the book places equal emphasis on the classic and the cutting edge, on watches produced in large volume or exclusive runs, by industry-leading technology or at the hand of a master. In doing so the book provides an unparalleled range of watches from over 90 brands, allowing the reader to determine for themselves which brands, complications, and styles they will build their collection from.

Omega has become the watchmaker with the highest name recognition in timekeeping for personal and sports events worldwide. If the father owned an Omega, so does the son. This important, color illustrated, new book presents, an illustrated description of all the watch movements manufactured by the Omega Watch Co. since the registration of its trademark in 1894. Over 400 watches are shown in 80 color and 334 black and white photographs. Started as a small watchmaker shop in Biel, Switzerland in 1848, the company expanded to Geneva and has made precision pocket and wristwatches including the world famous chronometer wristwatch Constellation, the diver's watch Seamaster, and the chronograph wristwatch Speedmaster Professional.

Longcase clocks were invidually hand-made during the golden age of change that took place between the late seventeenth and mid-nineteenth centuries. Longcase clocks with their seventeenth century clock-making technology were innovative and incorporated an accurate pendulum clock within an attractive piece of domestic furnishing. This invaluable book is essential reading for all those who own and collect longcase clocks as well as clock repairers, horologists and conservationists.

All of the precise and delicate gears and levers in a clock can appear dizzying to the amateur, but this guide, with its wonderfully detailed diagrams, can clear things up. It covers the theory behind clock movement and design, including the particulars of escapements, pendulums, balance wheels, and even the sheet music for popular chimes. The American striking clock, the 400-day clock, and the alarm clock receive special attention. The in-depth information, including explanations of clock repairing terminology and details on the tools, materials, and supplies that are needed for success, will benefit even skilled enthusiasts.

This beautifully illustrated volume presents an in-depth look at horology, the scientific study of time and timekeeping. Brimming with more than 150 detailed and full-color images, illustrations, charts, and technical drawings, it's a must-have for anyone interested in the art of watchmaking and watch design. But it's also much more. If you've ever wondered how watches work, or thought about how time influences our lives, then this book is also for you. It offers a comprehensive overview of watch styles, movements, complications, and parts, as well as the basics of starting and caring for a watch collection. A multifaceted study, it discusses the philosophy and measurement of time, the possibility of time travel, and the emergent smartwatch industry. A behind-the-scenes peek into the watch industry, plus pricing and market data, rounds out the contents. Readers will leave these pages with a newfound, renewed, or enhanced love of watchmaking, as well as an increased appreciation for the value of time.

This book is a practical guide to selecting, setting up and using an engineer's lathe to create parts specifically for clockmaking or clock repairs. It begins as an instructional manual and consequently the first chapter assumes that the reader does not yet have a lathe and needs advice on choosing one. With over 160 diagrams and photographs, topics include: choosing and setting up the lathe; turning - materials and facing; boring and milling techniques; chucks, collets and face-plates; creating a height-centring gauge; pivots, wheels and pinions; removing and mounting gear wheels; fly cutters; making a flat depthing tool and, finally, creating centre marking tools. The intent is to provide a gentle learning curve for the practical use of the lathe.

More than a fashion accessory or means to tell the time, the wristwatch has become a statement of identity; politician or celebrity, scientist or sportsman, what you choose to wear on your wrist speaks volumes about who you are. The World's Most Expensive Watches presents some of the most extravagant, intricate, collectable, decadent, or just plain interesting modern-day timepieces that sit at the top of the price spectrum. Starting at a threshold price of about $200,000, it is a trip through the last decade or so of watches whose values soar incredibly to prices of $5 million dollars or more. Additionally, there is a selection of notable watches that yielded extremely high prices at auction - many of which are historically relevant. A stunning collection that is both informative and entertaining; with detailed descriptions of individual watches and articles that usefully deconstruct the price tag with an explanation of the relevance of craftsmanship and complexity of design, as well as the importance of exclusivity, prestige and collectability. Prepare to be impressed by a larger-than-life-look at some relatively small items that command not only huge prices but kudos and respect, in all areas of a global society fascinated with using accessorising to create identity. This is the second expanded and updated edition.

Twenty-eight years after its first publication, the best-selling Watchmaking continues to inspire and encourage the art of watchmaking, especially among new generations of enthusiasts. As a supreme master of his art, George Daniels' advice is constantly sought by both students and watch repairers, his understanding of the problems that can beset the would-be watchmaker, especially in an age of mass production, and his expert knowledge of the history of watchmaking being second to none. Here, the making of the precision timekeeper is described step-by-step and illustrated at each stage with line drawings and brief explanatory captions. The text is easy to follow and care has been taken to avoid complicated technical descriptions. As Daniels is particularly interested in the development of the escapement - many are described in this book, several of his own design - the reader is encouraged to explore this aspect of watchmaking in even greater detail. This classic handbook still remains indispensable to generations of watchmakers and repairers, and also provides a fascinating insight to the enthusiast and watch-collector who, until its publication, had rarely been able to admire the superb craftsmanship of a fine watch without understanding how it works.

First written by the definitive expert in 1957, Watch Repair for Beginners is the ideal book for anyone who wants to know how to fix their own watch, or take up watch repair as a hobby. Learn what horology is; the basics of watch and clock repairing; the mechanics of a clock; how the wheels work; the difference between an automatic watch, a stop watch, and a chronograph; and so much more. The table of contents includes: Wheel work of pendulum clocks Gearing Escapements for Balance Wheel Timepieces Striking Mechanisms Stop Watches and Chronographs Calendar Mechanisms And more! With detailed black-and-white illustrations, this timeless classic is a must-have addition to any horology lover's collection.