The Magic of Watches: A Smart Introduction to Fine Watchmaking (ENG)

What is a beautiful watch? How do you make a good choice? The Magic of Watches explains how and why these little objects are so precious, fascinating and exciting. The book presents paradoxes: why a one-million-dollar watch might be less precise and more fragile than one that costs 15 dollars. It comes back to the origins of the measurement of time: how did we go from the water clock to the wristwatch? The book goes on to technique: how does a mechanical movement work? How does a quartz one work?; delves into details: what is a complication and when do we speak about chronometer?; showcases art: how do we enamel a dial? The Magic of Watches is unique: it focuses in detail on the basics in order to understand and love watches better. Contents: 1. Welcome; 1.1 Why a book, why this one; 1.2 Why watches are magic; 1.3 How to use this book; 1.4 The first mission: To tell the time; 1.5 The challenge of measuring time; 1.6 The quartz revolution; 1960s); 1.7 Fantastic plastic (1980s); 1.8 The wristwatch, from instrument to artifact; 1.9 Smart, or connected, watches (2010s); 2. Buying; 2.1 Ten reasons why you should get a watch; 2.2 Choosing; 2.3 Key elements; 2.4 Secondhand; 2.5 Selling your watch; 2.6 Knowledge; 3.Care; 3.1 Setting; 3.2 Maintenance and care; 3.3 Service and after-sales; 3.4 Repairs; 3.4 Travel; 3.5 Insurance; 4. Anatomy; 4.1 Display; 4.2 Indications; 4.3 Functions and complications; 4.4 Movement (Caliber); 4.5 Case; 4.6 Bracelets and Straps; 4.7 Materials. For Neophytes - to learn the fundamentals, and appreciate the main features of a model, its qualities and weaknesses. For amateurs - to create the desire to know more about fine watches. For connoisseurs - to revise important concepts and even increase their knowledge This new edition includes new illustrations About the Author Holding a Masters degree in History and Sociology as well as certificate in Journalism with a specialisation in watches and the watchmaking industry. Louis Nardin was appointed in 2008 editor-in-chief and content manager of Worldtempus.com, a reference site available in French. English and Mandarin, Since 2012, he has been the editor-in-chief of TheWatches.tv, a web based television channel dedicated to watches located in Geneva. Nardin also works as an independent journalist for topical publications such as Watch Around and HH Journal, The Fondation of Haute Horlogerie webzine. He has been a speaker for watchmaking events as well as co-organiser of private events for independent watch brands during Baselworld. He also envisages technical concepts such as the display of the Lady Comliquée, a highly complicated timepiece completed by Fabergé in 2015, which won the Ladies High-Mech Watch Prize at the Grand prix dHorlogerie de Genève 2015.

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