Vintage Watch Books Every Watch-Enthusiast Must Read

Craving to read interesting books about watches? Here’s a list of vintage watch books that you have to read

Previously, watch books were just about branded watches and their profiles. It merely looked like some sort of catalog — which was not as interesting to many watch-nerds. We had to turn to different magazines to have a look at good watches. And the written parts of it were usually quite dull and did not offer quality.

Recently, we have started to notice little changes. The watch-enthusiasts are being directly addressed, we hear secrets, personal experiences, and such soulfulness is added in the newer editions. These watch books not only provide information but also spike your interest in them. You can find detailed history and the cultural significance associated with each timepiece. 

We have collected a list of top vintage watch books that every watch enthusiast must read! 

Chasing Time: Vintage Wristwatches for the Discerning Collector by Alistair Gibbons

The time of the early 2000s was when mechanical watches became popular. We were all equipped with the digital world, and everyone believed them to be far more accurate. A mechanical watch, however, has a lot more history and soul to it. 

The collection that is shown in this book has vintage watches with detailed research that catches the attention of an enthusiast. It also lays light on the watches from the 20th-century era, from 1930 to 1980. Some of the most popular watches included are Universal space Compax, Rolex, Tag Heuer, and Zenith De Luca. 

A Man and His Watch by Matt Hranek

• In this book, the author has written about people’s personal experiences with timepieces. He asked his audiences to talk about their most favorite watch and the reasons behind their liking towards it. This book is one of its kind. Whether it is your grandfather’s watch or the latest Ralph Lauren — Matt Hranke made us realize something. 

He genuinely led us to believe the value of any product resides in the owner and his personality. These stories help the reader to connect with the people who are talked about in this book. After reading this book, you will look down at your collection in a different way. 

The Wristwatch Handbook by Ryan Schmidt 

If you are a person who is not into the latest digital watches, then this book is for you. In this book, Ryan deeply explains mechanical watches. The best part about this book is its simplicity. It is effortless for any layman to understand and digest the information. 

Not only that, coupled with the use of metaphors, it makes an interesting read. Schmidt has also used beautiful images to portray the watch collection. 

 

 

The Impossible Collection of Watches by Nick Foulkes

Nick wrote this book on various significant watches. In this collection, he has talked about 100 different watches ranging from simple pocket watches to luxurious watches made for royalty. 

He has also included the best sports watches and some classics. His essay about watches is one of the best you could read right now. The book is a masterpiece that you will probably hand down to generations to continue its legacy. 

 

Drive time by Aaron Sigmond, Sea Time by Aaron Sigmond and Mark Bernardo

• Aaron Sigmond, who is also a cigar expert, is a famous watch collector. In DriveTime, he has added the watches which are meant to be used in motorsports. Sea Time includes watches that are water friendly. 

These books will make you realize how many options there are in the world of watches. Both the authors have added a lot of history and cultural importance to engage its readers. The pictures include beautiful representations, which will keep you thoroughly engrossed.

source https://www.lidowatchclub.com/vintage-watch-books-must-read/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vintage-watch-books-must-read

3 Must-Read Books About Watches By Watch Collectors

Need recommendations for books about watches? Keep on reading

Do you want to take some time off from the internet, because you think you have possibly viewed every watch picture and read every watch fact to exist online? Then it is best to switch off your phone, keep it on the side, and make yourself a nice, warm cup of coffee, get cozy and pick one of the books that are recommended below. 

Quench your desire for learning about wristwatches. It doesn’t matter if you are a newbie, or a die-hard watch fanatic, the intensity for the love of watches is the same for all. Read through the following books to find something that is not only beautifully descriptive but also unimaginably well researched. And the intricate images are just a plus, in each one of the editions. 

The Best of Time: The Rolex Wristwatches 

James Dowling and Jeff Hess are possibly the most knowledgeable people when it comes to Rolex.  Their book, The Best of Time: The Rolex Wristwatches is one of the most intriguing and well-detailed books about Rolex. 

• The book has two major parts. The first one talks about all the vintage beauties created by Rolex and the other part is dedicated to the modern-day time machine creation. The book also has a biological tribute to Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the brand.

Let’s not forget the best part of it all — the steller images. You would make through the 400 pages of the book in a heartbeat and wouldn’t even realize how much time has flown by.

The Watch: Thoroughly Revised

 

Time seizes when you make a run through this book. After the great success of 2006, The Watch by Gene Stone, the author decided to give it an update with the assistance of the infamous, Stephen Pulvirent.

