Richard Watkins DrPractical Watch Collecting for the Beginner

Easy to read text and good pictures, but definitely not for the beginner to watch acquisition and collecting. This might be valuable as a text for a watchmaking student, albeit mostly about English and French watches. If you are interested in American classics like the Hamilton or Elgin RR watches, you will need to look elsewhere. At nearly $30 quite pricey for the information regarding American watches. The author uses a lot of "obviously" type observations which were not obvious to me.

just received my copy in the mail. Very disappointed with the book. Very little useful information for me.

This is the most clearly written and reasoned guide I have ever read in any field. The depth and breadth of knowledge is amazing, all presented in a low-key and engaging manner. The author's ability to clearly and logically explain his positions, along with his massive annotated bibliography (free on his web site - search for Richard Watkins watch clock) has deepened my own knowledge and understanding considerably. Here's an amusing fact: the guy's everyday watch is a Timex. I highly recommend this book.

I'm not really a watch collector although I've a few vintage American made pocket watches, but it is pleasure to read the text and look at the lovely photos presented in this book. The author has written a work that must be read by all neophytes contemplating buying or collecting more than one or anyone interested in knowing something about these fascinating little machines that make the modern world possible.

Not enough general information for a beginner. Author focuses on inner workings of pocket watches and makes too many referrals to other books. So sorry I paid the price for this book. :(

I found this to be a very useful start for someone who is new to collecting antique watches. Definitely worth the price.

If you want to know how watches work. Fine. If you would like a constant reminder of all the different books that are out in the market on various watch topics. Fine. I was not looking for either of these. While I found some of the information mildly interesting it gave little on what watches were collectible and how to find them and price them. Half way through the book I was bored to tears.

This book gives you some good perspective on watch collecting as a beginner, which is apparently its goal. I recommend it for that purpose since it covers the basics well and is pretty well written. As a first step, this is a good buy.

A good introduction to the innards of mechanical watches. At times a little dull but most of the information was quite good. Enjoyed it

The media could not be loaded.  Une étoile mais c’est déjà trop. Est-ce une mauvaise blague ? J’ai payé 46,21€ pour une arnaque ?! La couverture du livre est bien la bonne, mais grosse surprise en l’ouvrant... des photos de plats !!! C’est la première fois que je me fais avoir, produit vendu par Amazon ! A fuir

Comprehensive and interesting read, well laid out - assuming one is interested in watches