5 comments about Master Wristwatches (History).

1. I definitely have to agree with the other reviewers. This is a nice compendium of the different watchmakers, it has some good general background of the companies but it only mentions just a few - not all of them.

   The photos are not that impressive, you can get better photos at some websites or watch magazines.

   I recommend this book for a starting watch collector to get general information. If you want more in-depth knowledge look for other publications. ...




2. This is a beutifully produced book, and a usefull title to have laying on your coffee tabel if you want to impress your friends about your "sophictication" and discreetly introduce them to the subject that you collect expensive contemporary wristwatches.

   It was obviously written with the support of the manufacturers of these geourgeous mechanisms and for much of its course quotes verbatim from their official corporate histories and utilisis the imagery of their advertising a PR departments.

   It is however not the book to turn to for factual and objective -including critical- information about specific models
   or makers or to learn more about the technology and history of watches.

   Fortunat Mueller-Maerki
   Chairman of the National Watch and Clock Library
   




3. If you've read one Caroline Childers' watch book, you seem to have read them all! This book looks good, has quality paper, decent photography ... but one can't help wondering how the material gets chosen for inclusion! It is not a thorough or complete reference work, nor is it suitable for enthusiasts; however, it may well serve as a beginner's introduction or something to put your coffee on instead of marking the table! Come on Caroline, give us something new, with pictures which follow the text throughout the entire book, coupled to some in-depth research on the manufactures, the watchmakers, the designers, the engineers and the actual calibres, and less waffle about the jewellery aspects - if we want that, we'll buy your other books! And talking of 'waffle' - enlightened though some of it is - if we want it then we can always order the brochures; they're free! Ah, something has just clicked into place ... I thought I'd seen the pictures before. At least it's not one of Patek Phillipe's extortionately priced photographic albums! Check out George Daniels' books for a thorough review of watchmaking or possibly Peter Braun's for a latest review of what's on general release. And A. Lange & Söhne's literature is first-rate!



4. This book has nice pictures, but lacks substantive information. I was disappointed by its lack of coverage of any details of the underlying watch movement. I was also surprized by it selection of brands. For example, Movado was included, but Vascheron and JLC were not.



5. I would recommend Master Wristwatches for anyone who has an interest in the history of watchmaking, collecting precision timepieces or just looking at beautiful examples of the world's finest watchmakers' craftmenship. With wonderful pictures and illustrations, Master Wristwatches is on of the best tools for novices and collectors alike to learn more about not only the craft of watchmaking but also the great houses that produce the world's finest watches. There are few text on watches that combine such an enjoyable easy to read format with an in depth examination of the subject matter.

No comments about Mystery, Novelty, And Fantasy Clocks (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

No comments about Wristwatch Annual 2009: The Catalog of Producers, Prices, Models, and Specifications.

2 comments about Field Guide to Flint Arrowheads & Knives of the North American Indian: Identification & Values.

1. The book contains excellent, black and white actual-size photographs of points and blades from the Eastern United States. The photos are labeled with the point name, approximate archeological period, typical states in which found, and approximate value to collectors.

   There are only four pages of general information text. There are no descriptions of material types associated with the photos.

   For someone interested in information on point methodology, material types, or significant historical information, the book will be a major disappointment. Additionally, though the title is "Flint Arrowheads & Knives of the North American Indian" I could find only three pages containing point types found in the Northern Western United States.

   For Eastern US collectors, the photos may be of some interest, but for a novice artifact hunter out West, information in the book is virtually non-existent.




2. Compared to other books in this field, this one is lacking for the avid collecter. It is a very good book for the beginner because it covers the most common types of points pretty well. The pictures and discriptions are as good as most in this field.

1 comments about Watches International: Volume VI (Watches International).

1. I'm amazed at how wonderfully this, and similar books are crafted. The color reproduction, detail, and information, is superb. Kudos to the staff who produced this wonderful book.

No comments about Striking and Chiming Clocks: Their Working and Repair.

No comments about Clocks and Clock Repairing.

No comments about Pocket Watches: From the Pendant Watch to the Tourbillon (Collectables).

1 comments about The French Marble Clock: A Guide for Buyers, Collectors and Restorers with Hints on Dating and a List of Makers.

1. How many times have you seen one of those big old French marble clocks for sale at auction or in a shop? Were you intrigued by the craftsmanship, curious about the history, or just impressed by the size? Wonder no more, now that Nicolas Thorpe has written this useful guide to these relics of a past age.

   These clocks were made during the 1830 to 1930 period, and they fall into my definition of an investment antique. They were expensive when new, still useful, and won't be made again. Yet they seem undervalued in the market. Thorpe discusses the aesthetic, historical, and practical aspects of these behemoths. Much of the book is a simple, practical course in cleaning and restoring these cases and movements. It is directed at the LAYMAN, not the expert. If you have never repaired a clock, if you are reasonably handy you can follow Thorpe's directions and do it right.

   Even if you only own one French marble clock, you should have this book. Whether it's a petite boudoir timepiece or a fireplace mantel juggernaut, your understanding and enjoyment will be enhanced by this book.

No comments about Swiss Wristwatches: Chronology of Worldwide Success Swiss Watch Design in Old Advertisements and Catalogs.