Top 11 Best Horology Books [List & Guide]
Every watch enthusiast needs a collection of horology books in their possession. Whether as interior decor to their home to reflect a hobby of theirs, as valuable resources for information, or simply as inspiration for submerging themselves into the world of horology.
A lot of people do research and educate themselves about watches online on various blogs and sites (including the Millenary Journal), but there’s just something special about having a physical book and winding down by reading and experiencing.
In addition, books tend to contain detailed and in-depth information, in this case about horology, which is difficult to find anywhere else.
The good news is that if you are looking for some great horology books, there are plenty of them out there. Some books focus on a specific brand or even a particular model, others focus on wristwatches in general, and others go in-depth about horology and watchmaking so you can learn all the important technical details about a watch and how it works.
Or maybe, you just want a photo book where you can get inspired and enjoy beautiful imagery.
With the rich history that watchmaking has, countless different brands, and complicated technicalities, books can be a great way to educate yourself and learn more about your passion.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 8 most popular horology books. All different in styles and focus, but all equally well-made, interesting, and valuable. Without further ado, let’s dig in.
Best horology books
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Rolex Watches – The Ultimate Guide: An extensive Rolex guide for the devoted enthusiast and novice collector
Full disclosure: this book is written by us and we may be biased but this is a book that we recommend all watch enthusiasts and collectors have in their possession. The book is meant as an extensive guide to Rolex – one of the most iconic luxury watch brands in the world. The book goes into detail about the history of Rolex – from start to finish and gives valuable insights into how the company came about.
Moreover, it goes through a large number of different models and collections as well as tons of other aspects of Rolex watches such as rare dials, bracelets, clasps, and much more. Simply put, it’s an extensive and detailed Rolex guide. Whether you want to flip pages and look at beautiful imagery or learn about the Rolex brand and its product, this book provides what you need. We hope you will enjoy it!
64 Amazing Rolex Watches: An overview of iconic and stunning Rolex creations
This is another book that we are proud to release. It is primarily designed as a coffee table book with an emphasis on beautiful images for when you just want to relax and submerge yourself into the world of watches, specifically beautiful Rolex creations. The watch goes through 64 different Rolex watches. Both new and vintage, common, and rare. Each model is complemented with a description that goes through the details and background of the model for added context.
74 watches – A Photobook of Iconic Luxury Watches
If you prefer books that don’t include too much text but rather focus on beautiful photos, this is another book that may suit your taste. The watch presents 74 amazing watches. The watches are made by some of the most iconic and popular luxury watch brands in the world, such as Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Omega, and more. Each model is complemented by a description that explains the key details and information about the model. But the main focus of this book is stunning imagery. If you just want to relax and enjoy beautiful photography of stunning watches, we hope you will enjoy this book!
A Man & His Watch: Iconic Watches and Stories from the Men Who Wore Them Hardcover
This number one bestseller naturally takes the first spot on our list of the best horology books. This book does exactly what its title suggests.
The book focuses on specific important men and the stories behind their watches and what makes them so special. It is interesting in the sense that it highlights the fact that watches are not just a means of telling the time, but also precious personal items that can have great affection value, and carry lots of personal history. The book shows that watches can be important pieces of history, and talks about several legendary timepieces with great history, such as Franklin Roosevelt who wore a gold Tiffany watch that had been gifted to him by a friend on his birthday, John F Kennedy’s Omega worn to his presidential inauguration, and much more.
It is a great read that gives valuable insights into what truly makes watches special – the stories behind them. As we all know, if watches could talk, many of them would be able to tell some very interesting stories. It also includes beautiful images of watches and highlights a total of 76 timepieces.
The Watch Book (Lifestyle) Hardcover
The watch book is another highly popular horology book where you can read about some of the world’s best timepieces. You’ll be able to read about 18 of the most famous watch brands, such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, historical development and achievements, innovations, as well as a perfect mix of modern and vintage timepieces. Furthermore, it goes into detail about what makes these iconic and legendary watchmakers so important and successful.
For those who prefer a coffee table book to scroll through, it contains a total of 250 pages.
Vintage Rolex: The Largest Collection in the World Hardcover
As the name suggests, this book is all about vintage Rolex watches. It was created by The Vintage Watch Company in celebration of its 25th anniversary in 2020.
The book highlights some of the rarest and most beautiful vintage Rolex timepieces with striking images and valuable overviews that give a better understanding of vintage Rolex watches and the brand’s history.
It features Rolex pocket watches, the world’s first wristwatches, and of course iconic and legendary models such s the Submariner, Daytona, and more. Here, you’ll be able to experience important timepieces as well as little-known unique Rolex pieces.
This is a must-have for every Rolex enthusiast.
The Wristwatch Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Mechanical Wristwatches Hardcover
As the name suggests, the book is a comprehensive guide to mechanical wristwatches.
