Customer Reviews

Practical Watch Repairing

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This product, though very good, was not what I expected. It is apparently a very early book on watch repair (updated through the years), written by a watch repairman. The book targets persons wanting to begin a watch repair business, so it included the ideal work space, all the tools necessary to begin an ultimately profitable business, all good information but more than I wanted or needed. It is sometimes difficult to read because a few sections are quite technical and include jargon, but I was also able to locate and understand the information I needed for my own home watch repairs.

This book has been quoted, paraphrased, used in part or in whole by watchmakers of all levels. Decarle originally put articles and illustrations found in his book in one of the major horological journals. A number of watch courses use these in part or in whole. As a watchmaker's apprentice, I have found this book very useful for understanding the workings of watches.

This is an interesting book....it's like a textbook for watch repair for manual watches. If you've got a lot of time, and some expensive old watches--say pre-1945 Omegas and the like, this book may be for you. Anyone who's already a fine-watch repair person would like this book, if they don't already own it, it's got all the hard stuff in it. "Hard stuff" like winding mainsprings, bluing hands and screws, making parts from scratch, setting jewels in the movement just to mention a few.

If you only want to adjust the band and change the battery, or maybe advance the time or change a gasket, this book won't help you much, it's just too dated and complicated. I say, if you're a pro, give it a go, but if you're a beginner, it's not a winner!

Fabulous. The detail is great - perhaps too much, BUT on the second reading he brings the craft alive.

Full marks - love this book. A few colour photos may be in order. BUT GREAT BOOK

Very useful and thorough watch repair instructions for mechanical watches. Much detail on repair procedures. Very useful for beginners. This book and Henry Fried's book,"The Watch Repairer's Manual,4th edition", are considered classics in the field. Get both if you can.

SImple things using the right tools and procedures can allow you to get the satisfaction for the simple repairs. I would suggest doing classes etc or going to a professional for the more advanced types of repairs. The book also allows you to gain an appreciation of actually what makes then tick and tock.

If you are looking for a book to help you learn the art of watch repair this is the one, great book.