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Hands of Time: A Watchmaker's History
An award-winning watchmaker—one of the few practicing the art in the world today—chronicles the invention of time through the centuries-long story of one of mankind’s most profound technological achievements: the watch.
Timepieces have long accompanied us on our travels, from the depths of the oceans to the summit of Everest, the ice of the arctic to the sands of the deserts, outer space to the surface of the moon. The watch has sculpted the social and economic development of modern society; it is an object that, when disassembled, can give us new insights both into the motivations of inventors and craftsmen of the past, and, into the lives of the people who treasured them.
Hands of Time is a journey through watchmaking history, from the earliest attempts at time-keeping, to the breakthrough in engineering that gave us the first watch, to today – where the timepieces hold cultural and historical significance beyond what its first creators could have imagined. Acclaimed watchmaker Rebecca Struthers uses the most important watches throughout history to explore their attendant paradigm shifts in how we think about time, indeed how we think about our own humanity. From an up-close look at the birth of the fakes and forgeries industry which marked the watch as a valuable commodity, to the watches that helped us navigate trade expeditions, she reveals how these instruments have shaped how we build and then consequently make our way through the world.
A fusion of art and science, history and social commentary, this fascinating work, told in Struthers’s lively voice and illustrated with custom line drawings by her husband and fellow watchmaker Craig, is filled with her personal observations as an expert watchmaker—one of the few remaining at work in the world today. Horology is a vast subject—the “study of time.” This compelling history offers a fresh take, exploring not only these watches within their time, but the role they played in human development and the impact they had on the people who treasured them.
Timepieces have long accompanied us on our travels, from the depths of the oceans to the summit of Everest, the ice of the arctic to the sands of the deserts, outer space to the surface of the moon. The watch has sculpted the social and economic development of modern society; it is an object that, when disassembled, can give us new insights both into the motivations of inventors and craftsmen of the past, and, into the lives of the people who treasured them.
Hands of Time is a journey through watchmaking history, from the earliest attempts at time-keeping, to the breakthrough in engineering that gave us the first watch, to today – where the timepieces hold cultural and historical significance beyond what its first creators could have imagined. Acclaimed watchmaker Rebecca Struthers uses the most important watches throughout history to explore their attendant paradigm shifts in how we think about time, indeed how we think about our own humanity. From an up-close look at the birth of the fakes and forgeries industry which marked the watch as a valuable commodity, to the watches that helped us navigate trade expeditions, she reveals how these instruments have shaped how we build and then consequently make our way through the world.
A fusion of art and science, history and social commentary, this fascinating work, told in Struthers’s lively voice and illustrated with custom line drawings by her husband and fellow watchmaker Craig, is filled with her personal observations as an expert watchmaker—one of the few remaining at work in the world today. Horology is a vast subject—the “study of time.” This compelling history offers a fresh take, exploring not only these watches within their time, but the role they played in human development and the impact they had on the people who treasured them.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 13, 2023
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April 22, 2024Interesting book by a watchmaker, about the history of horology and most specifically the origins of the watch. It's mostly very much at the practical end with some musing about time and how we experience it and a rather lovely concentration on the tactile. Niche, interesting and likeable. I remain baffled how watches work or ever could have worked but that's my own engineering ineptitude.
June 17, 2023
History can sneak up on you. For instance, I had no idea I would read a book about watchmaking this year. I am equally as surprised that I loved it.
Hands of Time by Rebecca Struthers seems like the type of idea which is not going to work unless it's thousands of pages. After all, how do you write about how humans deal with keeping time? It's inconceivable that a narrative can discuss the origins of Rolex and Swatches. And yet, here we are. Struthers approaches this history with a eye for interesting stories which sum up large portions of the human relationship with time. And yes, you do learn about both Rolex and Swatch. Long live terrible fashion choices from the 80s and 90s.
The one criticism I have is actually a compliment. Struthers points out how particularly "uncool" her choice of profession is. She has quick asides about her own journey, but she often pivots back to the main story. I disagree with her "uncoolness." Her passion for what she is doing alongside her husband is exceedingly cool and I would have loved a bit more on her own journey to being a master watchmaker. However, if she was trying to leave the reader wanting more, then she nailed it.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Harper Books.)
Hands of Time by Rebecca Struthers seems like the type of idea which is not going to work unless it's thousands of pages. After all, how do you write about how humans deal with keeping time? It's inconceivable that a narrative can discuss the origins of Rolex and Swatches. And yet, here we are. Struthers approaches this history with a eye for interesting stories which sum up large portions of the human relationship with time. And yes, you do learn about both Rolex and Swatch. Long live terrible fashion choices from the 80s and 90s.
The one criticism I have is actually a compliment. Struthers points out how particularly "uncool" her choice of profession is. She has quick asides about her own journey, but she often pivots back to the main story. I disagree with her "uncoolness." Her passion for what she is doing alongside her husband is exceedingly cool and I would have loved a bit more on her own journey to being a master watchmaker. However, if she was trying to leave the reader wanting more, then she nailed it.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Harper Books.)
January 9, 2024
A very brief overview of the vast subject that is horology—the “study of time.” Not so much in theory, although we do touch on Einstein and relativity, more so about the way humans clock the passage. Beginning with the earliest recorded methods of tracking time through the evolution of time pieces and their socioeconomic impact on society (love, wars, wealth, exploitation, even life saving), Struthers packs a lot into 288 pages.
Informative, interesting, and fast paced, I especially appreciated the adventurous background of time markers.
