Watch Book I

The reference work for all watch enthusiasts Few objects combine function, elegance and status as skilfully as a wristwatch. The choice of personal timepiece can reveal a lot about us, as it shows the importance we attach to man's most precious possession. A mixture of precise mechanics, craftsmanship, precious materials and innovation characterises the true superlatives. In this volume, watch enthusiasts can delight all their senses in a splendidly illustrated and excellently documented chronicle of the world's finest timepieces. It begins with an excursus on the meaning of time and its measurement by ticking gears. It then captivates with portraits of 18 premium manufacturers such as Patek Philippe, Rolex and Cartier. These ‘biographies’ trace the development of the most important names in the art of perfect watchmaking from their earliest beginnings to the latest innovations and current models. They explore what exactly makes these houses so exceptional and tell of the remarkable achievements that have earned them their position as outstanding authorities in the European watch industry.