Watches Books

Book SynopsisNavitimer. A mysterious name at first glance. It is in fact a contraction of two words, which correspond to the two major functions of a revolutionary watch: NAVIgation and TIMER. A chronograph designed for airborne navigation. But much more than that, an exceptional destiny, shaped by extraordinary and visionary actors. From the very beginning of its existence, in 1884, Breitling specialised in time measurement, namely the design of timers and chronographs. It was in the 1930s that the foundations of a close relationship with the world of aviation and aeronautics were laid, under the aegis of Willy Breitling. These ties have remained unbroken ever since. In 1952, in collaboration with the AOPA, the largest aeronautical association of the time, Breitling launched the development of the Navitimer, which offered what no other watch manufacturer had ever proposed: a chronograph combined with a slide rule for aircraft pilots. The Navitimer was available only to AOPA members in 1954, and then marketed to the general public in 1955. For 70 years now, the Navitimer has enjoyed glory, flown into space and weathered crises, integrating numerous evolutions without ever losing its original DNA. It has appealed to several generations of professionals, celebrities and lovers of exceptional watches, undoubtedly earning its status as an icon of watchmaking history. This second book in the Watch Stories series, dedicated to the history of emblematic timepieces, traces its heroic and unique destiny from its creation to the current models.

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Book Synopsis"I've paged through stacks of books on the history of watches. . . . But I hadn't come across a book that actually moved me until I picked up A Man and His Watch. The volume is filled with heartfelt stories."-T: The New York Times Style Magazine "There are a bunch of beautifully illustrated watch books out there, but A Man & His Watch by Matt Hranek is more than that. It speaks to the nature of watches as deeply personal items."-Gear Patrol, Coffee Table Books Our Staff Can't Live Without 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. Matthew Hranek, a watch collector and NYC men's style fixture, has travelled the world conducting first-hand interviews and diving into exclusive collections to gather the never-before-told stories of 76 watches, completed with stunning original photography of every single piece. Through these intimate accounts and Hranek's storytelling, the watches become more than just timepieces and status symbols; they represent historical moments, pioneering achievements, heirlooms, family mementos, gifts of affection, and lifelong friendships.Trade Review"I've paged through stacks of books on the history of watches. . . . But I hadn't come across a book that actually moved me until I picked up A Man and His Watch. The volume is filled with heartfelt stories." -T: The New York Times Style Magazine "Awesome. . . . Contains dozens of beautifully photographed watches. The real joy, though, is found in the stories that unfold about each one." -GQ.com "A grand testimony to the idea that, rather than just telling the time, a watch can serve as a marker of a particular moment or memory. . . . Sumptuously photographed." -MrPorter.com "The perfect holiday gift . . . this elegant book is a celebration of the longstanding love affair between a man and the clock on his wrist." -Jetset magazine "The watch through Matt Hranek's lens is much more than a time-telling device; it's a vehicle through which the men in A Man and His Watch tell their tales of achievement, love, and loss. This may be the first book to unlock not only why wristwatches remain the subject of such attention today, a generation after their purpose was lost to PCs and smartphones, but also why we began to cherish them so much in the first place." -Benjamin Clymer, founder and executive editor of Hodinkee "Great watches not only tell time-they also tell stories. Matt Hranek has assembled a wonderful collection of stories and images representing a diverse and fascinating group of horological devotees." -Jay McInerney, author of Bright Lights, Big City "A wonderful meditation not just on watches, but on how men use them to better understand their fathers, their families, and ultimately their own place in the world." -Gary Shteyngart, author of Little Failure and Super Sad True Love Story "This book, naturally, is about remarkable watches. But it's really about why objects have meaning-who made them and why. Together it's a collective history about what we inherit, what we pass on, and the stories we tell that become more important over time." -David Coggins, author of Men and Style "A mechanical watch consumes no power and possesses no energy except that which you bestow upon it by winding it or simply moving. And in return it becomes your most trusted companion, allowing you to navigate the glorious pathway that is life with unfailing precision. With A Man and His Watch, Matt Hranek brings to life the ineffable bond we make with the amazing machine with a heartbeat that lives on our wrist. And I can't think of a better person to chronicle this." -Wei Koh, founder of The Rake

