Books
Royal Oak: From Iconoclast to Icon
Royal Oak: From Iconoclast to Icon retraces how the Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak created a stir upon its release in 1972, with its armor of hand-finished stainless-steel encasing the thinnest self-winding mechanical movement of its era and has shone around the world in the decades that have followed. For the first time, steel was ennobled to the same status as gold. Inspired by the profound cultural, artistic, and industrial changes of the 1960s and early 1970s, this forward-looking timepiece anticipated a more active yet casual lifestyle, while heralding the beginning of a new high-end watchmaking era combining sportiness and refinement.
The book presents the Royal Oak’s history from a broader cultural perspective, while shedding light on new archival materials uncovered by Audemars Piguet’s Heritage department alongside exclusive testimonies of long-standing friends of the brand. The lively narrative text is illustrated with imagery from six decades of groundbreaking art, architecture, fashion, music, and cultural history, paralleling the evolution of this trailblazing timepiece beloved by innovative tastemakers and influential celebrities around the globe.
Jaeger-LeCoultre: Reverso
This richly illustrated volume traces the story of one of the world’s most recognizable wristwatches through archive images and original photography, together with an evocative text by noted author, historian, journalist, and horological specialist Nicholas Foulkes.
As well as tracing the history of the watch and its evolution over the past nine decades – with more than 50 calibres and several hundred dials – the book explores the social milieu and cultural changes that provided the backdrop to the creation of the Reverso and, later, its continued reinvention. It shares the stories of more than a dozen Reverso owners who have personalized their watches in deeply meaningful ways. And it also tells the fascinating story of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s founders, their inventions that have had a profound impact on horological history, and the Maison’s development as an integrated Manufacture with 180 skills brought together under one roof.
De Bethune: The Art of Watchmaking
Twenty years ago, the haute horological world welcomed De Bethune. Showcasing the technical ingenuity of master watchmaker and co-founder Denis Flageollet, De Bethune immediately established itself as an outlier with a unique ability to blur the lines between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, mining history to create a brand both impossibly modern and technically advanced.
Flageollet’s objective has always been the glorious and elusive goal of chronometric perfection and no watch brand has been as disruptive as De Bethune. In just twenty years, the company has unveiled thirty in-house movements in the most surprising way, by emphasizing mechanical simplicity and concentrating on the fundamentals of traditional watchmaking. Following this principle, De Bethune has built a collection of pieces with extendable designs capable of evolving over time through innovation and the brand’s research into emerging materials.
The Connoisseur's Guide To Fine Timepieces: European Watch Company - Assouline Coffee Table Book
European Watch Company, a Boston-based retailer led by father-and-son duo Albert and Joshua Ganjei, has been a beacon for watch enthusiasts since 1993, offering exceptional service and building enduring relationships with their loyal clientele. Their book, The Connoisseur’s Guide to Fine Timepieces, captures the spirit and craftsmanship that underpin the company's legacy, showcasing over 150 remarkable watches that exemplify horological excellence. From complex complications to iconic designs, the collection spans an array of styles, including classic, avant-garde, and rare vintage pieces from both major watch houses and independent artisans. Through striking photography and detailed descriptions, the guide explores the history and innovation behind each timepiece, reflecting the enduring allure of fine watchmaking and the enduring legacy of European Watch Co. as a trusted source for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Oyster Perpetual Submariner: The Watch that Unlocked the Deep
For the first time, Rolex has authorised a wide-ranging account and full history of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner watch, in the first of a series taking a deep dive into the watches of the iconic brand. Oyster Perpetual Submariner. The Watch That Unlocked The Deep, written by author, editor, and watch expert Nick Foulkes, is published by global design authority, Wallpaper*, which brings its sharp, cinematic eye to the project, creating new and original photography in collaboration with Rolex to run alongside testimonies from renowned witnesses to the Submariner''s illustrious 70-year history, including marine biologist Sylvia Earle, photographer David Doubilet, and aquanaut Dr Joe MacInnis – further highlighting the role this iconic timepiece continues to play in the exploration and protection of the marine environment.
Moonwatch Only: The Ultimate OMEGA Speedmaster Guide
The OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is one of them. Initially designed for automobile racing teams and engineers, the Omega Speedmaster embarked on a very different trajectory when NASA chose it to accompany astronauts heading for the Moon in 1965. Its involvement in the space adventure has propelled the Moonwatch to the top of the list of celebrated timepieces. After years of research and observation, the authors present a complete panorama of the Moonwatch in a systematic work that is both technical and attractive, making it the inescapable reference book for this legendary watch.This third edition has been enriched with numerous new features including a 16-page gallery of astronauts and their Speedmaster, QR codes to extend your exploration and a detailed story of a vintage Speedmaster.
