This is an excellent new book by Ryan Schmidt, published in October 2016, which looks in detail at the mechanical wristwatch. It's filled with accessible, informative text and illustrated throughout with explanatory diagrams and expertly photographed watches. Schmidt begins by examining the basic mechanical watch movement, its components and how it works, before moving on to study all the major horological complications such as the chronograph, repeater, tourbillon and perpetual calendar. Amongst the 470 colour illustrations, there are examples of watches from 90 different brands.

Frankly, a book of this type has been long overdue. Previous books that have examined the mechansim of the watch in detail have tended to aim themselves first and foremost at the watchmaker or those wishing to make or repair watches. By contrast, this book will prove to be an indispensable guide for the watch fan and will appeal as much to the amateur enthusiast as the seasoned collector.

Hardback with dust jacket 30cm x 25cm 352 pages 470 colour photographs