The Watch Book - Rolex
There is already a plethora of books in existence about the famous company with the crown logo. This one is a little bit different, however, having been written by our eminent colleague Gisbert L. Brunner, an expert, historian and a keen collector himself in his (extremely limited) free time. This book is not just intended for knowledgeable collectors; it is equally appropriate for interested lay persons who just want to learn more about the brand. The book is very clearly presented in three languages (EN, FR, DE) – the left-hand page has the text, in three parallel columns for the three languages, with illustrations on the right. Over the course of its 220 pages, this intuitive layout makes the book very easy to follow, even if perhaps it loses something in flow and pace.
L’invention du luxe
Can luxury be invented? To answer this question, Pierre-Yves Donzé, an eminent historian and watch expert, has focused on watchmaking in Geneva from 1815 to the present day, covering this broad panorama with his customary exhaustive attention to detail. This historical analysis delves into the industrial, economic and institutional fabric that created the luxury product as an end result. This dense work of reference (224 pages) is aimed at a specialised audience.
Breguet, watchmakers since 1775
Who better to write a book about Breguet than his descendant, Emmanuel Breguet? The manufacture has published a second edition of this particularly comprehensive reference work (452 pages), which collates virtually everything that is known today about Abraham-Louis Breguet and his vast watchmaking legacy. This updated edition is more comprehensive than the 1997 edition, with multiple additions, all extremely well referenced. Each note and anecdote shows the rigour of the historical researches undertaken by Emmanual Breguet with respect to his forefather, with the help of new acquisitions made by the Breguet Museum over the last ten years.
Watch Ads – 1960 - 2000
Are you looking for a quirky and original watch book? Then look no further! Watch Ads 1960–2000 is currently being sold alongside the first volume, which covers the period from 1900 to 1959. The book presents the visual communications of an entire industry, providing an insight into the tastes of the market and those of the watchmakers who responded to them, or tried to sway them, through their sometimes surprising advertisements.
Moonwatch Only – 60 years of Omega Speedmaster
This is a not a new book, but a revised and expanded edition of a classic. The updates make this tome an even more invaluable reference on the Speedmaster, with over 1000 illustrations and 566 exceptionally dense pages that tell you everything you could ever need to know about the iconic model produced by the Biel/Bienne manufacture. It’s a considerable investment, but a worthwhile one for the encyclopaedic knowledge it contains.
Time and a lifetime
The autobiography of Vincent Calabrese, which was our favourite pick from last year, is now available in English. This refreshing work presents the remarkable vision of a watchmaker, creator and inventor who has made a deep, if subtle, impression on his industry. He sets the record straight in this frank and witty account. You won’t be able to put it down.
100% No BS Watch Tips
As its title promises, this book takes a refreshingly honest approach to the way in which watchmaking knowledge and tips are shared. It is essentially a curated selection of tips based on the author’s many trials and tribulations at the watch industry’s front line, dealing with customer service issues ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous (check out his Instagram account @nobswatchmaker for some telling images). Devoid of any commercial interests other than the author’s own, this book is also the perfect example of the gap that exists between the highfalutin discourse of the luxury watch brands and the day-to-day reality of a customer-facing role. A must-read for collectors, fans, salespeople and brand executives.
