"...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.

Over 790 images display hundreds of Westclox*r "wind-up" clocks and watches produced between 1885 and 1970. An extensive history of the company and its employees is told through photographs, poems, letters, and anecdotes drawn from the Westclox magazine-Tick Talk. Westclox' pioneering marketing efforts are discussed, including its move into radio advertising with the Big Ben "Dream Dramas." The informative text also includes data on major innovations in spring clocks and watches, identifying both patents and inventors. Included are George Kern's original patents for "Big Ben." Westclox spring clocks and watches spanned many design eras, including Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Mid-Century Modern. In addition to Henry Dreyfuss' well-known redesigns of Big Ben during the 1930s and 1940s, the designers of dozens of other clocks are identified. Among the designers discussed are Joseph Steinmeier, Max Schlenker, Ellworth Danz, and Roman Szalek. Endnotes, a bibliography, and indices are included, along with current market values in the captions. Clock collectors, designers, and historians will find this book fascinating. Endnotes, a bibliography, and index are included, along with current market values in the captions. Clock collectors, designers, and historians will find this book fascinating.

This beautiful and exciting book presents the most stunning and important Omega watches. A range of over 100 marvelous photographs, informative text, and technical details document more than 60 years of fascinating wristwatch design of one of the world's best known and most popular Swiss wristwatch manufacturers. Among the memorable wristwatches included here are the Speedmaster model that went to the moon and the James Bond edition that served on Her Majesty's Secret Service. The rest of the models covered include, first, the historical models, and the Legend Collection, Seamaster, Chronographs, Olympic Collection, and Elegant Watches. Technical information provided for each watch includes the reference number, movement, functions, case, remarks, and the estimated value in the year the model was produced. This book will be a joy for all who appreciate fine craftsmanship.

A combination of 440 photos and advertisements, plus informative text, tell the story of the Elgin National Watch Company wristwatches that accompanied U.S. Army troops into the trenches of Europe in World War I. While Elgin was known as a company that would allow buyers to pick and choose among features for their personal watches, the U.S. Army also created specifications dated November 3, 1914 and October 24, 1916, choosing the watch features their soldiers would wear. After a brief discussion of pricing, rarity, and company history, the wristwatches covered include: Star Dial Series, Giant Size 6s, RED 12 Dials, BOLD Arabic Dials, and Shadow Box Dials. Also explored are dial date stamps, recent restorations, crystal guards, and Elgin watch movements. This venerable watch company, dating back to 1864, produced roughly 1,000,000 watch movements each year during World War I. Explore these veterans of the Great War through this fascinating read.

This book is long overdue documentation on automatic wristwatches from countries other than Switzerland. These watches were always considered superior micro-mechanical products and posed a challenge to technicians. It was only a question of time, before the collectors' interest in these watches expanded from Swiss watches to those of other origins. A total of 123 watches are illustrated in three different views and are described in detail.

This introductory guide and valuation of the world's most legendary wristwatches includes more than 200 photographs that trace the trends of man's favorite toy - and his only socially acceptable piece of jewelry - for more than 100 years. The finely detailed photos reveal the beautiful and fascinating fashions in wristwatch style from 1879 to the modern era. From the prolific collection of renowned auctioneer and wristwatch expert Stefan Muser, the most legendary models from every era are described and pictured. Brands include Omega, Patek Philippe, Longines, Cartier, Rolex, Vacheron & Constantin, Ulysse Nardin, Orlys, Vulcain, IWC, and Movado. Values range from interesting and trouble-free entry-level wristwatches to exceptionally rare pieces for ambitious collectors.