• If you want to dive deep into the wells of horology, then this book clears all your curiosities. The book is less about watches and more about watch-makers. It covers 50 of the most well-known watch brands to exist in history.

Speaking of history, it also takes you into the past with some great historical facts. It covers everything from the creation of sundials to modern-day timepieces. 

The Watch Buff’s Book of Trivia 

By one of the most known watch experts, Norma Buchman’s The Watch Buff’s Book is Trivia is a delight to read. The book can even pique the interest of someone who has no interest in timepieces. It is so full of unbelievable information, that while you read it, you are up on your toes. 

• There were moments while reading the book that the reader totally indulges in the horological world. The book talks about 473 aspects that are important when it comes to creating timeless masterpieces. 

It is hard for one to believe how much effort it takes to craft an eye-pleasing, fashionable, and functional watch. So, Buchman makes sure to tell you all about it. 

Conclusion

So, which one of these amazing books are you planning to buy next? Don’t forget to leave it on your coffee table, so when the next guest comes in they can enjoy the books as much as you did.

We chose just three of the many top-of-the-world watch books available in the market. If you want to take a look at more options, you can always refer to Lido Watch Club, your one-stop solution to all your watch-problems. 

source https://www.lidowatchclub.com/3-must-read-books-about-watches/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=3-must-read-books-about-watches

Chasing Time: Vintage Wristwatches for the Discerning Collector by Alistair Gibbons – A Book Review

Read our in-depth review of the famous watch book Chasing Time by Alistair Gibbons

If you are a watch lover, you must always be on the lookout for learning more about watches. The world of high-end horology is fascinating and one cannot get enough of it if one has a real passion for it. In our opinion, one of the best ways to educate yourself about a particular topic is to go the conventional way and pick a book related to that topic.

You will find multiple books on wristwatches. Today we present to you a thorough review of one of our favorite books titled ‘Chasing Time: Vintage Wristwatches for the Discerning Collector’. It is authored by Alistair Gibbons. The book has garnered positive reviews from readers. Let us take a deeper look into what the book entails.

First Impression of The Book

• Chasing Time comes in a hardcover edition. Its dimensions are 21 x 2.4 x 24.1 cm. The book’s dimensions make it easily portable. You can carry it on the subway, take it to the office or to your parent’s home if you are away for holidays. 

There is a sense of uniformity to the text and pictures in the book. The watches are described in alphabetical order which makes it convenient for the reader to locate a particular watch while looking for one.

What Does The Book Revolve Around?

The book explores the history of mechanical watches and how they evolved between 1930 and 1980. The book explores the following brands of watches, to name a few:

• Hamilton
• Heuer
• Omega
• Zodiac
• Gallet

Chasing Time also covers some brands of the 60s, 70s, and 80s which have become somewhat obsolete and unknown now. These brands include:

• Aquastar 
• Arsa (now known as Auguste Reymon)
• Baylor
• Benrus
• Difor
• Gigadet
• Vantage
• Wakmann.

Gibbons shares his personal experience of multiple watches belonging to the above-mentioned brands. He has worked as a watch collector/dealer and has the first-hand experience with multiple watches. Hence whatever details he shares about these luxury watches are accurate and factually correct.

• The graphics of the book are stunning. High-quality, full-color pictures are printed with thorough details of the watch parts. The pictures are labeled and an explanation of each part is provided in detail. 

For Whom Is This Book Suitable For?

After reading this book from cover to cover, we conclude that this book will satiate the appetite of every watch aficionado. We recommend this book for all levels of book lovers i.e. whether you are a beginner or a pro, you will benefit from a dose of Chasing Time: Vintage Wristwatches for the Discerning. 

• If you are a beginner and don’t know a lot about the world of high-end horology, then put your apprehensions aside and pick up this book. This book is neither too complicated nor too technical that you won’t be able to digest it. At the same time, if you are a veteran, this book will offer you a lot more than just A class photography and graphics.

If you are not too much invested in luxury watches and appreciate them from a distance, we bet that the gorgeous graphics in this book will invoke your interest. Anyone who takes interest in the complicated engineering mechanisms of these watches can also benefit greatly from this book.

About Alistor Gibbons

• The author Alistor Gibbons has served in the movie industry as a special effects editor. He developed an affection for mechanical watches in the 1990s. In the 1990s he started his own website ATGVintageWatches, where he displays his watch collection in full glory. 