𝕋𝕚𝕞𝕖𝕡𝕚𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕤 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕔𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕖𝕕 𝕦𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕥𝕣𝕒��𝕖𝕝𝕤, 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕕𝕖𝕡𝕥𝕙𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕠𝕔𝕖𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕚𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝔼𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕥, 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕚𝕔𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕔 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕣𝕥𝕤, 𝕠𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕤𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕗𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕠𝕟.
The author is a watchmaker, bringing an inside and personally passionate look into the history. Her husband is also a watchmaker and drew all the amazing sketches in the book. There were also color images of famous timepieces, including Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s pocket watch that accompanied him on the ill-fated 𝘛𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘢 𝘕𝘰𝘷𝘢 expedition to the South Pole.
Data enthusiasts will love the detailed footnotes, glossary of terms, bibliography, further rescues, and extensive notes.
From sundials and rope knots to Rolexes, Swatches, and everything in between, this was a fantastic introduction to the topic.
Thank you to @HarperBooks for the gifted copy, I do recommend the physical book for all the visuals and as a reference.
Informative, interesting, and fast paced, I especially appreciated the adventurous background of time markers.
𝕋𝕚𝕞𝕖𝕡𝕚𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕤 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕔𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕖𝕕 𝕦𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕥𝕣𝕒��𝕖𝕝𝕤, 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕕𝕖𝕡𝕥𝕙𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕠𝕔𝕖𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕚𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝔼𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕥, 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕚𝕔𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕔 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕣𝕥𝕤, 𝕠𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕤𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕗𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕠𝕟.
The author is a watchmaker, bringing an inside and personally passionate look into the history. Her husband is also a watchmaker and drew all the amazing sketches in the book. There were also color images of famous timepieces, including Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s pocket watch that accompanied him on the ill-fated 𝘛𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘢 𝘕𝘰𝘷𝘢 expedition to the South Pole.
Data enthusiasts will love the detailed footnotes, glossary of terms, bibliography, further rescues, and extensive notes.
From sundials and rope knots to Rolexes, Swatches, and everything in between, this was a fantastic introduction to the topic.
Thank you to @HarperBooks for the gifted copy, I do recommend the physical book for all the visuals and as a reference.
June 27, 2023
I am very interested in clocks and timekeeping, so I was excited to pick up this book. I was hoping to learn something about the details of the mechanisms, how they work, and how they have changed over time. Unfortunately, that's not what this book is really about. With the exception of a brief description of the most basic verge escapement from early tower clocks, this book doesn't really give any information on how the mechanisms work. It does mention the names of milestone mechanisms to note improvement through time, but there aren't even diagrams of many of them. Rather, more attention is given to changes in the social and cultural role of timekeepers through time and the resultant design and formfactor shifts. In fact, more attention is given to the author's own biography than to the mechanisms inside the watches. That's not where my interest lies.
April 25, 2023
It's the first book I read about watchmaking and it was a fascinating travel that involves more than I thought.
The author is a good storyteller and this book is never boring or dry.
A good informative and entertaining book, well researched and well written.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
The author is a good storyteller and this book is never boring or dry.
A good informative and entertaining book, well researched and well written.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
May 9, 2024
I have enjoyed several exhibitions of old clocks, but, until reading this book, had not given much thought to their tiny, portable cousins – watches. This book takes you through the history, development and intricate workings of watches – from antique fob watches to fashion accessory Swatches. Britain once led the world in watchmaking – but no longer. It is a dying art.
The author is one of the very few female watchmakers. She is an artisan, and passionate about her art. The passion comes through on every page of the book. You end up knowing more than you could have ever imagined about watches, and a burning desire to own a fabulous old watch. Doesn’t have to be a Rolex – just old, mechanical and analogue.
I feel we have lost so much now we often no longer wear watches and rely on our smart phones to tell the time. Digital time is always accurate, but has neither beauty nor romance.
This is a book about a subject you may not have previously had much of an interest in, but after reading it, you will never look at a watch again with anything other than wonder.
The author is one of the very few female watchmakers. She is an artisan, and passionate about her art. The passion comes through on every page of the book. You end up knowing more than you could have ever imagined about watches, and a burning desire to own a fabulous old watch. Doesn’t have to be a Rolex – just old, mechanical and analogue.
I feel we have lost so much now we often no longer wear watches and rely on our smart phones to tell the time. Digital time is always accurate, but has neither beauty nor romance.
This is a book about a subject you may not have previously had much of an interest in, but after reading it, you will never look at a watch again with anything other than wonder.
February 27, 2024
First, let me say this isn't a book I would just pick up off the shelf and read, but I got it as a gift for Christmas and so it went on my list of books for the year, and boy am I glad I did. What an outstanding book!
The author is a horologist (watch/clock maker/repairer) and a historian the blend of watch and clock-making history with the corresponding historical background of the day was superb.
If you appreciate watches and history, you will appreciate this book.
Her writing style was very engaging and captivating. It really was a joy to read.
She included a chapter on how she goes about the process of repairing watches.
There are only 260 pages with an index and glossary of terms.
The author is a horologist (watch/clock maker/repairer) and a historian the blend of watch and clock-making history with the corresponding historical background of the day was superb.
If you appreciate watches and history, you will appreciate this book.
Her writing style was very engaging and captivating. It really was a joy to read.
She included a chapter on how she goes about the process of repairing watches.
There are only 260 pages with an index and glossary of terms.
April 7, 2024
Un interessante bel viaggio attraverso la storia e le innovazioni introdotte dai mastri orologiai, con l’occhio di una del mestiere.
Mi hanno entusiasmato particolarmente le parti storiche degli inventori.