This book's contents include: general condition of the movement; cleaning and oiling; balance pivots; fitting a flat balance spring; fitting a breguet balance spring; positional timing; further considerations when fitting a spring and observing the point of attachment; general notes on springing and timing; other methods of positional adjustment; and, timing machines. "No writer can have added more volumes to the horological bookshelf than Donald de Carle, and his careful and detailed approach to the technical side of the craft has done a great deal to improve the standard of knowledge of a host of craftsmen, and has gained him readers in every part of the world. The many craftsmen who are already familiar with Mr de Carle's earlier work, Practical Watch Repairing, will note a great similarity in the attitude of mind behind both books, and, indeed, this latest volume is, to some extent, a companion and a follow-on from the previous book, for it carries the reader into what is, undoubtedly, the most exacting and skillful aspect of all work on watches." Horological Review

A long-awaited reprint of an important illustrated reference work on the general history of the watch from 1500 to 1980. When Watches was first published in 1965 it quickly gained for itself a reputation as the foremost general history of the subject and, following the expanded edition in 1979 which covered recent years past 1830, this has remained unchallenged in horological history. In this long-awaited reprinted edition, collectors and horological students can again make use of the reference illustrations and history in this work as approached by the leading horology historians and clockmakers of the twentieth century. Clutton and Daniels write expertly on the vast history of watches, through the changing tastes and styles of collectors and makers, as well as imparting their own knowledge on various technical aspects within the watches. The expansive historical section encompasses both decorative and mechanical aspects of mid-sixteenth to late twentieth century watches, including those by George Daniels himself, detailing the rich history behind more modern designs and fascinations. These later years include a variety of semi-experimental escapements, as well as covering the development of the precision watch and work leading to it by Ferdinand Berthoud and Pierre Le Roy, discussed alongside John Arnold in England, to satisfy the technical-minded collector. Horology and collecting have grown with the changing technologies, and watches continue to be produced to an exceptional technological standard. Precision watches from the 1730-1930 period are covered in detail, as well as high standard Swiss and American watches of the last hundred years; these highly complicated watches benefit greatly from having both colour and mono illustrations to clarify the details. For a truly comprehensive understanding of escapements, photographs of these have been included alongside a critical approach to this essential mechanism. Since its first publication, Watches has provided an essential work of reference and history behind some of the most renowned minds and creations. Now reprinted for a new generation of collectors and students, and featuring over 600 illustrations, the technical and decorative elements of historical watches can be studied and enjoyed once more.

For the aspiring mechanical watch collector, this casual yet insightful overview is the perfect introduction. The wristwatches presented come from well-known, outstanding Swiss companies, as well as the resurgent German luxury watch industry in Glashutte. Learn everything you need to know about Patek Phillipe, Maurice Lacroix, Blancpain, Tag Heuer, Zenith, A. Lang & Sohne, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and more. Lose yourself in descriptions and histories of fourteen of the most interesting and precise complications and variations, including the regulator dial and the moon phase display, while avoiding the obscure watchmaking terminology found in other texts. Venture into the International Watch Company Museum, a building equally as stunning as the watches themselves, in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. More than 100 beautiful photos and lively prose make this compact volume an exciting read. At the end of the tour, receive expert collecting and fashion tips, including suggestions on what outfits to wear with certain timepieces."

No Swiss watch brand has a more powerful reputation than Rolex. The name has long been synonymous with luxury watches of enormous prestige and the highest quality. Since the Genevan manufacturer's founding by Hans Wilsdorf in 1908, these precious timepieces have become coveted around the world. In this overview, become acquainted with Rolex's exciting history, which has been almost constantly characterized by success and expansion. At the same time, examine the highlights of the most important models, primarily from the current collection, presented here in detailed images with complete technical specifications and accurate prices. This compact volume is a fine starting point for the novice collector and an efficient guide for the aficionado.

Of all the forms advertising has taken through the years, few have been as effective as those found on the dials of America's clocks. People want to know what time it is, and advertisers found creative ways to give them the time and "a message from their sponsors." The results are sought after by collectors around the world. For the first time, Mike Bruner has gathered together many of these examples of advertising ingenuity in one beautiful volume. From the wooden mechanical examples of the 1870s to the later neon electric models, the advertising clock is celebrated. In all over three hundred examples are illustrated with full color photographs. A price guide is included.

