Watch related books

Currently reading this very well written book on the Cartier family. It has some really fascinating stories and anecdotes including how Santos-Dumont (name sake of the Cartier Santos) used to host dinner parties from tables and chairs suspended from the ceiling and would fly around Paris in a tiny little airship visiting restaurants and bars while leaving the aircraft tied up to a lamppost outside.

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I love reading about the history and stories behind watches. Anyone else read any good watch books?

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I what you described isn’t eccentric, I don’t know what is. Gonna have to look foe this book.

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Awesome! I'd like to read a book about the Cartier's! Is this the only one out there you know of?

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I've been thinking about picking up a copy of that book. Based on your little teaser, it sounds like it would be worthwhile, so I've just placed my order. Thanks for posting.

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In answer to your question, "The Wristwatch Handbook" by Ryan Schmidt is a great book.

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TheTownWatch

Awesome! I'd like to read a book about the Cartier's! Is this the only one out there you know of?

I've seen a couple of others that are books on specific aspects of the Cartiers, such as one specifically about the Tank and others that seem more of a catalogue of their jewelry, but this one is more a family history. There isn't a huge amount of directly related watch info (though I am only half way through) but it talks about their design influences, various exploits and how the family and firm managed through the various wars and other tribulations over the years. 

It's also only around £15, which isn't bad compared to how much some watch books can cost!

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tempus

I've been thinking about picking up a copy of that book. Based on your little teaser, it sounds like it would be worthwhile, so I've just placed my order. Thanks for posting.

It's a very nicely written family history with lots of interesting little stories. I could certainly see it becoming a TV series one day.

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tempus

In answer to your question, "The Wristwatch Handbook" by Ryan Schmidt is a great book.

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Ooo... Thank you, that looks interesting. Is it about the mechanics of how watches work, a history of movements or more of a catalogue would you say? 

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DeeperBlue

Ooo... Thank you, that looks interesting. Is it about the mechanics of how watches work, a history of movements or more of a catalogue would you say? 

Here's a copy of the Table of Contents. I highly recommend the book - very educational and lots of great photos.

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Agree, it is a great book! 

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tempus

Here's a copy of the Table of Contents. I highly recommend the book - very educational and lots of great photos.

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Thank you. I shall add it to my wish list ☺️

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I recently buy my first book about watches (in french) for only 8€. It contains a catalog of vintage watches for each brand and there history.

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Saw this in Barnes & Noble the other day. Was deeply curious. Thanks for the review of sorts. I may just pick this up now.

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Robinwatch

I recently buy my first book about watches (in french) for only 8€. It contains a catalog of vintage watches for each brand and there history.

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I bet that's fun to have a riffle through

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CTReese

Saw this in Barnes & Noble the other day. Was deeply curious. Thanks for the review of sorts. I may just pick this up now.

Maybe I should do a proper review 🤔

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The Cartiers book is excellent.  Great read and just learning about the evolution of the family and brand was extremely interesting.  Non watch people can enjoy it as well.

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DeeperBlue

I've seen a couple of others that are books on specific aspects of the Cartiers, such as one specifically about the Tank and others that seem more of a catalogue of their jewelry, but this one is more a family history. There isn't a huge amount of directly related watch info (though I am only half way through) but it talks about their design influences, various exploits and how the family and firm managed through the various wars and other tribulations over the years. 

It's also only around £15, which isn't bad compared to how much some watch books can cost!

Cool! Thank you!

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I'd highly recommend the following:
"A Man and His Watch" - this is wonderful collection of stories of the watch that both prominent individuals own and their stories about their connection with that watch.

"Watches by Hodinkee" - this is really a well put together book which showcases the Hodinkee we all remember fondly - i.e. wonderful writing that is not 'marketing biased'. They have unique full chapters written on different types of watches.

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watchaddictwt

I'd highly recommend the following:
"A Man and His Watch" - this is wonderful collection of stories of the watch that both prominent individuals own and their stories about their connection with that watch.

"Watches by Hodinkee" - this is really a well put together book which showcases the Hodinkee we all remember fondly - i.e. wonderful writing that is not 'marketing biased'. They have unique full chapters written on different types of watches.

I had seen 'A man and his watch' but wasn't sure. I shall grab it next time I see it 👍

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DeeperBlue

I had seen 'A man and his watch' but wasn't sure. I shall grab it next time I see it 👍

You won't regret it - human stories are normally very compelling on their own. That's what makes Hodinkee's Talking Watches such a hit too!