This is a horology book that features 470 beautiful color photographs, timepieces from over 90 manufacturers, and works as a great reference guide for both the novice and seasoned watch enthusiast
In this book, you’ll be able to learn everything about the mechanical wristwatch, including important technical functions such as the tourbillon, split-second chronograph, and much more.
The book begins with an in-depth look into the mechanical movement and how it works, and then later goes into different functions of a movement such as power reserve, and everything you need to know. This book really allows you to understand the complexity that goes into mechanical watchmaking, and thus appreciate these fine pieces of mechanical craftsmanship even more.
It is a valuable resource for understanding every single aspect and function of a mechanical watch, and it really goes in-depth explaining them,
This is the perfect book if you are interested in learning more about the technical aspects of wristwatches and how they tick.
The Watch Book Rolex: New, Extended Edition Hardcover
This is one of the most popular horology books about Rolex watches. It is also one of the most beautiful and premium-looking coffee table books out there.
We have written a complete guide to this book here if you want to learn more, but what you need to know is that this book, naturally, is focused on Rolex watches. It combines inspirational photos with in-depth and valuable information about a large number of Rolex timepieces, both modern and vintage.
This is the ultimate Rolex book that every watch enthusiast should have in their possession.
The Book of Rolex Hardcover
The book of Rolex is a horology book that is focused on what its title suggests. It is dedicated to Rolex watches and includes everything you may want to learn about the brand and its products. It goes into detail about vintage models, discusses modern timepieces, special editions, shares valuable tips on how to spot a fake Rolex, and of course, an interesting insight into the brand’s history.
This book shares interesting details bout Rolex’s production process that is difficult to find anywhere else, the materials used, as well as explanations on what makes each Rolex watch so special.
Another thing we like about it is that it showcases how each Rolex watch is made for a purpose, and demonstrates how it fits into what it was made for. In other words, it really covers all things Rolex, and this is why it is a must-have for every Rolex enthusiast.
Watch Repairing as a Hobby: An Essential Guide for Non-Professionals Hardcover
A different take on a horology book that focuses on watch repairing as a hobby. It works as a guide for beginners to learn more about watchmaking and how these beautiful craftsmanship pieces of art come together.
The book was originally published about 75 years ago in London, but the core technical aspects of mechanical wristwatches still remain mostly the same today, although innovations have taken place. This is the perfect book for you if you want to learn more about watchmaking, or even become a hobby or professional watchmaker.
It shares everything you need to know about watchmaking, including tools needed, and methods for repairing, cleaning, and disassembling. The book is divided into five sections:
- How a watch works
- Tools and how to use them
- How to take down, clean, and reassemble a watch
- Common ailments of a watch
- More ailments
It is a perfect addition to your collection for learning the foundations for watchmaking, which also allows you to learn more about mechanical watches and the complicated mechanical technological aspects behind them.
Watchmakers: The Masters of Art Horology Hardcover
Last but not least is another horology book that focuses on watchmakers and the art of watchmaking. It highlights thirteen legendary watchmakers with beautiful sketches, images, and information. In this book, you will be able to get an interesting insight into how these watchmakers work, the stories behind them, and the creative process behind how they work.
This book is a truly valuable resource for the beautiful art of watchmaking that will allow you to appreciate fine watchmaking and the complexity behind them even more. With the stories told behind them, you can understand just the level of complexity of development and manufacturing.
Choosing a horology book
The process of choosing a watch box is rather straightforward so we won’t go into as much detail as when buying a watch, but still, there are a few things to consider:
Who is the author of the book?
A good tip is to look at the author of the book and potentially also do your research about the author. Different people have different expertise, and in order to write a high-quality book with valuable information, you need to be knowledgeable about the industry. Therefore, do your research about the author to make sure that the author actually knows what they are talking about and are able to share valuable, insightful information, rather than just scratching the surface and giving very generic information.
At the same time, it also depends on what type of book you are looking for. If you’re looking to just learn about the mere basics, then it’s not as important, but if you want really in-depth information, it becomes more important.
What is the book about?
There is an endless selection of horology books that you can choose from. Some are focused on one specific brand or even model, others are focused on the history of wristwatches, others look into the art of watchmaking, and so on. With this said, it is a good idea to define what you are actually looking for so you can look for books that share what it is you want to learn more about.
If you’re just a beginner and don’t know much about watches, it is probably not suitable to opt for a book that goes into the nitty-gritty about watches and is very complicated and technical. This is why your experience level is also of importance when selecting a book.
Are you looking for detailed information or a coffee table book?
Coffee books are meant as interior decoration and to look good on a coffee table. They primarily have images, not a lot of text, and are suitable when you’re just bored or waiting for something. Do you want a book more as an interior decoration or do you want a book that is packed with valuable and insightful information? This should dictate your choice as well because the exterior design of the book also comes into place if you’re looking for a coffee table book to ensure that it looks good when it is on the table.
