The Magic Of Watches – A Smart Introduction to Fine Watchmaking by Louis Nardin

About the book

The Magic of Watches provides the essential knowledge needed to understand and appreciate fine watchmaking and exceptional watches.

What makes a watch beautiful? How do you choose the right one?
The Magic of Watches explains how and why these small objects are so valuable, fascinating, and exciting. It loves paradoxes – for example, why a million-dollar watch can be less accurate and more fragile than a fifteen-dollar one. It goes back to the very beginnings of time measurement: how did we get from water clocks to wristwatches?

The Magic of Watches is not afraid of technology – it describes how both mechanical and quartz movements work. It goes into detail: what is a "complication" and when do we speak of a "chronometer"? It is also interested in art: how is an enamel dial made?
This book is unique – it thoroughly explores the fundamentals, allowing you to better understand and fall in love with the world of watches.

Who is the book for:

• Beginners – to acquire basic knowledge and the ability to appreciate the main features of watches, their strengths and weaknesses.

• Enthusiasts – to awaken the desire to learn more about watches.

• Connoisseurs – to review key concepts and deepen existing knowledge.

About the author

Louis Nardin holds a master's degree in history and sociology and a journalism certificate specializing in watches and the watchmaking industry. In 2008, he became editor-in-chief and main editor of Worldtempus.com, a recognized source of information available in French and English. He also served as editor-in-chief of TheWatches.tv television channel based in Geneva.

As a freelance journalist, he contributes to magazines such as Watch Around and HH Journal, the official webzine of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie. He regularly speaks at watchmaking events and participates in the organization of private presentations for independent brands during the Baselworld exhibition. He also designs technical concepts, such as the time display for the Lady Compliquée model, an exceptionally complex watch by Fabergé, which won the "Ladies' High-Tech Watch" award at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève in 2015.

ISBN 978-2-940506-28-6

Number of pages 232

many black and white illustrations

Hardcover book

Language English

Year of publication: 2023