Chandru asked if I could suggest some good books about watch repair and servicing. Unfortunately I haven’t read any. Most of my learning comes from the classroom and from asking questions — which is in my opinion the best way to learn. I have never been one to pick up a book and learn something from it. I learn much better in a lecture or practical situation.
In addition most of the good books on watchmaking were written many, many years ago — and while much of what they contain is still valid and useful information, the books themselves are out of print. Some good sources for horological texts are AWCI, eBay, and Simonin Publishing.
That aside, I will make some recommendations. UNLESS you are preparing for a certification exam or have a keen desire to learn exactly how a watch works I would NOT recommend the WOSTEP Textbook,
The Theory of Horology
- Bulova School Training Manual – I have browsed this manual and it is well prepared.
- Henry Fried’s The Watch Repairer’s Manual, Fourth Edition
- Jendritzki’s The Swiss Watch Repairer’s Manual
- DeCarle’s
Practical Watch Repairing - George Daniel’s Watchmaking
for techniques useful in restoration of timepieces.
In addition I would add:
Watchmaking Books on Lulu
3 Comments
Absolutely agree on the DeCarle book. Would love to find a copy of the Daniels book, but it’s out of print and copies on the internet are VERY expensive. I’ve seen rumours of a re-print coming out in 2009, tho.
Here’s hoping.
Speaking of reading, are there any magazines that you enjoy reading or would recommend? I know AWCI’s “Horological Times” is a good one. Are there any others out there worth looking into?
For technical information HT is all I read, for product knowledge and watch enthusiasm I think WatchTime and EuropaStar are the best.
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