The Wristwatch Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Mechanical Wristwatches
£36.90£47.50 (-22%)
- A fantastic reference work for the novice or the seasoned watch enthusiast
- Fully illustrated with 470 colour photographs
- Brand-Agnostic. Features a vast array of timepieces from over 90 manufacturers
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.
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Additional information
| Publisher | ACC Art Books, Reprinting March 2022 edition (26 Feb. 2018) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Hardcover | 352 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 185149829X |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1851498291 |
| Dimensions | 25.25 x 3.51 x 29.82 cm |
by Drewjdi
This really is a fantastic book. There’s so much fascinating detail in here on complications, finishing, history, it’s actually pretty tricky to put down and my first read was about 3 days.
Ryan is super passionate about watches, that much is clear, and it must have taken so much time and effort to collect all of this knowledge and present it in a way that is engaging and easy to deconstruct.
This is my go to for everything Watches and I’ll be reading it and referring to it many times in the future. If you’re considering this as a gift for someone that’s into watches, I strongly recommend it! I’d be delighted to receive this. Can’t wait for book 2!
by Bev
Received this as a Christmas gift. It’s awesome especially in size & weight – it makes my legs go numb if I read for too long! Although I will never be able to afford the super luxury watches pictured in the book it does allow me to see where many of the designs in my affordable watch collection come from. Many of these expensive watches are bland & some are bug ugly – and Colour is conspicuous by its absence. There are watches in here that don’t tell the time & there are 2 which are very pornographic – go figure! If it wasn’t for folks with more money than sense there would be fewer nice, affordable things for the rest of us to buy. This is the ultimate coffee table book – just make sure the coffee table is sturdy!
by seamus
despite being a wristwatch obsessive I put off buying this. I thought I’d rather save the money for my next watch and anyway I have enough unread books in the house. I was wrong to have waited. I’ve heard the author on the Scottish Watches Podcast a number of times and always appreciated his self-deprecating wit – reader, he finally wore me down. No regrets however as the book is beautifully illustrated and cogently written. it is as much a celebration of beauty as it is of engineering and a must have.
by Drewjdi
I seen this book on you tube and thought to myself another watch book at £400-600, so I checked Amazon, purchased immediately for less than £40, it’s as good or better than any £4-600 book iv bought , less than 24hrs later it was delivered????, amazing photography, great writing, if you love watches just buy it,you won’t be disappointed
by paysdoufs
In the arena in which this book is competing, there probably isn’t a lot of competition for it – be it regarding its contents or value for money. So if you’re looking for a very nicely illustrated coffee-table book providing an overview of almost all imaginable horological complications out there, and which is surprisingly up-to-date, go for it. You won’t regret it.
However, if you want your 40 GBP books to arrive in good condition, rather get it at your local bookstore… In my case, Amazon UK thought that throwing a heavy book (two, actually) in an oversized cardboard box with no additional protection whatsoever (bubble wrap, etc.) is an appropriate way of packaging. Needless to say that it arrived slightly damaged – just shy of me wanting to return it.
by Brian G
A wonderful and informative book on the many, many different complications that can be found in watches, past and present. I would’ve like it to go more in depth on how different complications work, and the techniques brands use to produce these, but perhaps that’s me asking for too much. This is nonetheless, a book I find myself picking up and referencing over and over again, and it has taught me much about watches and what watchmakers are capable of achieving.
by C. J. Eccleston
A magnificent tome on high end wristwatches. Comprehensive,beautiful and significantly more affordable than its subject!????
by Leslie Williams
A great book on watches. Beautiful imagery, and expert knowledge. A perfect coffee table book that you can dip into time and again.