Dal primo orologio, il Watch 1505 di Peter Henlei (Norimberga, 1505)
Thomas Mudge, che integró un calendario perpetuo in un orologio portatile, nel 1764
[image error]
[image error]
L’incredibile evoluzione che portò John Harrison a sviluppare l’H4
Se potete leggete anche il bellissimo libro che ne ripercorre la storia di Dava Sobel Longitudine, e fatevi un giro per vederli, sono tutti esposti presso la Time and Longitude gallery al Royal Observatory di Greenwich.
Le vicissitudini di Abraham-Louis Breguet ed il suo Marie-Antoinette N°1160, del 1783.
Mi hanno entusiasmato particolarmente le parti storiche degli inventori.
Dal primo orologio, il Watch 1505 di Peter Henlei (Norimberga, 1505)
Thomas Mudge, che integró un calendario perpetuo in un orologio portatile, nel 1764
[image error]
[image error]
L’incredibile evoluzione che portò John Harrison a sviluppare l’H4
Se potete leggete anche il bellissimo libro che ne ripercorre la storia di Dava Sobel Longitudine, e fatevi un giro per vederli, sono tutti esposti presso la Time and Longitude gallery al Royal Observatory di Greenwich.
Le vicissitudini di Abraham-Louis Breguet ed il suo Marie-Antoinette N°1160, del 1783.
May 22, 2024
Una mezcla rara entre libro de historia de la relojería y biografía de la autora que no me termina de convencer. El libro es muy lento, nunca logro despertar en mi suficiente interés como para tener ganas de avanzar, la redacción es pesada y por muchos momentos aburrida y eso que tiene historias muy interesantes dentro de sí, creo que con una forma más ligera de contar las historias el libro se disfrutaría muchísimo más.
July 1, 2024
3.5. I think what I really wanted was a youtube video about clocks work. But this was not bad.
April 13, 2024
A delightful stroll through the history of timekeeping, from an ancient carved bone, to sundials, to the first mechanical clocks, to the modern wristwatch and atomic clocks. Told from the unique perspective of Rebecca Struthers, master watchmaker and historian, I really loved how the author’s passion for watchmaking shined through. It read like a well-written documentary with many interesting tidbits and stories woven throughout.
July 6, 2023
Very interesting, while it was about clocks.
A fascinating and elucidating trip through the history of human timekeeping, told by a master clock maker with the ability to appreciate the engineering and design of each new invention and improvement. This is one of the few Audible titles where I went looking for an accompanying PDF, hoping to see some of the wondrous objects being described; alas, only to come up empty. If this were the whole of the book (and had a PDF), it would easily have been 5 stars.
Unfortunately, Rebecca often drifts off course into politics, economics, and sociology, wherein her talents clearly do not lay. Just as one example: a whole chapter serves no purpose in furthering the story of time keeping, and only exists so that at the end she can trumpet the virtues of socialized healthcare; a chapter in which she recounts how her (socialized) doctors misdiagnosed and gaslit her for years telling her repeatedly that her symptoms were imaginary until she badgered them into doing more tests that revealed she had MS. Yeah, not exactly a ringing endorsement of the NHS despite the literary 'happy ending' she gave it in that chapter. And despite being one of the most skilled and sought-after (not to mention highly-paid) practitioners in her field, she is constantly entreating the audience to see her as a victim for being, alternatingly, not like the other girls (a girl who makes clocks, can you even imagine!), and not like the other clock makers (a clock maker who is a girl, preposterous!).
The entire work would be a little bit shorter, and a whole lot better if Rebecca had simply stuck to the subject at hand.
May 11, 2023
Absolutely loved it. A really fascinating look at history focusing on time in general and the advancements in watchmaking and how this changed the way we work over the years since the first town clocks. It was thorough and detailed but not dry, it reads more like you met the author at a dinner party and had a fascinating conversation about watches. Their enthusiasm leaps off the page so if, like me, you love getting someone talking about their special interest and you like to hear about watches or just areas of history and engineering that don't usually come up outside of textbooks then I highly suggest you grab this book.
September 26, 2023
Hands of Time is subtitled A Watchmaker's History of Time, and that's exactly what it is. Rebecca Struthers takes us on a fascinating journey through history looking at our relationship to time and timekeeping. She explores this through the watches and other timepieces that were significant to technical design, changing fashions and society's attitudes to time.
As well as all the history, there are personal anecdotes relating to the author's own journey as a watchmaker - the studying, the struggle to set up a business with her husband, the tools and machinery they use. She also offers insights into the intricate detailed work she does every day and introduces us to some of the beautiful pieces she has worked on.
It's a thoroughly interesting read, and the text is accompanied by some exquisite drawings. Recommended reading for anyone who likes a mix of science and history with a bit of personal memoir thrown in for good measure.
As well as all the history, there are personal anecdotes relating to the author's own journey as a watchmaker - the studying, the struggle to set up a business with her husband, the tools and machinery they use. She also offers insights into the intricate detailed work she does every day and introduces us to some of the beautiful pieces she has worked on.
It's a thoroughly interesting read, and the text is accompanied by some exquisite drawings. Recommended reading for anyone who likes a mix of science and history with a bit of personal memoir thrown in for good measure.
February 5, 2024
A fun jaunt through time (pun intended) and a testament to creative ingenuity, but a little scatter-brained. It’s clear that the author is a professional watchmaker, not a writer, as knowledge and enthusiasm comes at the expense of narrative grace.
May 30, 2023
A fascinating history of timekeeping from Harrison to Hamilton, from Sundials to Seikos. On the basis of the author's profession I had, I admit, mistaken it to be a book about watches. In fact only a handful of chapters at the end are dedicated to wrist watches.