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Book Synopsis"This book combines images, direct testimonials, unpublished interviews, contemporaneous ads, archive materials, technical details, auction results and more to paint a picture of what has made Rolex the powerhouse it is today." — Robb Report Rolex, the great creation of inventor and entrepreneur Hans Wilsdorf, is a worldwide phenomenon. This rich photobook uses images, direct testimonials, unpublished interviews, contemporaneous ads, archive materials and excellent narration to recount the path from the inception of this world-famous watch brand to the present day. Follow the evolutionary path of the innovative techniques and extraordinary designs that made Rolex the powerhouse it is today. Discover the true and unique, inimitable Rolex philosophy – the identity at the heart of a century-long success. Written by author and jewellery expert Maria Cappelletti, Rolex Philosophy is a meticulously illustrated journey through all things Rolex. With technical details, auction results, and background insights, this is a must-have for all collectors and enthusiasts.Trade Review"This book combines images, direct testimonials, unpublished interviews, contemporaneous ads, archive materials, technical details, auction results and more to paint a picture of what has made Rolex the powerhouse it is today." - Robb Report"This rich photobook uses images, direct testimonials, unpublished interviews, contemporaneous ads, archive materials and excellent narration to recount the path from the inception of this world-famous watch brand to the present day." - Lovely Books

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Book SynopsisVolume II of The Watch Book follows on the successful and comprehensive earlier volume with a magnificently illustrated book about the additional functions and refinements of wristwatches. For centuries, so-called "complications" - any feature of a mechanical timepiece beyond the display of hours, minutes and seconds - have embodied the crowning glory of fine mechanical watchmaking. Among the earliest of these are alarm clocks and calendar movements. Moon phase displays have also been known for several centuries. Striking movements can be considered among the most complex and technically elaborate additional functions, while finishing techniques such as skeletonising, which is mainly done by hand, also characterise the high art of watchmaking. This superbly illustrated volume by watch expert and historian Gisbert L. Brunner is dedicated to advanced functions of mechanical timepieces, their historical development and special technical features. Topics covered in this book include: Hands and numerals; Spring; Astronomical display (moon phases etc.); Tides; Double balance; Alarm clock; Altitude/depth measurement; Skeletonisation. Text in English and German.Table of Contents4 Thoughts on Timepieces and Time ⋅ Gedanken zur Uhr und Zeit 10 Dial ⋅ Zifferblatt Faces of Time ⋅ Zeit-Gesichter 40 Escapement ⋅ Hemmung The Great Escape ⋅ Andersartig gehemmt 62 Mainspring ⋅ Zugfeder The Power of the Spring ⋅ In der Feder steckt die Kraft 80 Phases of the Moon & Astronomy ⋅ Mondphasen & Astronomie Sun, Moon and Stars ⋅ Sonne, Mond und Sterne 100 Tides ⋅ Gezeiten Ebb and Flow ⋅ Von Ebbe und Flut 114 Double Balance ⋅ Doppelunruh Two Better than One ⋅ Ein Fall für zwei 124 Alarm ⋅ Wecker Time Signals ⋅ Zeit-Signale 154 Mechanical Spectacles · Mechanische Schauspiele 164 Altimeter & Depth Gauge · Höhen- & Tiefenmesser Flying High … ⋅ Hoch hinaus … 178 Skeletons · Skelette Ticking Skeletons ⋅ Tickende Skelette 198 Superlatives · Superlative Small, Flat and Pretty Complicated ⋅ Klein, flach und ganz schön kompliziert 214 Credits & Glossary ⋅ Bildnachweise & Glossar

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Book SynopsisFor 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 author does not only show the luxury timepieces in a frontal and side view, as many catalogues have to offer. The reader often gets a direct view of the sophisticated mechanics of these small masterpieces of extraordinary craftsmanship. There is no more beautiful and artistic way to present accomplished technology. Gisbert invites his interested reader on a journey through time in the world of clocks. Beginning with the earliest beginnings of the art of watchmaking, we accompany him piece by piece into the modern age. Because even today, premium watches are a sign of style, taste and status symbol. Text in English, German and French.

