Watches (50 Ultimate Collector Watches From The 1890s To The Present. 45th Ed.)

By (author) Fiell, Charlotte & Peter
Short description/annotation:
From precious early minute repeaters by Louis Brandt & Frère and James Schulz to legendary and super-rare vintage chronographs by Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Vacheron Constantin to state-of-the-art contemporary pieces, this book is a glorious celebration of watchmaking conducted at truly virtuoso levels of timekeeping precision.
Description:

This volume provides a connoisseurial roundup of the world’s ultimate watches, from early aviators’ timepieces by the likes of Longines to legendary vintage chronographs by, among others, Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Audemars Piguet to state-of-the-art contemporary pieces. Also included are horological masterworks by the legendary George Daniels and his prodigy, Roger W. Smith, as well as other celebrated independent watchmakers, including Philippe Dufour, François-Paul Journe, Kari Voutilainen, and Rexhep Rexhepi. 

The fifty astonishingly valuable wristwatches showcased in this meticulously curated and beautifully illustrated book provide a rare insight into the sublime artistry and complex engineering of haute horlogerie. This title also gives an unparalleled historical overview of luxury watchmaking, from its pocket-watch origins to today’s revival of interest in bespoke, handcrafted timepieces.

Featuring 50 magnificent “grail” wristwatches, their fascinating design-and-development backstories are expertly recounted, alongside page-after-page of sublime imagery specially generated by the world’s leading watch photographers. Also included are rare archival treasures, from design sketches and technical drawings to superb period advertisements and photographs. 

Review quote:
“A record of where watchmaking has been and where it’s heading next.”
Biographical note:
Charlotte and Peter Fiell are well-known design authors having written over 70 books on the history, theory, and criticism of design. The Fiells have lectured widely, guest taught courses, curated exhibitions, and consulted manufacturing companies, museums, salerooms, and major private collectors around the world. Together, they have written numerous TASCHEN books, including 1000 Chairs, Design of the 20th Century, Industrial Design A–Z, 1000 Lights, Scandinavian Design, and, most recently, the double-volume Ultimate Collector Cars, Ultimate Collector Motorcycles and Ultimate Collector Watches.