Dealing with a complicated watch used to be a rare job for the watch repairer, but with the popularity of the automatic, it is almost commonplace. Furthermore, the increased interest in calendar work, alarm watches, and chronographs will undoubtedly bring more and more complicated work into the workshop. This book deals with complicated work essentially from the repairer's point of view. The action of each mechanism is briefly and clearly described because understanding this is essential to proper servicing, repair and testing for functioning. Dismantling and assembly instructions are given, as well as oiling charts and - most important - hints on fault-finding and their rectification. Another essential feature of the book is that it deals with all complicated work - from the relatively simple automatic to the triple-complicated watch with chronograph, calendar and repeater work, and the very complicated clock watch. Exceptional care has been taken in the preparation of diagrams, which have been drawn from actual movements in various stages of assembly, so that the reader can actually work with the book illustrations beside the watch itself. As always with books by Donald de Carle, instructions are easy to follow and there is no reason why anyone well versed in ordinary work and able to use watchmakers' tools should not become a specialist in complicated watches and their repair.

Westclox was the largest manufacturer of alarm clocks in the world from 1920 to 1980. This wonderful collectors book explores and identifies hundreds of their clocks, pocket watches, and wristwatches all dating from 1885 to 1980. Important information about production dates, styles, colors, shapes, and features original to Westclox is included in the thorough yet concise text. Over 400 clearly-detailed color photographs feature Big Ben, Baby Ben, Key Wound Alarm clocks, Bull's Eye Pocket Watches, early wristwatches and more. This book is essential for anyone wishing to begin - or add to - a vintage timepiece collection. A price guide for all models shown is included in the captions.

In this new volume of the Watch Book series, successful author Gisbert L. Brunner focuses on Swiss watch history and the watch industry, and in particular on the house of Oris, because what could be a more fitting connection than that of the leading expert when it comes to mechanical timepieces with the watch manufactory that is one of the few to produce exclusively mechanical watches. Founded in 1904, the company stands out in many ways in the luxury world of horology, it is run independently and not by a large corporation, it is valued as a down-to-earth brand and - in an industry that is not necessarily known for this - it focuses on sustainability, true to the motto: "Things have to make sense". Of course, technology should not be missing from this volume; after all, Oris has developed 280 different calibres in its company history and manufactured them in its own factories. Companions have their say and the best watch models of the company's almost 120-year history are presented in this usual high-quality volume.

Breitling is especially known for its characteristically masculine wristwatches. This distinctive design is the main reason for its great popularity since the 1930s. The book presents the most beautiful and most important models of the Breitling history. The fascinating text provides a history of the brand and historical examples. The models explored include the Navitimer, Avenger, Chronographs, Superocean, Breitling for Bentley, and Cockpit. Also included are brief histories of each wristwatch presented. Excellent photography in over 120 images and all relevant technical details are included. Technical data provided includes the reference number, movement, functions, case, and the price of the watch at the time of sale. This is a reliable guide anyone passionate for quality wristwatches will treasure.

During the five hundred years that horology has been accepted as a separate art only a dozen or so men have made a positive contribution to its progress. Included in this little group of masters is the illustrious name of Abraham Louis Breguet (1747-1823), the arch-mecanicien in an age of mechanics. His contribution was as brilliant as it was original and, during a period when horological fashion was the slave of science, he lifted the watchmaker's art to a new dimension of visual and technical excellence. In doing so he radically changed the whole concept of horology and transformed it into an art form that won him the adulation of Europe. The unceasing search for perfection in the performance of his products led Breguet to the invention of mechanical principles that even today, are used in the design of the watch. His influence on the appearance and style of the watch was dramatic and his most complicated examples maintained the slim, elegant appearance that was to revolutionise watchmaking. Breguet's extraordinary ability in all branches of horology achieved for him the reputation of a genius, the patronage of kings and - rarest of all - the respect of the horological world. His products have never lost favour and many, in constant use, have been handed down through generations to their present owners. The passing of the years, with their many changes of fashion, have not diminished the beauty of the proportions and appearance of Breguet's work. The Art of Breguet is the complete, illustrated history of the work of Abraham Louis Breguet by the late George Daniels who has provided a detailed study of Breguet's horological philosophy that explains so many of the misunderstood aspects of his work. He describes in detail the complexity of Breguet's art and, by so doing, supplants the mystique that has surrounded it with a clearer understanding of its function. Over one hundred line drawings illustrate the progress of technical development and each is accompanied by an analysis of the mechanism and its intended purpose. The history of the development of the internal and external appearance of the vast range of Breguet's products is illustrated in a separate section, arranged in the order of manufacture to reveal the pattern of change in appearance. Each item is accompanied by a description of its external characteristics, mechanism, period of manufacture and, where possible, the date of sale. This reprinted edition, with a foreword by Emmanuel Breguet, has been long awaited and is addressed equally to the student and to the collector of Breguet's work.

