Practical Watch Repairing [Paperback]

Donald de Carle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 17, 2008

Horology expert Donald de Carle reveals how to repair and adjust the modern watch.

The absorbing and everlasting subject of watch repairing has been dealt with in books in many languages throughout the years. But when de Carle first set out to write Practical Watch Repairing in 1946, it was with the intention of creating a textbook "that a watchmaker can understand, even if he can't read." With over 550 instructional black-and-white illustrations and an approach that assumes no prior watch-repairing experience, this book achieves and surpasses that lofty mission, and has been touted as "the best illustrated book on practical horology" (Horological Journal) ever written. For the readers in his audience, de Carle has provided well-informed discourse on every topic a watchmaker, or aspiring watchmaker, needs to know. With Practical Watch Repairing, even a layman can become a watch-repair specialist.
553 b/w illustrations

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Donald de Carle was a Fellow and Medallist of the British Horological Institute. He contributed to the Encyclopedia Britannica and was the author of many other horological works.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing; 3 edition (September 17, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1602393575
• ISBN-13: 978-1602393578
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,085 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Clocks & Watches

More About the Author

Donald de Carle was a Fellow and Medallist of the British Horological Institute. He contributed to the Encyclopedia Britannica and was the author of many horological works.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

66 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a must have book, July 16, 2000

By 

Jim Shepherd (Arcadia, IN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Practical Watch Repairing (Hardcover)

This book contains a wealth of information on basic watch theory and a thorough dicussion of hand wound mechanical watches. It covers problems that can be encountered and methods to correct a wide variety of them. He offers proven techniques for disassembly, diagnosis, cleaning and lubrication and reassembly of non-complicated watches. The only detractions I've found is the assumption made that the reader has experience with watchmaker's lathes and the tool recommendations are sometimes very dated.

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars easy instruction., June 5, 2004

By 

Michael Rybikowsky (Charlotte Hall, Maryland USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Practical Watch Repairing (Hardcover)

I bought three watch books. This is this is the one that did what I wanted. Very easy to follow book. It makes you want to take apart a watch right away.

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Mechanical Watch Repair Text, November 24, 2005

By 

Russell S. Wickham (McMinnville, TN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Practical Watch Repairing (Hardcover)

This book was originally published in 1946, and it's still in print because it's the best. The text is straight forward, clear and easy to understand. The illustrations are very helpful, maybe even excessive, but to someone who knew nothing about the subject before starting the book, that's not so bad. The newer editions have a small section on quartz repair, but due to the advances in electronics, it is dated. The theory is helpful, but those seeking to learn quartz repair only probably need another book. All in all, it is a great book highly recommended to anyone who would like to learn watch repair.