Practical Watch Repairing

by Donald De Carle, Donald De Carle

Here is a unique book. It describes the theories and processes of repairing and adjusting the modern watch in precise and meticulous detail: a thing which has never been done so completely before in the many books on the same subject. As a text book it is a revelation. Taking nothing for granted, except the ability to read and comprehend a simple description of mechanical processes, de Carle takes his reader through every stage and every operation of watch repairing ...and to deal with them thoroughly is quite a programme - it takes 300 pages containing 24 chapters, two appendices and 553 illustrations. The fine draughtsmanship and accurate technical detail of the illustrations set a new standard. Practical Watch Repairing can justifiably claim to be the best illustrated book on practical horology yet issued, and one of the best of its kind on any subject. The publication of the book marks the beginning of a new epoch in the study of the mechanics of horology.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction

319 pages, Hardcover

First published June 28, 1986

Reviews

[George]

As a primer to a potential new hobby, this book disappointed a little in that it was apparently written for a journeyman watchmaker who had or had access to a great deal of equipment and facilities to which I do not have access. That said, it is clearly written and decently instructive.

[Serge Pierro]

A good introduction to the art of horology. However, it is a bit dated as it does not include the methodology used by many contemporary practitioners, such as the use of finger cots, and could use an update on both techniques and equipment. It is clearly tilted towards someone who either has or has access to specific equipment - especially when talking about making replacement parts. Not many people I know have a lathe just sitting around.

Never the less, there is a lot of useful information contained within.