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Book SynopsisInnovation, exclusivity, and elegance define Patek Philippe, a family-owned company with a single and passionate calling: to perfect the watch. These lavishly illustrated books present some of the most important timepieces from the more than 3,000 watches exhibited at the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva. These precious timepieces have been passionately assembled over more than 40 years by Philippe Stern, Honorary President of the company, and include some of the most valuable pieces in watchmaking history. The books allow you to take the Patek Philippe Museum’s exhibition home with you, or, alternatively, to get a preview of its treasures before you visit. From the collection of historic watches featuring the first portable timepieces dating back to the 16th century to innovative milestones in Patek Philippe’s portfolio since its founding in 1839, each watch is reproduced with such beauty and precision that you can almost hear it ticking. With expert curatorial insight and context from Peter Friess, Conservateur of the Patek Philippe Museum, these intricate mechanisms are not only presented for themselves; they also offer a unique perspective into the cultural history of the last 500 years. True to the trust and excellence of the Patek Philippe brand, the presentation, the extraordinary book design by Birgit Binner, and content of these sumptuous publications meet the highest professional standards. They are the perfect books for the “perfect watch.”Trade Review"A handsome two-volume photo book dives into the history of the storied Swiss watchmaker... At the core of each volume is a range of photos and illustrations detailing more than 3,000 watches from the enviable Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, with the selection itself curated by Patek Philippe Museum Director Peter Friess." - MaximAnnual Holiday Gift Guide 2023: "Two books are presented in a beautiful slipcase featuring 235 rare watches from the Patek Philippe Collection. Published by teNeues this book takes readers back to the first portable timepieces from the 16th century to the founding of Patek Philippe in 1839, through the art of modern watchmaking." - The Gentleman Racer

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Book SynopsisIn a 2021 study, McKinsey describes Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) within the watch market as 'the industry's fastest-growing segment'. The trade in pre-owned watches is expected to overtake that in new watches by the middle of the decade. 'Certified Pre-Owned' is thus a booming trend. Pre-owned watches are becoming increasingly popular for various reasons: CPO makes classic watches and exclusive rarities accessible to connoisseurs, but also to new customers. Since the fine pieces are authenticated by experts, the market offers security. Above all, however, the CPO business enables an emotional approach: buyers get watches with a history that they can perpetuate themselves and then pass on to the next generation. Dive into the fascinating world of watches and watch collecting with Timeless Treasures. Does a good watch really have to be expensive? What factors determine the condition of a watch? What should I look for when buying? Are CPO watches a good investment? These and many other questions are answered here by leading experts in the field. But you will not only find useful information for building your own high-quality collection. You will feel the passion for elegant timepieces on every page of this book. Discover first-class photographs of classic and current watch models from the major brands, of celebrities professing their passion for this accessory, or of legendary film scenes in which special watch models play supporting and leading roles. The reading is rounded off with a 'style guide', which offers watch lovers inspiration on how to perfectly stage their favourite pieces in every situation or also answers the question: What type of watch am I? The result is an emotional all-round portrait of the impressive world of CPO watches, perfectly attuned to an ever larger and more diverse fan community. It's time to let a little luxury into your life with this book! Text in English and German.Trade Review"With interest and activity in the luxury watch market flourishing, it’s no surprise that teNeues, a German publisher of art and coffee-table books, has sold over 100,000 copies of its books on watches. The latest title in the series, Timeless Treasures: The Fascination of Certified Pre-Owned Watches, takes a deep dive into what McKinsey & Company has called “the industry’s fastest-growing segment.” - JCK Online

