Watch books

[sleepersix]

Hi folks, just starting to get interested in watches with hopefully a purchase of my first automatic watch soon (still deciding what to buy), but would like to find out more about the background of the classic watch makers, but also to understand about different movements and complications etc.

I am getting 'Watches' by Gene Stone as a birthday present next week as a starter, but was wondering if anyone could recommend anything else.

I would be quite interested in something that went into a bit of detail about the workings.

Any advice appreciated.
Thanks.

[Dominic H]

I can't recommended any book in particular. But there is a seller Rita Shenton, who specializes in horological reading.

http://www.shentonbooks.com/

Hope this helps..

Dom H

[Miguel Alvarez]

Not a book as such but this month's GQ has a nice watch magasine as well. I think previous year's have been better but good none the less.

(it also has a Jessica Alba interview)

[andy_s]

The only one I've got is 'Zero Hour' by William Schorr which is a good summary of the 100 or so best known military watches. It's due for a reprint in the next few months and is available from blurb.com.

[sneijder]

Download the JLC app if you have an iPhone, very informative.

[MG511]

NeMiSiS said:

I was given a book, my one and only watch book called 1001 Wristwatches by Martin Hassermann.

Absolutely brilliant, I didn't give it a look until I had a spell in hospital were I read it page to page, and again, the illustrations are second to none. I still use it for info and go back to it for guidance.

It was bought for me late in 2008, I am unsure if it is still available.

Edited by NeMiSiS on Saturday 23 October 17:28

I got a copy of this a couple of weeks ago in one of those cheap book shops (Book Hut or Book Warehouse, something like that) for £5, it really is excellent, with some great colour photos.

[dustybottoms]

Another happy customer for “The 1001 Wristwatches” book.

Also, was a couple of years ago but I requested via online a copy of the IWC Catalogue. It arrived in the post a week or so later, a hard backed book with some interesting information and photos, obviously solely IWC based but good quality and informative and best of all free!!

I am sure there are other watch catalogues out there that make good interesting reading.

[sleepersix]

Thanks for advice all. The '1001 wristwatches' book sounds interesting if I can get hold of a copy.

Just started reading 'The watch' last night- intersting brief history of wristwatches followed by brand history and key watches of 50 of the most famous makers. So far, very good!

Shentons look good for a technical book to find out how they work. I'll let you know how I get on!

[motoringboutique]

As A watchbroker knowing about watches is obviously a key, but at first I really couldnt tell you the difference between a chronograph and a Chronometer I just sold the things! Until reading the book you are all talking about (1001 wristwatches), it truly is a brillaint read and book, highly recommended! Still occasionaly pick it up now!

Edited by motoringboutique on Tuesday 2nd November 12:29

[sjg]

I got this last Christmas - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Masters-Contemporary-Watch... - which is a lovely coffee-table type book, interesting text but fantastic photography too.