Instead, it is a book that covers the full history of the world as it relates to timekeeping. How the measurement of time has been used to save lives, proclaim love, exploit workers, explore the world, fight wars, symbolise wealth, and sustain economies. In that way it's much more wide-reaching, and of wider appeal, than a book just about watches. It shows how timekeeping has underpinned, supported, or enabled a vast cross-section of historical events as wide-ranging as the French revolution and the moon landings - though the latter only garners a single short sentence. In watch circles people are often tribally divided into Omega or Rolex fans, and Struthers seems rather to be in the Rolex camp, dedicating at least a whole chapter to Rolex, and barely a sentence to Omega. I was pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of the Accutron, quartz, swatch, and digital watches, which felt like a fitting and complete way to finish the story. Also pleasing was the mature and socially aware discussion of difficult topics such as Nazi watches, British colonial history, the subjugation and exploitation of women, enslaved people, and children throughout history.
Throughout, I was reminded of Longitude by Dava Sobell, and Mudlark by Lara Maiklem. If you imagine the former but much longer and written by the latter, you'd have a fair idea of how this book reads. I loved both those books, so that's to be read as a strong recommendation from me.
A very enjoyable, quick, read full of fascinating history, wonderful reflective thoughts on time itself, and just the right balance of history, science, and the authors' own experiences as a watchmaker.
Instead, it is a book that covers the full history of the world as it relates to timekeeping. How the measurement of time has been used to save lives, proclaim love, exploit workers, explore the world, fight wars, symbolise wealth, and sustain economies. In that way it's much more wide-reaching, and of wider appeal, than a book just about watches. It shows how timekeeping has underpinned, supported, or enabled a vast cross-section of historical events as wide-ranging as the French revolution and the moon landings - though the latter only garners a single short sentence. In watch circles people are often tribally divided into Omega or Rolex fans, and Struthers seems rather to be in the Rolex camp, dedicating at least a whole chapter to Rolex, and barely a sentence to Omega. I was pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of the Accutron, quartz, swatch, and digital watches, which felt like a fitting and complete way to finish the story. Also pleasing was the mature and socially aware discussion of difficult topics such as Nazi watches, British colonial history, the subjugation and exploitation of women, enslaved people, and children throughout history.
Throughout, I was reminded of Longitude by Dava Sobell, and Mudlark by Lara Maiklem. If you imagine the former but much longer and written by the latter, you'd have a fair idea of how this book reads. I loved both those books, so that's to be read as a strong recommendation from me.
A very enjoyable, quick, read full of fascinating history, wonderful reflective thoughts on time itself, and just the right balance of history, science, and the authors' own experiences as a watchmaker.
September 11, 2023
Hands of Time is an anthropology of human history through the lens of timekeeping/watches/horology. Anthropology is a subject I've only scraped the surface of in my studies so I was excited to give this book a go. Ripping the band-aid right off the bat: this is a decently dry book. I'm not talking about textbook style, but if you aren't at all interested in horology, this will be absolutely horrific to read.
The Good:
Brings up very interesting points about human history. I like that the book doesn't quite make the claim that we were shaped by the discovery of horology, but more that it reflects out world and society where it is. There are a ton of super well researched insights and I loved the historical tie-ins. It's easy to imagine Obama wearing a Rolex, but difficult to imagine Napoleon wearing a Breguet. Awesome to humanize these mythical figures a bit. She is very knowledgeable and doesn't bog the book down with too much over technicalities.
Bad:
Possibly bad for some, it was -meh- for me: the writing perspective. This is written first person from the perspective of the author. We go with her through her journey as a watchmaker and get flashed back in time like a montage when the author sees any particular historical watch. I kind of like the intention in writing it this way. It humanizes the entire craft and certainly makes it more readable. However, more than once I asked myself "why is she telling me this right now". It was hit-or-miss for me. Also slightly wish she devoted an extra chapter to the 1900s era of watchmaking, but I understand.
Recommending this book ONLY to watch nerds. Really like the "how to repair any watch" section at the end, the glossary, and the index(!!!). This could certainly be used as a very very weak textbook for everything watches and horology. Not sure how much history nerds will get out of this. I'll probably come back to it occasionally as reference material.
The Good:
Brings up very interesting points about human history. I like that the book doesn't quite make the claim that we were shaped by the discovery of horology, but more that it reflects out world and society where it is. There are a ton of super well researched insights and I loved the historical tie-ins. It's easy to imagine Obama wearing a Rolex, but difficult to imagine Napoleon wearing a Breguet. Awesome to humanize these mythical figures a bit. She is very knowledgeable and doesn't bog the book down with too much over technicalities.
Bad:
Possibly bad for some, it was -meh- for me: the writing perspective. This is written first person from the perspective of the author. We go with her through her journey as a watchmaker and get flashed back in time like a montage when the author sees any particular historical watch. I kind of like the intention in writing it this way. It humanizes the entire craft and certainly makes it more readable. However, more than once I asked myself "why is she telling me this right now". It was hit-or-miss for me. Also slightly wish she devoted an extra chapter to the 1900s era of watchmaking, but I understand.
Recommending this book ONLY to watch nerds. Really like the "how to repair any watch" section at the end, the glossary, and the index(!!!). This could certainly be used as a very very weak textbook for everything watches and horology. Not sure how much history nerds will get out of this. I'll probably come back to it occasionally as reference material.
