Watchmaking

By (author) Daniels, George; By (author) Daniels George
Short description/annotation
Discribes and illustrates the making of the precision timekeeper, at each stage with line drawings and brief explanatory captions. This handbook provides an insight to the enthusiast and watch-collector who, until its publication, had often been able only to admire the superb craftsmanship of a fine watch without understanding how it works.
Description
Twenty-eight years after its first publication, the best-selling Watchmaking continues to inspire and encourage the art of watchmaking, especially among new generations of enthusiasts. As a supreme master of his art, George Daniels'' advice is constantly sought by both students and watch repairers, his understanding of the problems that can beset the would-be watchmaker, especially in an age of mass production, and his expert knowledge of the history of watchmaking being second to none. Here, the making of the precision timekeeper is described step-by-step and illustrated at each stage with line drawings and brief explanatory captions. The text is easy to follow and care has been taken to avoid complicated technical descriptions. As Daniels is particularly interested in the development of the escapement - many are described in this book, several of his own design - the reader is encouraged to explore this aspect of watchmaking in even greater detail. This classic handbook still remains indispensable to generations of watchmakers and repairers, and also provides a fascinating insight to the enthusiast and watch-collector who, until its publication, had rarely been able to admire the superb craftsmanship of a fine watch without understanding how it works.
Table of contents
Acknowledgements Preface to the Third Edition Preface The Colour Plates 1. Workshop and Equipment 2. Hand Tools 3. Finishing Steel and Brass 4. Turning 5. Wheels and Pinions 6. Making Small Components 7. Jewelling 8. Escapements 9. Mainsprings and Accessories 10. Movement Design 11. The Balance and Spring 12. Casemaking 13. Engine-Turned Cases and Dials Select Bibliography Appendices Index
Review quote
I truly believe that this book [...] will be held in high esteem both by its future collectors, as well as by the common watch enthusiast looking for a publication that summarizes their favorite hobby and presents its secrets in an easily understandable way.
Review quote
Watchmaking by George Daniels is a very fascinating book, a must read for everybody interested in the watchmaking.
Biographical note
George Daniels, CBE, DSC (HONS), FSA, FCGI, FBHI, FAWI, is a practicing horologist with over fifty years'' experience in both antique and modern watchmaking, and is a past master of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. Amongst his awards for contribution to the art and science of watchmaking - including the design of his own escapements - are the Tompion Gold Medal, The British Horological Institute Gold Medal, The City and Guilds of London Gold Medal, The Arts Sciences and Learning Award of the City of London, and the Victor Kullberg Medal of the Stockholm Watchmakers'' Guild.
Promotional headline
Describing and illustrating the making of the precision timekeeper, this handbook provides an insight into watchmaking.