Retro Watches is a popular, accessible collector's guide for those who want to make a statement with the watch they wear, but who want to choose a timepiece that is very different from the 'classic' and very mainstream watches by the major Swiss brands. This trendsetting audience of metropolitan millennials are looking to stand out and make a mark through the watch they wear - with accurate time being provided by a smartphone, the watch they wear can be more than just purely functional. Not interested in the ostentatiously high priced, 'blingy', nor even the obvious choices of 'iconic' design pieces, this audience are looking for those individualist pieces that very few have seen - and even fewer own. Tapping into this new collecting trend, Retro Watches brings together the most intriguing, visually striking and 'out-there' watch designs from little-known but influential watch brands, along with overlooked but brilliant pieces from the major players. One hundred watch models are featured, specially photographed for the project and accompanied by accessible, informative texts discussing the watch's design, intriguing features rarity and value. Additional break-out spreads dive into the cultural and fashion history of watch design and the many innovations from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Perfectly packaged and accessibly presented, this is the popular collector's guide for the watch fan who wants to stand out from the crowd.

An updated and revised edition of this practical guide--the book the author wished he had on hand at the start of his 20 years cleaning and repairing pocket watches Using as examples six of the most typical types of watch from a period spanning the late 18th century to the early 20th century, the author takes the intelligent enthusiast through the cleaning and repair process, step by careful step, using photographs of excellent clarity, and in lucid language, characterized by his own friendly and helpful tone. He aims to equip the reader with a sound basic knowledge not just of the process but also all the tools and materials as well as their sources.

In 1933, the Ingersoll-Waterbury Company produced a round Mickey Mouse wristwatch that is considered to be the first comic character watch. It started a movement that has continued for ninety years and shows little sign of letting up. This new and delightful book covers the history of character timepieces from the earliest clocks to the present day quartz wristwatches. With hundreds of beautiful color photographs it is a celebration of American imagination and artistry. Nearly every character watch from 1933 to 1972 is included, with some that have never before been reproduced in print. From 1972 to the present a wide selection of some of the best and most desirable of the 5000+ watches produced will jump off the page at you. Also covered are packaging, advertisements, and some of the ephemera developed with the watches. Organized chronologically, the book is divided into nine chapters. While principally concerned with wristwatches, each chapter also deals with pocket watches and clocks. The examples in the chapter are arranged alphabetically for each reference. At the end of each chapter is a section of lists to help the collector start his collection. A value guide is included. This book is written to enlighten, illuminate, and induce others to enjoy the comic watch hobby. A fun but important book for serious collectors, watch dealers, and students of Americana.

Musical boxes have been made by master artisans since the 1700s, playing classical music, hymns, operatic arias and popular tunes by means of discs or cylinders. The industry started in Europe, flourishing in Switzerland, Germany, and Great Britain, finally crossing the Atlantic to America, before ending in the early 20th century. this book is the definitive reference for anyone interested in the history of music, mechanical music, and musical technology, with complete diagrams of the various types of mechanical movements used over the centuries, indexes of manufacturers, box styles, and tune sheets, complete American and British patent lists, tips on maintaining, repairing, and purchasing boxes, and a price guide. Many of the loveliest musical boxes ever crafted are illustrated in full color in this book, with hundreds more black and white photographs showing their mechanical workings. Eighty detailed diagrams explaining their functions help collectors use, maintain and repair the boxes in their collections.