This information has been brought to you by Lido Watch Club. They deal in the sale and purchase of preowned luxury watches. 

source https://www.lidowatchclub.com/chasing-time-by-alistair-gibbons/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chasing-time-by-alistair-gibbons

A Book Review of A Man & His Watch by Matthew Hranek

Read our book review of A Man & His Watch to find out if this is the right book for you

Matt Hranek’s The Man and His Watch is full of fascinating city hall stories that are linked to personal stories and biography of famous characters. If you are skeptical about reading this book or skipping it, this guide will help clear your mind.

Background & History

• A New Yorker watch and apparel collector Matthew Hranek has traveled the world, interviewed many people, owns numerous exclusive collections, and possesses previously unknown stories of 76 watches along with stunning original photos of each piece. 

He then poured in all his knowledge in a single book which you know by the name of “A Man and His Watch”.

Book’s Intro

• Matt Hranek’s A Man and His Watch was published in late October 2017 by Artisan/Workman Books. Its subtitle is also really interesting which is: “Iconic Watches and Stories of the People Who Wear”. The second edition ’Man and His Watch’ came out in October 2020, after the first issue went on sale.

This coffee table book for the audience has resonated with many watch enthusiasts. 

Book Presentation

• If you follow the rule i.e. judge the book by its cover, you won’t be disappointed. This book is packaged in a nice, thick hard cardboard cover. To give it a stunning and ravishing look the book features a Rolex Daytona watch owned by the legendary Paul Newman.

But if you look closely, more drama is going on with the book cover. The main contour of the watch is embossed on the case cover of the hand and the handle of the Oyster bracelet.

Engaging Stories

• A Man and His Watch is recommended especially because of its intervention skills. This book is a collection of stories about watches and men who own and wear them. The story is not about the watch, it’s about emotions and memories. This book exploits the emotional connection watch owners have with their watches. 

The story of the watches we love is more than their design. It’s more than a brand.

• This book has many stories related to the watch owner’s memories. Hodinkee’s founder Ben Clymer shares the story of his Speedmaster Mark 40. He is not only an interesting watchmaker but also associates his Speedmaster with his grandfather who was obsessed with Kleimer watches.

Stunning Image Content

• “Man and His Watch” totally delights its reader with its stunning photography and image content. Typography and copy editing can benefit from the same editorialist that was clearly served on images. 

The readers fall into the unique collection of untold stories of 76 watches because of stunning original photos of each piece.

Illustrative Watch Examples

• This book contains many stunning watch samples with its functionality and an engaging watch owner’s story. The book features many watch samples like Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco, Kenta Watanabe Casing G-Shock Indigo, Casio F-7, multiple Rolex models, etc.

In a Nutshell

• If you are trying to convince someone to buy a watch, give him this book The Man and His Watch, and see what happens. This book is overall fantastic, and its success stories create more interest for you to look into different watches. It contains a watch worn by certain brands/references, historical events. 

Surely, after reading this review, you must be curious about reading this book. It is an interesting and informative book for newbies and veteran watch lovers.

This information has been brought to you by Lido Watch Club. It is a gentleman’s club that deals in the trade of pre-owned luxury watches. 

source https://www.lidowatchclub.com/book-review-of-a-man-his-watch/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=book-review-of-a-man-his-watch

The Wristwatch Handbook by Ryan Schmidt Review

Read our exclusive The Wristwatch Handbook by Ryan Schmidt review to find out if it is worth reading or not

If you are a watch aficionado, we know for a fact that you spend multiple hours browsing the internet looking at watches. You not only enjoy ogling at the latest wristwatches in the market but you also enjoy reading everything there is to know about wristwatches. 

If you wish to get to know your watches more, we recommend you to read a wonderful book titled: The Wristwatch Handbook by Ryan Schmidt.

As the name depicts, this book provides a detailed understanding of the working of wristwatches. We hope that our review of The Wristwatch Handbook will convince you to purchase this book straightaway.   

First Impressions

• First, let us take a look at the book’s cover and exterior look. The book is quite sturdy, it weighs 5 pounds, 6 ounces and its dimensions are 10” x 11.5”. The book has a sense of royalty. It comes with a full-color exterior cover and a matching hardcover underneath. 

The inner sides of the cover make quite an impact as they are embossed with giant photos of mechanical watch gears. 

