The Watch – Thoroughly Revised book review

The Watch – Thoroughly Revised

Thames and Hudson

I used to collect watches and do appreciate a well-crafted timepiece, despite an Apple watch having taken over the real estate around my wrist for quite a while now.

For the uninitiated and the ones merely familiar with the old-guard brands, this beautiful tome does not only contain a section on the major brands accompanied by great photos (some could have been more detailed / would have benefitted from a tad less photoshopping as they miss crowns and other integral parts and it is a shame that some watches are merely mentioned but not pictured), but also depicts emissions from independent watchmakers.

Furthermore, it has additional inspirational sections on the intricacies of collecting, stories from other collectors and a glossary shedding light on the myriad of technical terms.

The Watch – Thoroughly Revisited is not only a feast for the eyes but both a comprehensive and holistic resources in terms of horology that should appeal to both aficionados and neophytes alike as it goes into detail about a microcosm that has never been more popular than in the age of instagraming.

While not being familiar with the first edition of Gene Stone’s The Watch, this Thoroughly Revised version documents the status quo of what the art of watchmaking and the collectors’ craze around it has evolved to.

Needless to say that there is a subjective tinge when it comes to e.g. portraying a selection of fifty brands that are considered to be leaders and that it is to be taken with a grain of salt as it is informed by personal preference rather than an inclusive take of this luxury industry at large.

Summa summarum, a brilliant book for both new and experienced watch fans with great practical information, specifically when it comes to inducting the novice to the art of purchasing pre-owned watches and what to pay attention to.