Following on from the success of his three previous books, The Pocket Watch, The Verge Pocket Watch and The American Pocket Watch, Chris Barrow has produced another clear and concise guide, aimed again at the enthusiastic amateur. This book concentrates on one particular type of watch, namely the English fusee lever. It combines a brief history of the development of the watch with a step-by-step manual covering the dismantling, cleaning, repair and reassembly of a variety of English fusee lever movements made during the nineteenth century. If you have acquired a pocket watch of this type, and would like to investigate its workings, perhaps with a view to getting it going again, then this book will help you step by step to reach that goal. It will also give you a better appreciation of the beauty of both the design and technology of the English fusee lever pocket watch.

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.

The intensive research undertaken for this valuable book properly identifies forty-five Native American silversmiths and their hallmarks found on Southwest jewelry. Most of the marks date prior to the 1970s and some as early as the 1920s, along with the marks of traders, guilds, and the government. This fascinating read also provides the stories of the artists and institutions represented by these marks. Over 275 color and black-and-white images illustrate the marks in situ on the jewelry, along with images of artists, trading posts, and guild ads. The text explains why and when these marks were used. Among the important Navajo, Hopi, and Pueblo silversmiths whose lives and artworks are explored are Grant Jenkins, Fred Peshlakai, Juan De Dios, Da-Pah, Awa Tsireh, and others. The majority of the talented Indian silversmiths represented here left their homes on the reservation in the early twentieth century to work in cities and tourist venues. The profiles presented also feature a handful of contemporary artists who are recognized as master silversmiths.

This volume studies, in chronological order, three types of large clocks-wall, cabinet and free-standing, with particular attention to clocks from France, England, Holland, Scandinavia and the German-speaking countries. The emphasis is on French clocks due to recent great interest in the trade of these among collectors. The English clocks, still favored by a large group of collectors, are strongly represented here and there are several beautiful examples from Holland. The German speaking area, including Austria, Germany, and Switzerland are also well represented especially with clocks from south Germany-a delight for lovers and collectors of the Baroque and Rocco clocks. European Pendulum Clocks is essential for the collector of clocks, dealers, auction houses, museums, and anyone awed by the beauty and craftsmanship of these fascinating timepieces.

'Downright fascinating...indispensable reading' Daily Telegraph 'Nicholas Foulkes' excellent...book is beautifully illustrated. Captivating' Daily Mail For more than 25,000 years, humanity has sought to understand and measure the passing of time, in the process creating some of the most remarkable and beautiful timepieces. Now, in Nicholas Foulkes' lavishly illustrated book, the battle to tame time is brought vividly to life. From the baboon bone dating back to the palaeolithic era that marked the lunar cycle and on to the 3500-year-old water clock at Karnak, from our earliest days mankind has sought to track the passing of time. More recently, the struggles to measure longitude and to create a workable train timetable across the vast, open expanse of the United States have inspired new developments. In Time Tamed, Nicholas Foulkes reveals how we have done this by focusing on some of the most significant developments in timekeeping across the ages. He also highlights the most stunning and lavish clocks and watches in history - from Big Ben to Rolex - for telling the time has never been purely about function, but also about design. The book is filled with remarkable tales, from the 14th century monk in St Albans who created one of the first mechanical clocks to the Holy Roman Emperor who built a clock into an automated ship that fired a cannon to summon guests to dinner. More recently, there was the Surrey woman who used a Napoleonic era watch to 'deliver' the accurate time to London shopkeepers in the wartime era of Churchill, or the Swiss denture maker who solved a tricky problem for the Indian Raj's polo players. Time Tamed is a book you'll want to spend many hours enjoying.