What Lies Ahead?

• The glossy pages of the book are adorned with brilliant graphics of the watches. The content of the book is holistic and does not focus on any single watch, brand or even any specific time period of watchmaking. Rather, the book talks in detail about multiple mechanical watches. The book starts off with simple and introductory content which is easily comprehensible for newbies as well.

As the book progresses, it builds its way to more complex details of mechanical watches. During the entire book, Ryan Schmidt has talked about over 90 brands of wristwatches. His tone remains neutral and he does not show an inclination towards any specific brand of watches to give the readers unbiased information.

• The Wrist Handbook provides holistic and detailed information on multiple components of wristwatches. It can be divided into two sections. The first section talks in detail about the mechanical watch movement, their anatomy, and functionality. Reading and imbibing the basics of mechanical watch movements will help you analyze the wristwatches you own and those you wish to own in the future. 

As the book progresses to section 2, its direction and focus shifts to the complicated add ons most high-end luxury watches have. To name a few, some watch show dates, others have complicated chiming minute repeaters and some even come with calendars. 

• This section gives a detailed overview and understanding of the multiple watch functions that have become a part and parcel of modern horology. Each chapter of section 2 is dedicated to one watch add-on. To give you an example, the chapter ‘Recording Lapses of Time’ talks about mono-pusher chronograph, regatta timer, and pulsometer. 

Likewise, another chapter titled ‘Power and Performance Indication’ talks about crown position indicator, dynamograph, and power reserve indicator. ‘Astronomical Complications’ is another chapter that focuses on the moon phase indicator, planetarium, and annual calendar. 

Conclusion

• After having read the book from cover to cover, we have come to the conclusion that this handbook is highly recommended for both newbies and veteran aficionados. Ryan Schmidt has put a lot of thought and effort into the structure and detail of the book. For e.g. precise and easily comprehensible information is given about each watch whose image is displayed on the handbook.

You will be blown away by the quality and details of the graphics displayed in this handbook. The watch components are labeled and each component has been explained in detail. If you are a watch enthusiast and wish to learn more about mechanical watches and their intricacies, order a copy of The Wristwatch Handbook now. 

This book review has been brought to you by Lido Watch Club. 

source https://www.lidowatchclub.com/wristwatch-handbook-by-ryan-schmidt-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wristwatch-handbook-by-ryan-schmidt-review

Top 5 Knowledgeable Books For Watch Lovers

If you love collecting luxury watches, you must read these books for watch lovers

If you are a watch lover, reading about them is a great way to relax and replenish your knowledge. Not only will you be able to pick the best pieces for yourself but also guide others when buying a watch.

Why Read Books on Watches?

• The world of watches is wide and the trends seem to have changed in the past few decades. We have heard time and time again that Switzerland is heaven on earth for watch lovers. But America has now become the biggest watch market while also leaving Hong Kong behind. Only a true watch aficionado would know these facts.

In the world of Horology, there are numerous watchmakers, models, versions, iterations, features, and techniques. They range from inexpensive quartz watches to very rare but well-known collectible vintage watches. 

• So if you are a watch aficionado, you have to start reading books on watches and magazines to learn more about vintage design models, innovations, technology, and features. Fasten your seat belt, and let’s take you to the journey of these books to take inspiration from.

5 Books for Watch Lovers

• There are many books on this particular niche. Some are dedicated to specific models and cover them comprehensively, while others reveal the heart of the history of watches. 

To help you find the best watch books, we’ve put together a list of some cool watch books everyone should read.

Rolex Encyclopedia

• This is the most comprehensive and complete guide to Rolex. A must-read for Rolex fans. It has info on all Rolex models that have been manufactured from 1905 to the present day. This encyclopedia has three volumes. 

This book explains in detail everything you need to know about Rolex watches, including the brand, history, and many things you never knew about watches. The bonus is that the book looks good and will be a nice decoration for your bookcase or coffee table.

The Watch Book (Lifestyle)

• The Watch Book is not aimed at any specific brand. This book focuses on seeing the beauty and shows that a watch is more than just a way to measure time. This book demonstrates the importance of watches and highlights an impressive combination of precision machinery, craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and innovation.

In this book, you can read about the world’s best watches and what makes them special. This book describes 18 major watchmakers, including brands such as Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Cartier.

