Wristwatches: A Connoisseur's Guide [Hardcover]

Frank Edwards (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1997

Wristwatches is an indispensible source of reference. Practical and informative, it is the ultimate connoisseur's guide to the best in wristwatches.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

After a brief history of watchmaking and tips on recognizing quality, Edwards offers alphabetically arranged essays on 55 of the most prestigious wristwatch makers. The sumptuous full-color photographs are advertisement-quality, and sometimes the text reads like a sales catalog, although no prices are given. Still, there is enough information to spark interest in would-be collectors, and a helpful glossary will help those researching single pieces they inherited. The volume on costume jewelry is one of those "introductions to appreciation" that is so well written and produced that it may very well inspire people to take a second look at their "junk" jewelry. Gorgeous, full-color photographs of more than 200 necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and brooches show stylistic details. Many are one-of-a-kind marked pieces most readers will admire here but never be able to buy, but the authors do succeed in describing characteristics of styles from the 18th-century through the present to help readers choose a favorite period to collect. Again, no prices are provided, but tips on collecting, care, and repairs and a glossary are included. Both books are excellent introductions to their topics at a good price; especially recommended for public or small libraries and as supplements to larger collections.?Therese Duzinkiewicz Baker, Western Kentucky Univ. Libs., Bowling Green
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1552090833
• ISBN-13: 978-1552090831
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,518,454 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars For coffee tables, not collectors, January 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Wristwatches: A Connoisseur's Guide (Hardcover)

Great pictures but short on content. The layout is first-rate, and the author was able to shoot some historic timepieces, but the company index reads more like a well-worded ad than an explanation of what makes good watches great. Also leaves out mention of some interesting or odd collectibles. Could also use some diagrams of working watches. Otherwise, it's too technical. A beautiful book, nonetheless. One which will get picked up by non-collectors as well.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice but short, June 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Wristwatches: A Connoisseur's Guide (Hardcover)

Nothing much to learn from this well illustrated book, at least nothing more than what can be found in "wriswatch annual". For newbies only.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book: comprehensive and interesting, April 3, 1998

By 

Marc Rochkind "Published Author" (Colorado) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wristwatches: A Connoisseur's Guide (Hardcover)

Covers 55 watch brands, from Audemars Piguet to Zodiac. Even Citizen, Seiko, and Timex. Not just pictures of watches, but a bit of history of the company and a summary of the watch line. Absolutely fascinating to thumb through, and a great guide to anyone who's decided to take watches seriously and needs a place to start.