May 23, 2023
This is one of the best books I've ever read! I feel incredibly lucky to have stumbled upon it during my trip, and I take great pride in owning it. (Bonus: being one of the first reviewers on Goodreads! Haha, pardon me. I just love it when found under-hyped rare treasure)
This book is a true gem! It delves into the world of watchmaking, offering a unique perspective from the eyes of a watchmaker. It reads like an autobiography, intertwining the history of time and watchmaking, and providing detailed insights into the creation of each component. The author's ethereal writing style adds a touch of fantasy to the reading experience. It's a book that captivates the curious mind.
Coincidentally, I purchased this book while my husband and I were attending a watchmaking workshop. It beautifully expanded on the knowledge we had just gained about the history of time. I have spent years studying the history of machines, but watchmaking possesses its own allure. It takes a single device to synchronize our body clock with solar and lunar activities, blending harmoniously with the natural world. The obsession with combining gear movement, jewel cutting, and automaton to achieve exquisite beauty is what elevates mechanical watches beyond mere timekeeping; they are truly works of art.
This book becomes one of my favorite. 12/10. I definitely will read this book again.
This book is a true gem! It delves into the world of watchmaking, offering a unique perspective from the eyes of a watchmaker. It reads like an autobiography, intertwining the history of time and watchmaking, and providing detailed insights into the creation of each component. The author's ethereal writing style adds a touch of fantasy to the reading experience. It's a book that captivates the curious mind.
Coincidentally, I purchased this book while my husband and I were attending a watchmaking workshop. It beautifully expanded on the knowledge we had just gained about the history of time. I have spent years studying the history of machines, but watchmaking possesses its own allure. It takes a single device to synchronize our body clock with solar and lunar activities, blending harmoniously with the natural world. The obsession with combining gear movement, jewel cutting, and automaton to achieve exquisite beauty is what elevates mechanical watches beyond mere timekeeping; they are truly works of art.
This book becomes one of my favorite. 12/10. I definitely will read this book again.
May 26, 2023
There are a few books that have the power to make you feel truly happy. And this book is definitely one of them. From the moment I started listening to it on Audible, it brought me immense joy. It entertained and enlightened me with fascinating insights into the history of watchmaking, including significant figures like Louise Breguet, John Harrison and Thomas Mudge.
However, I can't help but feel a tinge of sadness that the book was relatively short. Its captivating content left me yearning for more, and I'm seriously contemplating listening to it again. In fact, I was considering canceling my Audible subscription, but fortunately, I had a remaining credit which I wisely used to prebook this gem. It turned out to be an incredibly worthwhile investment.
If you're someone who appreciates learning about the art of craftsmanship and the wonders of engineering, especially through shows on the History Channel, then this book is a must-read for you.
Disclaimer: Despite my youthful appearance, I often find myself embodying the spirit of a boring eighty-year-old man.
However, I can't help but feel a tinge of sadness that the book was relatively short. Its captivating content left me yearning for more, and I'm seriously contemplating listening to it again. In fact, I was considering canceling my Audible subscription, but fortunately, I had a remaining credit which I wisely used to prebook this gem. It turned out to be an incredibly worthwhile investment.
If you're someone who appreciates learning about the art of craftsmanship and the wonders of engineering, especially through shows on the History Channel, then this book is a must-read for you.
Disclaimer: Despite my youthful appearance, I often find myself embodying the spirit of a boring eighty-year-old man.
May 17, 2023
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Harper for an advance copy on this book about time, what we make of it, how we tell it, and what our knowledge of time tells about about us.
As a child, and still as an adult I am a hard person to get gifts for. I'm not much on receiving gifts, and will not give hints to what I want, as this changes almost all the time. Watches though I am a sucker for. Though not the kind of watches that the author of this book would ever have to repair. I like watches with batteries, watches that need to be wound, or solar watches. I love weird watches, Star Wars watches, watches with calculators, altimeters, flashlights and recorders. My favorites are a set of Simpson watches from Burger King, and Jurassic Park watches from Taco Bell. All still work, all get batteries when needed, though some like the Burger watches were never meant to last. I love them so. Probably as much as Rebecca Struthers loves the watches that Struthers keeps working, the classic pieces, the rare and the expensive. One of the few who continues in the watch trade, repairing classic timepieces for creating new works from devices that have literally run out of time In Hands of Time: A Watchmaker’s History Struthers writes about time, watches, how humans tell time, and why they care using as examples some of the fine watches that have crossed her path.
The book begins with a tour of Struthers's workspace, located in a very old building in England. The place has a rich history in crafting and design, and is where Struthers and her husband labor to save watches, or build new timepieces from older parts. Oh and there is a dog, Archie, who is a good fellow, and appears throughout the book. Struthers gives a history of watchmakers, and a description of what drew Struthers to watches, and not clocks. From here the book looks at how man has tried to keep track of the time, the days, the months, and how this helped in our development. Struthers's uses watches that she has worked on, examples from the natural world along with art, history and more.
I enjoyed the book quite a bit, expecting almost a how to about watches and their history, but learning a whole lot more. Struthers is a very good writer, mixing Struthers's own life and experiences with science, art, a bit of history, and some mechanical learning. The book does not feel like a waste of time, there is quite a bit to be learned on each page, which also features illustrations from Struthers's husband Chris, who is also a watchmaker. The descriptions are very good, there are some tense scenes when talking about repair jobs, and a lot of humor also. Horology is the name for the study and measurement of time, and I learned quite a bit from this book.
Recommended for history readers, as some of the chapters detail how time and timepieces made a difference and is an interesting way of looking at certain events. All this is an interesting sort of memoir, that many people would enjoy. Perfect gift for Father's Day.
