Horology: An Illustrated Primer on the History, Philosophy, and Science of Time, with an Overview of the Wristwatch and the Watch Industry (Featuring Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Breitling & More) - Hardcover

Kaplan, Barry B.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0764363921 ISBN 13: 9780764363924

Publisher: Schiffer, 2022

Synopsis

A beautifully illustrated and in-depth look at horology—the scientific study of time and timekeeping.

Horology is a thorough introduction to the world of time and watchmaking. Brimming with more than 150 detailed and full-color images, illustrations, charts, and technical drawings, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in the art of watchmaking and watch design. It includes the requisite exploration and presentation of the rarest, most-coveted, and classic watch designs and styles, including Jaeger-LeCoultre, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Cartier, Breitling and many others. Topics include:

• Early calendars
• Modern timekeeping
• The smallest unit of time
• The twin paradox
• The golden ratio
• Evolving design, using the Vacheron Constantin 222 as a case study
• Decorative watchmaking techniques, including brushing, chamfering, circular graining, chiseling, and more

A multifaceted study, Horology discusses the philosophy and measurement of time, the possibility of time travel, and the emergent smartwatch industry. What once seemed complicated will be demystified through a comprehensive overview of watch movements, complications, and parts. A behind-the-scenes peek into the watch industry, plus pricing and market data, rounds out the contents.

Readers will leave these pages with a newfound, renewed, and enhanced love of watchmaking, as well as an increased appreciation for the value and passing of time. A watch is our most intimate connection with time and a way to keep in touch with our artisanal past.

About this title

About the Author

Barry Kaplan is a third-generation watch industry participant and devotee with a tertiary education in business, accounting, commercial law, marketing and industrial & graphic design. He has been ensconced in luxury watch and jewelry industry management for two decades, handling various strategic, operational, marketing and design responsibilities across the globe; he also designs and photographs watches as a hobby. Kaplan lives in northern New Jersey.

From the Back Cover

This beautifully illustrated volume presents an in-depth look at horology, the scientific study of time and timekeeping. Brimming with more than 150 detailed and full-color images, illustrations, charts, and technical drawings, it's a must-have for anyone interested in the art of watchmaking and watch design. But it's also much more. If you've ever wondered how watches work, or thought about how time influences our lives, then this book is also for you. It offers a comprehensive overview of watch styles, movements, complications, and parts, as well as the basics of starting and caring for a watch collection. A multifaceted study, it discusses the philosophy and measurement of time, the possibility of time travel, and the emergent smartwatch industry. A behind-thescenes peek into the watch industry, plus pricing and market data, rounds out the contents. Readers will leave these pages with a newfound, renewed, or enhanced love of watchmaking, as well as an increased appreciation for the value of time.

From the Inside Flap

BARRY B. KAPLAN is a third-generation watch industry executive with degrees in business and finance. He has worked in the industry for almost two decades, consulting in the areas of strategic management, operational efficiency, product development, industry trends, and the rise of the smartwatch. Kaplan also provides advice to companies in the burgeoning augmented-reality space. He lives in northern New Jersey.

Edition details

• Publisher: Schiffer
• Publication date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0764363921
• ISBN 13: 9780764363924
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320