The Wristwatch Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide To Mechanical
Wristwatches

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 brandsThe book is separated into two sections The first section provides the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical movementIts 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 1000Hz 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' chapterOnce 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