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Book SynopsisThe long-awaited reprint of an important illustrated reference work on the general history of the watch from 1500 to 1980. When Watches was first published in 1965 it quickly gained for itself a reputation as the foremost general history of the subject and, following the expanded edition in 1979 which covered recent years past 1830, this has remained unchallenged in horological history. In this long-awaited reprinted edition, collectors and horological students can again make use of the reference illustrations and history in this work as approached by the leading horology historians and clockmakers of the twentieth century. Clutton and Daniels write expertly on the vast history of watches, through the changing tastes and styles of collectors and makers, as well as imparting their own knowledge on various technical aspects within the watches. The expansive historical section encompasses both decorative and mechanical aspects of mid-sixteenth to late twentieth century watches, including those by George Daniels himself, detailing the rich history behind more modern designs and fascinations. These later years include a variety of semi-experimental escapements, as well as covering the development of the precision watch and work leading to it by Ferdinand Berthoud and Pierre Le Roy, discussed alongside John Arnold in England, to satisfy the technical-minded collector. Horology and collecting have grown with the changing technologies, and watches continue to be produced to an exceptional technological standard. Precision watches from the 1730-1930 period are covered in detail, as well as high standard Swiss and American watches of the last hundred years; these highly complicated watches benefit greatly from having both colour and mono illustrations to clarify the details. For a truly comprehensive understanding of escapements, photographs of these have been included alongside a critical approach to this essential mechanism. Since its first publication, Watches has provided an essential work of reference and history behind some of the most renowned minds and creations. Now reprinted for a new generation of collectors and students, and featuring over 600 illustrations, the technical and decorative elements of historical watches can be studied and enjoyed once more.Trade ReviewWatches is a truly wondrous publication, unlike anything produced before or since. Immensely readable and highly informative. * Horological Journal *From a technical standpoint the collection of close-up black and white photographs covering a wide range of escapements is fascinating as is the historical write-up of the twists and turns of their development. [...] To have all the major as well as some lesser known escapements depicted in one source is invaluable. [...] given the breadth and quality of this new edition I am sure that it will be the go-to reference source * The TimePiece (British Watch and Clock Makers' Guild) *Watches — A Complete History of the Technical and Decorative Development of the Watch is a book for anyone interested in this topic. It is a very detailed work by two of the most renewed experts on this subject. It is also just as valuable and useful today as it was decades ago. -- Balázs Ferenczi * Fratello *It is quite simply the only decent book encapsulating the history of the pocket watch that has ever been written [...] this edition is a beautiful and faithful reproduction of the heavily revised 1979 edition. -- Ben Wright, Antiques Road Show watch and clock expert * Antiquarian Horology *Table of ContentsForeword by Jonathan Betts Preface Colour Plates HISTORICAL Mechanical 1500-1750 The invention of watches Fusee and stackfreed The movement and its decoration up to 1675 Mean time regulation before the balance spring General characteristics and national styles The balance spring 1675-1700 The movement 1675-1700 The movement 1700-1750 Decoration of the movement 1675-1700 The beginnings of the precision watch and the modern watch The formative years of the precision watch John Harrison Pierre Le Roy Ferdinand Berthoud John Arnold Thomas Mudge Josiah Emery Abraham-Louis Breguet Thomas Earnshaw The birth of the modern watch: Lepine and Breguet The development of the watch since 1800 Decorative Types of decoration Enamel Style of watch cases and dials up to 1750 Some unusual forms of dial Styles of watch cases and dials 1750-1830 Performance of early watches TECHNICAL Introduction Shock-proofing Tourbillons Escapements Verge Cylinder Virgule Duplex Chronometer ‘Échappement naturel’ Lever Robin Debaufre Fasoldt J. F. Cole rotary detent Repeaters Clock-watches Self-winding watches Stop-watches and chronographs Monochrome plates APPENDIX Biographical notes Glossary of technical terms