500 Years, 100 Watches

From two leading experts on watch collecting, this elegant and informative volume presents one hundred watches that trace the evolution of the timepiece over the past half millennium. Chronologically organized and divided by century, the book uses spacious double-page spreads, exquisite photography, and engaging texts to highlight watches chosen for technical precision, design, and historical significance. Readers encounter early forms of watches, an Elizabethan astrolabic dial, a 17th‑century emerald-encased piece, the advent of the balance spring, early repeating and perpetual calendar watches, and pivotal creations by Mudge, Breguet, and Patek Philippe. The catalog also features Sir Winston Churchill’s World Time Victory watch, a commemorative Rolex, an Omega Speedmaster that travelled to space, and a Roger Smith wristwatch completed in 2023. The volume is a visually rich resource for sophisticated collectors, hobbyists, and anyone fascinated by horology.

The book is illustrated with reproductions appearing for the first time in book form, offering a thorough and accessible overview of the art and science behind watches. It will appeal to readers who appreciate the intersection of technical innovation, design, and historic importance.

Features

• Chronological, century-divided presentation across five centuries
• Double-page spreads showcase photography and concise texts
• Balance spring breakthrough revolutionizes portable timekeeping
• Highlights by Breguet and Patek Philippe
• Churchill's World Time Victory watch featured
• Omega Speedmaster that went into space shown