Watchmaking Hardcover – Illustrated, 3 May 2011

As an aspiring horologist, Watchmaking by George Daniels has been an invaluable resource in my journey. Daniels' meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of the craft shine through every page. He breaks down the complexities of watchmaking in a way that feels both accessible and inspiring, even for someone like me who's still learning.What I truly appreciate is how thorough and methodical he is, from the intricate diagrams to the step-by-step guides on creating every single component by hand. It’s not just a book about how to build a watch; it’s about mastering the art and patience required to craft something extraordinary. His passion for traditional techniques is palpable and has motivated me to approach my own work with a greater level of care and precision.While it’s definitely not a light read and can be quite technical at times, for anyone serious about horology, this book is a treasure. It’s not just a guide, it’s a blueprint for achieving excellence in the field. An absolute must-read if you dream of becoming a master watchmaker! And as a plus, it looks great on my coffee table

A great book if you are interested in watchmaking - the real kind where you are literally making a watch (from scratch). There are other books which are excellent for repair, but this book takes it a step further. Well written, it is both an easy read and full of information, pictures, etc. I haven't made it very far yet, but what I have read is excellent. Starts with the basics (placement of benches, how to set up a workshop, placement and types of lights, etc) then continues to lathe types, etc. An excellent resource for someone who wants to do more than just fix watches. While it is written in a way that basically anyone with a foundation in highschool math can understand it, it is really intended for people in the industry who are serious about making parts from scratch. Having said that, the illustrations alone would make it a nice book for a doctor's office. Well worth the investment if watches are your thing.

Excellent book by the legendary George Daniels, inventor of the low-friction co-axial escapement, now used by Omega in almost all of their watches. This is an excellent and detailed book, and it mainly deals with actual watch manufacturing, as opposed to assembly and disassembly. There are voluminous chapters on machining, turning, milling, drilling, calculation of vector forces, eyc. A true engineer's book but not recommended for the non-professional enthusiast unless he/she wants to specialise in the technical, design and manufacturing intricacies of the various components that make up mechanical watches.

I purchased this book after reading George Daniels fascinating obituary. I knew nothing about Mr Daniels before this so after some quick research on the internet this book seemed to be the one to read.I came to this book with no watch knowledge but a large amount on engineering curiosity. My overriding feeling reading this book is the insanity needed to complete these stunning machines. I use that word with the gentlest of meaning. I had never before considered how the tiny was constructed or fully appreciate how astonishing mechanical watches are. The book does not hold back and from the first paragraph you are being taught how to make a world class watch. Soon however it all starts to make sense and with a few referrals to Wikipedia the processes and mechanisms are easily understood. The diagrams are perfect and show in detail the subtleties and beauty of the components. As I have never read any other watch book I cannot compare it but if I measure against the technical books I usually read I would have to put it at or near the top, it really is as close to perfection as you could ask for when writing about such a niche subject.

I bought this book for my fiancé’s brother for his birthday and he loves it. There are plenty of picture illustrations throughout the book and it’s suitable for beginners.

This book is for you if:You are at the verge of making your own watchWant to know how a watch is madeYou're a watch nerd and everything that has the word 'watch ' in it, needs to be bought.On the serious note, this book is fantastically detailed and a good source of knowledge when it comes to watch making and the tools you'll need to do so. So, if this is what you want to know. The work and knowledge behind watch making, then this book is a must have.But, if your looking for a book talking about the history of the movements and how a mechanical watch and its different complications work in detail. Then this book is not for you.

Absolutely amazing book I would recommend it to any aspiring watchmaker or enthusiast

Excellent book but quite advanced for a beginner like myself but I love it. Not cheap but that is reflected in the details and sheer volume of information on watchmaking. This is not a book for those just looking for a good read about watches.