The Wristwatch Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Mechanical Wristwatches

Price: $80.00 - $53.66
(as of Jan 04, 2025 23:35:20 UTC – Details)

A fantastic reference work for the novice or the seasoned watch enthusiastFully illustrated with 470 color photographsBrand-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 epicenter 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 tourbillon, 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.

From the brand

About

ACC Art Books is one of the world’s leading publishers and distributors of books on the arts and visual culture.

History

Our own publications represent more than 50 years of innovation, including collaborations with some of the world’s foremost artists, fashion designers, architects and photographers. We began in 1966 by developing essential reference works on the decorative arts, many of which remain in print as the standard texts in their fields.

What do we publish?

Books on art, architecture, design, fashion, lifestyle, travel, pop culture, and more!

Bestsellers

the clothes they wear

111 Places Travel Guides

Lannoo’s 150 Series

Music

Photography

Interior Design

Art

Fashion & Textiles

Jewelry

Cars & Watches

Luxury Travel

Wine

Food

Anouk Masson Krantz

Gardens

Wildlife

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Acc Art Books (October 14, 2016)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 185149829X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1851498291
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.46 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.94 x 1.38 x 11.74 inches