The Watch: Hand Work Versus Machinery, Their Merits and Defects Explained and Compared, History of Watch Making by Both Systems (Classic Reprint)

Discover the age‑old debate between hand work and machine work in watchmaking, and what it means for accuracy and value.

A practical, readable look at how watches are made and why care matters.

In The Watch, Piaget draws on sixty years of hands‑on experience to explain how different manufacturing methods affect performance, durability, and price. The book compares hand finishing with machine production and discusses what really makes a timepiece reliable under real conditions.

It also covers the history of watchmaking across Europe and America, the role of cases and movement design, and practical advice on care, regulation, and maintenance. The work blends technical detail with accessible commentary, helping readers understand both the craft and the market.

• Grounded comparisons of hand work versus machinery in watch production
• Explanations of cases, movements, jewels, and timing accuracy
• Insights into regulation, maintenance, and long‑term reliability
• Historical context spanning Swiss, American, and European makers

Ideal for readers curious about how timepieces are built, adjusted, and kept precise in daily use.