The Watch: Thoroughly Revised

• If you want to dive deeper into some aspects of watchmaking, think of this book as a store. It begins with the history of a wide range of timekeeping devices, from solar signs to modern patchwork quilts. It contains the chronicles of the 50 most prominent watchmakers in history. 

In this book, you will also find practical advice on buying and caring for your watch and an extensive vocabulary for watch-related terms.

The Golden Age of the Swiss Wristwatch

• Authored by Bruce Shawky – who is also one of the renowned suppliers of vintage watches – this is another great read you should not miss out on. This collection of 350 pages describes the decades after World War II. 

Not only are watches described in an interesting and sometimes surprising way, but the advertisement itself is often beautiful and contains information that is difficult to find elsewhere. 

A Moon Watch Story

• This book is one of the most popular Speedmaster books that every Speedmaster fan should read. It guides you through the development process of Speedsmater watches from 1957 to the present day, including the history and model of the Speedmaster.

Final Verdict

• This sums up the round-up of my favorite books on watches. Although the list is infinite and you can find thousands of other great books. We hope that this list will help you find the perspective on which books to read.

For more book suggestions you can visit the Lido Watch Clubs’ book section. They have a huge collection to satisfy your appetite for books.

source https://www.lidowatchclub.com/top-5-knowledgeable-books-for-watch-lovers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-5-knowledgeable-books-for-watch-lovers

Questions You Should Ask Before Buying a Used Luxury Watch

Used luxury watch buying is tricky. Here are some important questions to ask before buying a used luxury watch

Nobody buys a luxury watch just to check the time. There is a whole story behind a stunning watch that you may be fawning over. So if you are planning to buy a luxury watch, especially if it’s a used one, it’s essential to cover your basics first. 

Instead of speculating about the good and bad, find out the truth about pre-owned watches and pick a suitable one for your budget, liking, and use.

Buying a Luxury Watch Involves A Whole Procedure

• Before you purchase a luxury watch, we recommend you to explore different brands and models of watches, read reviews, talk to other owners of your desired model, and watch videos of online experts. You can also get opinions of experienced salespeople (online or in-store) or anyone who is passionate about collecting watches.

Buying a used luxury watch is a personal decision that should not be taken carelessly. No matter how much your friend or a salesperson emphasizes buying a certain watch, if it doesn’t go with your style don’t buy it. 

Questions to Ask While Buying a Used Luxury Watch

To make things easier for you, we have shortlisted some important questions you should ask your seller and yourself before buying a watch.

When Was the Watch Released?

• It sounds simple, but make sure the seller knows when a particular watch was released. In general, newer watches are not cheap. If you buy a watch with an older release date it will be a good and smart decision.

How Much Would the Watch Service Cost?

• Luxury watches are high-end and efficient machines. Like engines, watches require regular maintenance in the form of polishing, lubrication, battery replacement, gear control, etc. 

However, in most cases, experienced pre-owned watch dealers can estimate how often they will need to service the watch and how much it will cost each time. This is an important factor to consider if you want your investment to be as foolproof as possible.

How Many Features Does it Possess?

• Many watches in the market usually display accurate time and date, but luxury watches come with several other very useful features as well. You will find watches with calendars, chronographs, and many other interesting complications. 

With this in mind, you should ask the seller to show you a watch with specific watch features that you are looking for.  This will help the seller pick the best possible options which suit your style and meet your requirements.

Is There a Better Option for the Same Price?

• You should look into different models of watches before spending your money. Most often, these models have similar features, materials, color variations, etc. but you can easily spot a winner among them. 

But to do so, you need to have a better understanding of what to buy that will last for a long time. Used luxury watches have a comparatively shorter life span than new ones. 

Do You Know the Manufacturer?

• You may not like the answer, but this is probably the most important question when checking the seller’s expertise with luxury watches. There are many ways to answer this question, but in the end, you are looking for more than just the name of the brand. 

Don’t settle for “quartz” or “auto”. Try to gather more information, such as organization name, creator, and details about the organization.

Final Thoughts

• A good quality watch is an investment in your personality and style. If you like the look but the price seems out of your reach, it’s best to get a used luxury watch. It will provide the same comfort and luxury to your wrist but will be way lighter on your wallet.

To find the best pre-owned luxury watches, check out Lido Watch Club. Lido Watch Club deals in the sale and purchase of preowned luxury watches. 

source https://www.lidowatchclub.com/ask-before-buying-a-used-luxury-watch/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ask-before-buying-a-used-luxury-watch