As a child, and still as an adult I am a hard person to get gifts for. I'm not much on receiving gifts, and will not give hints to what I want, as this changes almost all the time. Watches though I am a sucker for. Though not the kind of watches that the author of this book would ever have to repair. I like watches with batteries, watches that need to be wound, or solar watches. I love weird watches, Star Wars watches, watches with calculators, altimeters, flashlights and recorders. My favorites are a set of Simpson watches from Burger King, and Jurassic Park watches from Taco Bell. All still work, all get batteries when needed, though some like the Burger watches were never meant to last. I love them so. Probably as much as Rebecca Struthers loves the watches that Struthers keeps working, the classic pieces, the rare and the expensive. One of the few who continues in the watch trade, repairing classic timepieces for creating new works from devices that have literally run out of time In Hands of Time: A Watchmaker’s History Struthers writes about time, watches, how humans tell time, and why they care using as examples some of the fine watches that have crossed her path.
The book begins with a tour of Struthers's workspace, located in a very old building in England. The place has a rich history in crafting and design, and is where Struthers and her husband labor to save watches, or build new timepieces from older parts. Oh and there is a dog, Archie, who is a good fellow, and appears throughout the book. Struthers gives a history of watchmakers, and a description of what drew Struthers to watches, and not clocks. From here the book looks at how man has tried to keep track of the time, the days, the months, and how this helped in our development. Struthers's uses watches that she has worked on, examples from the natural world along with art, history and more.
I enjoyed the book quite a bit, expecting almost a how to about watches and their history, but learning a whole lot more. Struthers is a very good writer, mixing Struthers's own life and experiences with science, art, a bit of history, and some mechanical learning. The book does not feel like a waste of time, there is quite a bit to be learned on each page, which also features illustrations from Struthers's husband Chris, who is also a watchmaker. The descriptions are very good, there are some tense scenes when talking about repair jobs, and a lot of humor also. Horology is the name for the study and measurement of time, and I learned quite a bit from this book.
Recommended for history readers, as some of the chapters detail how time and timepieces made a difference and is an interesting way of looking at certain events. All this is an interesting sort of memoir, that many people would enjoy. Perfect gift for Father's Day.
February 16, 2024
In general, I’m not into luxury. I can’t tell one high end car from another, and I hate the idea of overly expensive clothes because I know I’ll just spill on them.
But watches are another story. I’d never want a multi-thousand dollar model because who would want to wear such a thing – both because you’d risk damaging it and because it seems a bit much to have something that costs most people’s three-months-rent as an accessory.
Still, I love to look at them, and I do know my Audemars from my IWCs. If I ever pass by a jewelry store, I check out the watches (even trying some on), and I’m friends with a local watch repair guy with whom I talk for at least 20 minutes any time I drop off or pick up one of the watches I do need to get repaired.
So, I’m a sucker for this book, Struthers is passionate about what she does as a watch repairer, and she offers a nice, British-centered history on watches and the industry that created them.
This works best when she talks in concrete historical or technical terms. I loved the chapter on Berguet – a name I might have loosely known as a brand – and talks about how he developed many of the elements of watch design that we take for granted. I loved as well the chapter about how watches became more available between the World Wars. Between those two, I see both that the watch as we know it came earlier than I’d have expected and because readily available later than I’d have guessed.
She has plenty of anecdotes as well. I like the way she points out that knowing the time made many new things possible. How could you coordinate trains without a uniform sense of time. (Did you know there were something like 240 different U.S. ‘time zones’ at one point, each one localized to have noon fall at the height of the sun’s path?) And how did Rolex establish its peculiar (and, to me, inexplicable) place as the most prestigious conventionally available watch in the world? (The answer: celebrity spokespeople and better marketing.)
Parts of this work less well. I almost gave up after ready the lightly philosophical introduction, and there are places where she ventures into speculation about the way time affects us – places that start to distract me. I suppose there’s also a bit of disorganization, with the book following a loose chronological history but also sometimes jumping to topics that seem to have caught her attention.
I imagine most of the world would see this as a 3-star work, one that’s good and focused. I probably come down on 3.5 stars, but I’ll round up for the perpetual enthusiasm and nerding-out joy of the work.
But watches are another story. I’d never want a multi-thousand dollar model because who would want to wear such a thing – both because you’d risk damaging it and because it seems a bit much to have something that costs most people’s three-months-rent as an accessory.
Still, I love to look at them, and I do know my Audemars from my IWCs. If I ever pass by a jewelry store, I check out the watches (even trying some on), and I’m friends with a local watch repair guy with whom I talk for at least 20 minutes any time I drop off or pick up one of the watches I do need to get repaired.
So, I’m a sucker for this book, Struthers is passionate about what she does as a watch repairer, and she offers a nice, British-centered history on watches and the industry that created them.
This works best when she talks in concrete historical or technical terms. I loved the chapter on Berguet – a name I might have loosely known as a brand – and talks about how he developed many of the elements of watch design that we take for granted. I loved as well the chapter about how watches became more available between the World Wars. Between those two, I see both that the watch as we know it came earlier than I’d have expected and because readily available later than I’d have guessed.
She has plenty of anecdotes as well. I like the way she points out that knowing the time made many new things possible. How could you coordinate trains without a uniform sense of time. (Did you know there were something like 240 different U.S. ‘time zones’ at one point, each one localized to have noon fall at the height of the sun’s path?) And how did Rolex establish its peculiar (and, to me, inexplicable) place as the most prestigious conventionally available watch in the world? (The answer: celebrity spokespeople and better marketing.)
Parts of this work less well. I almost gave up after ready the lightly philosophical introduction, and there are places where she ventures into speculation about the way time affects us – places that start to distract me. I suppose there’s also a bit of disorganization, with the book following a loose chronological history but also sometimes jumping to topics that seem to have caught her attention.