Bibliography Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisTime is a great mystery. A changeable element, which expands or vanishes, but that appears concrete as it is marked by the passing of seconds, minutes, hours, days, and years. The path toward the capture of minutes and seconds coincided with the phases of scientific evolution that allowed man to manufacture watches that are increasingly reliable, but that are also in tune with changes in customs, social needs, and aesthetic canons. This book covers the art of watch manufactory as well as 60 great models, covering both their technical evolution and style trends. In each chapter in-depth studies will guide the reader to the history of the most important manufacturers, the personalities linked to the models treated, technical innovations, styles of the period, or records achieved by the wristwatches: from the watch that helped Charles Lindbergh during the first transatlantic solo flight, to the one worn by Sir Edmund Hillary on the top of Mount Everest, the most iconic models will be discussed in detail.Trade Review"“A watch is a work of technical mastery. It also constitutes an artifact that blends art with science, creating what has over the years become, and remained, an object of desire,” writes journalist and professor Mara Cappelletti in her newly released book The Style of Time (ACC Art Books), which marvels over the intricacies of 60 timepieces that have directed the course of history and are exemplary of style trends." - JCK Magazine"Each chapter of Mara Cappelletti’s beautifully illustrated new book, The Style of Time: The Evolution of Wristwatch Design, details a decade of horological history." - Rapaport"Alongside photos of watches both classic and elaborate—Cartier’s jewel-encrusted brooches and Patek Philippe’s diamond-set bracelets are notable stunners—author Mara Cappelletti delves into the art of watchmaking and recalls historically significant timepieces, including the one worn by Charles Lindbergh during the first transatlantic solo flight." - Natural Diamonds"… describe the evolution of the watch design decade by decade amid the fashion, artistic, technological, social and political developments on each time period." - The New York Times"Decade by decade, the evolution of wristwatch design since the year 1900 is broken down over 272 pages, framing each era in its context, taking into account fashion, technology, society and the political situation." Google Translate from Spanish - Forbes Watch SpainAnnual Holiday Gift Guide 2023: "This book, published by ACC Art Books, covers the details and technical wonders of 60 wristwatch models that went down in history for their innovation in shapes, materials, and production methods, the perfect gift for any watch enthusiast." - The Gentleman RacerTable of Contents1900s; 1910s; 1920s; 1930s; 1940s; 1950s; 1960s; 1970s; 1980s; 1990s; 2000s; 1904 Cartier Santos; 1906 Audemar piguet Minute Repeater; 1908 Cartier Tonneau; 1915 Breitling Chronograph; 1919 Eberhard Chronograph; 1923 Patek Philippe 130 Chronograph; 1926 Rolex Oyster; 1928 Rolex Prince; 1926 Breguet 1262 Jump Hour; 1926 Vacheron Constantin Minute Repeater; 1931 Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso; 1931 Rolex Perpetual; 1936 IWC Pilot’s Watch; 1931 Longines Hour Angle; 1931 Omega Marine; 1938 Panerai Radiomir; 1938 Patek Philippe Calatrava; 1939 IWC Portugieser; 1945 Rolex Datejust; 1947 Rolex Dato Compax; 1942 Breitling Chronomat; 1947 Eberhard Extra-Fort; 1940 Patek Philippe 1463 Chrono; 1953 Blancpain Fifty Fathoms; 1952 Breitling Navitimer; 1956 Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox; 1954 Rolex GMT Master; 1954 Rolex Submariner; 1956 Rolex Day-Date; 1955 IWC Ingenieur; 1957 Omega Speedmaster; 1960 Patek Philippe 3424 Asymmetrical Wristwatch; 1963 Rolex 6239 Daytona; 1969 Zenith El Primero; 1967 Cartier Crash; 1967 Omega De Ville; 1967 IWC Aquatimer; 1971 Patek Philippe Golden Circle/Ellipse; 1972 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak; 1971 Omega Seamaster 600 (PloProf); 1977 Bulgari Bulgari Bulgari; 1971 Rolex Explorer II Steve Mc Queen; 1981 Patek Philippe Nautilus; 1983 Cartier Panthere; 1989 Patek Philippe The Officier; 1983 Swatch Early models; 1987 Blancpain Caliber 1185 Chronograph; 1997 Patek Philippe Aquanaut; 1995 Breguet 3355 Tourbillon; 1992 Audemar Piguet Star Wheel; 1993 Panerai Luminor; 1997 Eberhard 8 Jour; 1991 Girard Perregaux Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges; 2000 Vacheron Constantin Malte; 2001 Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon; 2002 Patek Philippe The Celestial; 2001 Breguet 1801 Tourbillon; 2006 Breguet Double Tourbillon; 2007 Rolex Yacht Meister; 2010 Bulgari Octo; 2010 Rolex Submariner Jewellery; 2012 Jaquet Droz Bird Repeater.

