Never has a book devoted to watches gone so far in the study of mechanisms. Expert at Christie's, Ryan Schmidt shares with us his passion for the magical and mysterious universe of the measurement of time.
The author begins with a presentation of the internal anatomy of a mechanical watch and the different parts of the movement. He then goes through the wide range of complications or functions of watches, however incredible they may be, from time indications to more esoteric inventions, from the perpetual calendar to the aneroid barometer.
Some 400 illustrations accompanied by important captions illustrate the text giving detailed explanations. This book is the essential companion for any enthusiast who wants to acquire an understanding of the mechanical principles of watches or to complete it. Richly illustrated, it will also satisfy all collectors in love with these marvels of ingenuity, creativity and technical sophistication, the limits of which are constantly being pushed back. This superb volume is also a tribute to the fabulous know-how of master watchmakers.

Contents:

• Preface by John Reardon
• Foreword by Ryan Schmidt

PART ONE: THE BASIC MECHANISMS AND MOVEMENT OF A WATCH

• Basic principles
• The driving force
• The transmission
• Distribution and the regulating body

PART TWO: COMPLICATIONS

• Measuring time
• Diving watches and nautical complications
• Power reserve and performance indicators
• Complications for pilots, sailors and other explorers
• Time zone complications
• Calendar complications
• Astronomical complications
• Repeater and strike watches
• Another reading of time
• Playful, erotic and poetic complications
• Grand complication, supercomplication and ultracomplication watches

• Bibliography
• Index of brands

The French texts are written by Ryan Schmidt.

Printed in 2022, this book is NEW and is 10 inches x 11-½ inches ( 25 cm x 29.5 cm )