I imagine most of the world would see this as a 3-star work, one that’s good and focused. I probably come down on 3.5 stars, but I’ll round up for the perpetual enthusiasm and nerding-out joy of the work.
April 25, 2024
Perhaps it takes a special person to appreciate this book. Perhaps having a machinist father who taught me about mechanical things and fixing things gave me a sleeping interest in making clocks. Perhaps taking apart mechanical watches and clocks as a kid let me retain an appreciation for such precision devices. Perhaps growing up during the decades when watches changed from various mechanical devices to totally electronic devices instilled memories of each new advance in the time keeping device on my wrist.
More than the mechanics of a watch, this book is about people. The people that craft watches from hand. The ingenious inventions that improved watches over the decades. The important, critical needs for accurate time that human development and exploration demanded, and still demand of this technology. The passion that Struthers shows for her craft and the whole history of horology is emotive of a similar passion in the readers of this book.
Struthers takes the reader through human history via the development of the time keeping tools, from sundials to atomic clocks. She describes people who help move this development along with the demands for it that a global and now space-travelling society requires. Yet her passion for hand made, intricate mechanical pieces is never lost. The beauty and artistry of crafting, and of repairing, such pieces is presented for us all to marvel at. Along with her own struggles as a woman and a person seeking to live and work in the field that fulfills to her.
As an author, Struthers is as detailed and excellent as her hand made watches must be. The flow of the book is smooth and precise, with just enough footnotes and references to complement the text. History of horology requires historical knowledge of many other fields, and her inclusion of knowledge of politics and social changes and wars and other developments shows intelligence and depth and breath of knowledge, and makes this book feel and read like a solid, well designed timepiece.
"Watches not only measure time, they are a manifestation of time -- signifiers of the most precious thing we have." -- p. 192
"The truth is, of course, all of us have limited time, and the amount we have is not within any of our control. Yet how we spend it is, and our experiences can alter our perception of time beyond the minutes logged on our watches." -- p. 195
"The experience of living a full life might leave us feeling as if our lives are flying past us, but making vivid memories means that in years to come we will look back on a life that feels long." -- p. 195
More than the mechanics of a watch, this book is about people. The people that craft watches from hand. The ingenious inventions that improved watches over the decades. The important, critical needs for accurate time that human development and exploration demanded, and still demand of this technology. The passion that Struthers shows for her craft and the whole history of horology is emotive of a similar passion in the readers of this book.
Struthers takes the reader through human history via the development of the time keeping tools, from sundials to atomic clocks. She describes people who help move this development along with the demands for it that a global and now space-travelling society requires. Yet her passion for hand made, intricate mechanical pieces is never lost. The beauty and artistry of crafting, and of repairing, such pieces is presented for us all to marvel at. Along with her own struggles as a woman and a person seeking to live and work in the field that fulfills to her.
As an author, Struthers is as detailed and excellent as her hand made watches must be. The flow of the book is smooth and precise, with just enough footnotes and references to complement the text. History of horology requires historical knowledge of many other fields, and her inclusion of knowledge of politics and social changes and wars and other developments shows intelligence and depth and breath of knowledge, and makes this book feel and read like a solid, well designed timepiece.
"Watches not only measure time, they are a manifestation of time -- signifiers of the most precious thing we have." -- p. 192
"The truth is, of course, all of us have limited time, and the amount we have is not within any of our control. Yet how we spend it is, and our experiences can alter our perception of time beyond the minutes logged on our watches." -- p. 195
"The experience of living a full life might leave us feeling as if our lives are flying past us, but making vivid memories means that in years to come we will look back on a life that feels long." -- p. 195
April 23, 2024
The incredible history of watchmaking
This is a well-rounded book about time keeping, written by a professional watchmaker who just happens to have a PhD in Horology. An expert in many sense of the word.
The book is mainly a history of watches, but it is so much more than just focusing on the timepieces. And instead, the book also provides an impressive range of world history for the context of the development of timepiece technology, from primitive sundial, to water clock, sand clock, pocket watch, to the many first wrist watches, the complicated perpetual calendar timepieces, to the rise of Quartz and digital watches, and so much more in between.
This is also a story about our relationship with time, how we utilize time very differently in the past, how we record time in the pre-GMT era, about quirks such as the human alarm job (the knocker-uppers) in the medieval era.
But ultimately this is a watchmaker’s notes, that goes into intricate details about all the components that make a watch, the trial and errors of using many different materials, the revolutionary breakthroughs that made watchmaking smaller and lighter and stronger, and most incredibly in the last chapter it provides a guide to repair a mechanical watch from start to finish.
Along the way, in between the amusing stories, we get abundance of facts around Horology, such as why we use “clockwise” movement, where the word “clock” comes from, the fact that the small pocket in the right pocket of a jeans was intended for a place to put our pocket watch, and many personal stories about a timepiece and its historical figure owner such as my favourite (if not tragic) story of Queen Mary of Scots.
And of course, with this book being a history book of watchmaking, we get to learn about the earliest watchmakers in history, the development of fake watches and forgeries, and plenty of stories of horology heroes such as Abraham-Louis Breguet, Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis the founders of Rolex, or even the author's personal tutor Paul Thurlby who was a watchmaker for Omega.
All in all, it is quite simply a complete book on everything we need to know about timepieces and our relationship with time. A delightful read from the beginning to the end.
This is a well-rounded book about time keeping, written by a professional watchmaker who just happens to have a PhD in Horology. An expert in many sense of the word.