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Book SynopsisMechanical and Quartz Watch Repair is targeted primarily at those who want to learn about watch repair, and features movements that are representative of those found in other watches. The easy to follow instructions are appropriate to both professional repairers and enthusiasts. Material covered includes the working environment, overhauling basic mechanical watches, automatics, stop watches, chronographs, some restoration, and basic quartz watches - both analogue and liquid crystal display.

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Book SynopsisFrom two of the world's leading experts on watch collecting, this supremely elegant and informative selection of one hundred watches traces the timepiece's evolution as it highlights unusual, important, and beautifully crafted watches of the past half a millennium. For centuries people have been captivated by watches-whether for their technical precision, their unique design, or their historic importance. Each of the one hundred watches profiled in this elegant book stands out for one or more of these qualities. Organized chronologically and divided by century, the watches are presented in spacious, double-page spreads, featuring exquisite photography with engaging, incisive texts. Readers will discover examples of the earliest watch forms; an astonishing Elizabethan-era watch with astrolabic dial; an early 17th century watch encased in a single emerald; two of the earliest watches to incorporate the balance spring-a feature that revolutionized the portable timekeeper; and some of the first repeating and perpetual calendar watches. These are followed by the first lever watch, invented by Thomas Mudge; important precision watches; early 19th century enamel and automaton watches; highly complex watches by Breguet and Patek Philippe; Sir Winston Churchill's yellow gold World Time Victory watch; a Rolex wristwatch made to commemorate Indian Republic Day; an Omega Speedmaster that went into space; and a Roger Smith wristwatch completed in 2023. Featuring exquisitely reproduced photographs that are appearing for the first time together in book form, this historic collection will appeal to sophisticated collectors, amateur watch enthusiasts, and anyone with an interest in the art and science of horology.

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Book SynopsisIn this new volume of the Watch Book series, successful author Gisbert L. Brunner focuses on Swiss watch history and the watch industry, and in particular on the house of Oris, because what could be a more fitting connection than that of the leading expert when it comes to mechanical timepieces with the watch manufactory that is one of the few to produce exclusively mechanical watches. Founded in 1904, the company stands out in many ways in the luxury world of horology, it is run independently and not by a large corporation, it is valued as a down-to-earth brand and - in an industry that is not necessarily known for this - it focuses on sustainability, true to the motto: "Things have to make sense". Of course, technology should not be missing from this volume; after all, Oris has developed 280 different calibres in its company history and manufactured them in its own factories. Companions have their say and the best watch models of the company's almost 120-year history are presented in this usual high-quality volume.Trade Review"Recalls the origins of Swiss watchmaking and the role of the independent Oris, since Paul Cattin and Georges Christian, founders of the brand, arrived in Holstein and founded the watchmaking culture in the town." Google Translate from Spanish - Forbes Watch Spain"Explore the captivating realm of Swiss watchmaking, and the fascinating tale of the renowned house of Oris, the pioneering creators of mechanical timepieces for over a century in this fresh addition to the Watch Book series." - Indulge Magazine"This volume explores the rich history of watchmaking in Switzerland through the lens of Oris, a brand that offers a unique perspective for its down-to-earth values, independence, and exclusive production of mechanical watches." - Robb Report

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