Wristwatches: History of a Century's Development (Schiffer Book for Collectors) [Hardcover]

Richard Muhe (Author), Helmut Kahlert (Author), Gisbert L. Brunner (Author)

Book Description

Series: Schiffer Book for Collectors | Publication Date: August 1999

The mechanical wristwatch is a cherished treasure. This newly updated classic book is designed for the collector, with a historical survey, a description of how mechanical wristwatches work, and a glossary. Updated prices for various watches are included, along with a chapter on fakes, knock-offs, and hybrids. Information on the preservation, care, and repair of the watch rounds out the volume, making it an excellent reference for novice and experienced collectors alike.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is the fourth edition of a German classic that documents the development of the mechanical wristwatch from its first appearance around 1850 through the late 20th century. Using more than 1800 photographs, the authors present the history of and give prices for a variety of watches, including chronographs, watches with calendars and alarms, moon-phase indicators, military and aviation watches, and a smattering of electric and quartz models. Both men's and women's styles are included, and there is advice on collecting and preserving antique watches. There is also a good glossary of terms, and the reverse of the title page includes a translator's note defining the differences between the European and English horology terms used throughout the text. Despite occasional typographical errors and some clumsy translation, this publication, like most Schiffer books, is an excellent resource for collectors--well illustrated, informative, and worthy of most decorative arts collections.
-Margarete Gross, Chicago P.L.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

Product Details

• Hardcover: 410 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing; 4th Rev&Ex edition (August 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764308610
• ISBN-13: 978-0764308611
• Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 9.4 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,047,281 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rise and Fall and the Rise Again of Mechanical Watchmaking, August 18, 2000

By 

Doug Iles (Canberra, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wristwatches: History of a Century's Development (Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

Wristwatches' is an excellent survey of the huge variety of watches that been developed this century. Highlights includes a consise history of the changes in design over the last 100 years and brief insights into how particular complications are constructed. However, for the english reader, for this is a translation from the original German editions, it has a few faults in it's germanocentricity. All of the historical advertising material displayed in the book is in German. It would have been more appropriate to include at least a few english language advertisments as it gives a lot of flavour to such a book. In addition there is a complete section on German wristwatch development which is a bit dry if this is not your particular interest. A major editorial fault is that the vast majority of photos have lost their numbering and you are left trying to match up the descriptions to each picture. For such a book this fault is a pity. However it is still one of the best guides for vintage and modern watch enthusiasts as it covers a vast range of models with a very useful, and fairly accurate, price guide.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In-depth guide meant especially for collectors, June 11, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wristwatches: History Of A Century's Development (Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

Now in a newly revised fifth edition, Wristwatches: History Of A Century's Development by Helmut Kahlert, Richard Muhe and Gisbert L. Brunner, is an extraordinary, high-quality, in-depth guide meant especially for collectors but also filled with fascinating information for lay readers curious about the technological, sociological, and economic factors that have not only contributed to the development of the wristwatch, but made the portable clock an important part of world history. Over 1990 black-and-white and color photographs abound throughout this lavish compendium, which includes extensively detailed essays on the origin of the wristwatch, its distinctive features versus the pocket watch, its basic construction and function, self-winding watches, special types of wristwatches, preservation and care of wristwatches, and much more. Express focus is given to various name brands and types of wristwatches throughout the past century, with many photos, capsule descriptions, and sample prices for classic watches. Wristwatches: History Of A Century's Development is truly an outstanding reference for hobbyists and historians alike.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent resource for the antique wrist watch collector..., October 1, 2006

By 

Noah Leigh (NYC, NY) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wristwatches: History Of A Century's Development (Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

....A thorough explanation of both the history of the wrist watch as well its mechanical evolution. Direct, easy, approachable, yet thorough, with a significant number of illustrations and photos of every description of watch from all the major European manufacturers from the early years thru modern times. If you collect wrist watches, this book is the Gold Standard.