Rare Watches: Explore the World's Most Exquisite Timepieces
Rare Watches features more than fifty of the most unusual watches in the world, including incredible one-off models and collector's editions. From watches that have set new records in auction houses, to feats of modern technology and engineering, via iconic models worn by figures such as Elvis and James Bond, this book appeals to professionals, collectors and amateurs alike.
A Man & His Watch: Iconic Watches and Stories from the Men Who Wore Them
Paul Newman wore his Rolex Daytona every single day for 35 years until his death in 2008. The iconic timepiece, probably the single most sought-after watch in the world, is now in the possession of his daughter Clea, who wears it every day in his memory. Franklin Roosevelt wore an elegant gold Tiffany watch, gifted to him by a friend on his birthday, to the famous Yalta Conference where he shook the hands of Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill. JFK’s Omega worn to his presidential inauguration, Ralph Lauren’s watch purchased from Andy Warhol’s personal collection, Sir Edmund Hillary’s Rolex worn during the first-ever summit of Mt. Everest . . . these and many more compose the stories of the world’s most coveted watches captured in A Man and His Watch.
The Watch Book: Compendium - Revised Edition
For all chrono fans, collectors and watch enthusiasts, there is now the brilliant and completely revised new edition The Watch Book. The comprehensive coffee-table book replaces the earlier The Watch Book Compendium and combines The Watch Book I and II. As usual, the successful author Gisbert L. Brunner shines with his extensive expertise and brings his readers closer to the history of the wristwatch with more than 1,000 high-resolution photographs. With over 40 pieces, hardly any other illustrated book gathers more premium watch brands under one roof. The predecessors of The Watch Book have long been regarded as standard works by experts - because no other photo book depicts more of the noble timepieces.
The Watch Book Rolex: 3rd updated and extended edition
The Watch Book Rolex has long been undisputedly one of the best coffee-table books when it comes to the luxury watch brand. In this superlative coffee-table book, Gisbert L. Brunner, known among experts as the "watch pope", illuminates the history of the chronometric legend Rolex. In his usual artistic style, he explains what makes this brand unique and to what extent it has contributed to the technical development of the wristwatch.
From the first officially certified wristwatch, to the waterproof "Oyster" case, to the technically sophisticated models of modern times, Gisbert covers everything the reader needs to know about the Rolex brand in impressive pictures and highly informative yet entertaining texts. In the third revised edition, the successful author has now also included the latest models of the legendary Submariner and Daytona series, the brand's traditional lines, which are already celebrating their 70th and 60th anniversaries. But in this edition, Gisbert also addresses the particular challenges facing the watchmaking trade in the advancing 21st century. The business is confronted with the increasing shortage of skilled workers. The author highlights the innovative projects and programmes with which the luxury brand is countering this trend in order to be able to maintain its own standards of guarantee and service in the future.
The Book of Rolex
Horological trends flit by faster than ever in today''s fast-paced society. But Rolex does not rely on gimmicks; theirs is a more perennial allure, with a reputation built on traditions and hard-earned skill. A company that innovates while paying homage to their roots, every Rolex is the culmination of centuries of watchmaking expertise. Within this book you will find explanations of the making process, descriptions of the materials involved and expert commentary on what makes each Rolex wristwatch unique.
The Book of Rolex demonstrates how each model fits its social milieu, present and past. It also addresses the multitude of fakes on the market, including the so-called ''Frankensteins'' - watches made from a mixture of real parts and forgeries, which are notoriously hard to spot - imparting all the skills needed to pick counterfeits out of a line-up. A holistic view of Rolex watches, this book promises to be as timeless as the brand itself. Should you be considering a Rolex, this book will convince you of its worth as an investment.
Watches: A Guide by Hodinkee - Assouline Coffee Table Book
Assouline's coffee table books represent utmost sophistication in home decor. Assouline's library features a stunning collection of decorative books that showcase the best of luxury brands, from fashion and beauty to lifestyle and culture. With rich imagery and insightful narratives, Assouline's books provide an in-depth look into the history and evolution of these iconic brands, making them not just visually stunning but also intellectually stimulating. These books are a perfect addition to any contemporary library collection, adding a touch of elegance and refinement to any space. /n/n Assouline's book Watches: A Guide by Hodinkee is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the world of fine watchmaking. Written by the editors of Hodinkee, the leading online destination for watch enthusiasts, this book covers everything from the history of watchmaking to the latest trends and innovations in the industry. With stunning photography and insightful commentary, Watches offers a fascinating look at the art and science of watchmaking, from the precision engineering of mechanical movements to the intricate beauty of dial design. The book also includes profiles of some of the most iconic and influential watchmakers in history, as well as in-depth reviews of some of the most coveted and sought-after timepieces on the market today. Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and craftsmanship of fine watches, Watches: A Guide by Hodinkee is an essential addition to your library.
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