The book is mainly a history of watches, but it is so much more than just focusing on the timepieces. And instead, the book also provides an impressive range of world history for the context of the development of timepiece technology, from primitive sundial, to water clock, sand clock, pocket watch, to the many first wrist watches, the complicated perpetual calendar timepieces, to the rise of Quartz and digital watches, and so much more in between.
This is also a story about our relationship with time, how we utilize time very differently in the past, how we record time in the pre-GMT era, about quirks such as the human alarm job (the knocker-uppers) in the medieval era.
But ultimately this is a watchmaker’s notes, that goes into intricate details about all the components that make a watch, the trial and errors of using many different materials, the revolutionary breakthroughs that made watchmaking smaller and lighter and stronger, and most incredibly in the last chapter it provides a guide to repair a mechanical watch from start to finish.
Along the way, in between the amusing stories, we get abundance of facts around Horology, such as why we use “clockwise” movement, where the word “clock” comes from, the fact that the small pocket in the right pocket of a jeans was intended for a place to put our pocket watch, and many personal stories about a timepiece and its historical figure owner such as my favourite (if not tragic) story of Queen Mary of Scots.
And of course, with this book being a history book of watchmaking, we get to learn about the earliest watchmakers in history, the development of fake watches and forgeries, and plenty of stories of horology heroes such as Abraham-Louis Breguet, Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis the founders of Rolex, or even the author's personal tutor Paul Thurlby who was a watchmaker for Omega.
All in all, it is quite simply a complete book on everything we need to know about timepieces and our relationship with time. A delightful read from the beginning to the end.
March 22, 2024
É un libro molto interessante anche se il titolo é fuorviante: non si tratta infatti della storia personale di Rebecca come orologiaia, ma bensì della storia degli orologi. É una ricerca molto approfondita anche dal punto di vista sociologico, corredata da immagini e molte fonti, ma ciò che stona in questo libro sono i brevi racconti personali che risultano poco interessanti una volta che si é immersi nel capire il funzionamento di un determinato orologio.
Il fare accenno alle sue problematiche economiche o esperienze personali, risulta poco attinente.
”Una delle sfide dell’essere orologiaio è che di rado guadagniamo abbastanza da poterci permettere gli oggetti che realizziamo”
Vendere le proprie creazioni per pagarsi l’affitto o il mangiare pasta e formaggio per risparmiare etc..) sono tutti racconti che ci stavano se l’autrice avesse scritto la propria storia.
La parte del libro che mi è piaciuta di più é quella dove racconta le differenze nel modo di lavorare tra culture monocroniche (società, come USA, abituate a concentrarsi su singoli compiti) e policroniche ( società focalizzate sulle relazioni, come America Latina):
Detto ciò vi consiglio questo libro perché si nota l’impegno e la passione dell’autrice per gli orologi e la misura del tempo.
Il fare accenno alle sue problematiche economiche o esperienze personali, risulta poco attinente.
”Una delle sfide dell’essere orologiaio è che di rado guadagniamo abbastanza da poterci permettere gli oggetti che realizziamo”
Vendere le proprie creazioni per pagarsi l’affitto o il mangiare pasta e formaggio per risparmiare etc..) sono tutti racconti che ci stavano se l’autrice avesse scritto la propria storia.
La parte del libro che mi è piaciuta di più é quella dove racconta le differenze nel modo di lavorare tra culture monocroniche (società, come USA, abituate a concentrarsi su singoli compiti) e policroniche ( società focalizzate sulle relazioni, come America Latina):
Nell’Ottocento gli occidentali consideravano i minatori messicani «indolenti e infantili» e notavano la loro «mancanza di iniziativa, l’incapacità di risparmiare, le assenze per via delle troppe festività, la disponibilità a lavorare solo tre o quattro giorni alla settimana se questo bastava a coprire le necessità, l’insaziabile desiderio di alcol – tutto ciò veniva considerato prova di una naturale inferiorità»
A parte il desiderio di alcol, in un’epoca in cui molti hanno perso completamente l’equilibrio tra lavoro e vita privata, si potrebbe sostenere che fosse il minatore messicano del XIX secolo a essere nel giusto.
Detto ciò vi consiglio questo libro perché si nota l’impegno e la passione dell’autrice per gli orologi e la misura del tempo.
October 25, 2023
I received a copy of this book from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review.
One of the few practicing watchmakers left in the world chronicles the history of time and the creation of the watch through human history, interlaced with the author's own experiences with a vast array of watches. This book begins with the very first known evidence of humans' attempts to track time, to the first clocks every made to modern day timepieces. This history provides insight into the cultural and historical significance of time and the shifts in human behavior that have gone hand-in-hand with changes in the way we think about and use time.
Struthers is such an ideal author for this book, because her decades of experience of studying and working with watches is embedded within every page: "Now watchmakers like Craig and me are a rare breed. In 2012 we set up on our own, becoming just one of a handful of firms in the UK with the skills to make mechanical watches from scratch and to restore antique watches from the last five centuries. But the course we trained on no longer exists. The Heritage Crafts Red List of Endangered Crafts (much like the Red List of Threatened Species but for craft) currently lists artisanal watchmaking as a critically endangered skill in the UK" (xi). Her deep love, understanding, and expertise regarding watches is evident throughout. Rather than just relaying the history, she makes this book personal through her own depth of knowledge.
This was such an interesting survey through time and about time of human's interaction with timekeeping and watches. From 44,000-year-old human artifacts to sea exploration to Mount Everest and from rigorous eighteenth-century watchmaking standards to World War I trenches, Struthers relays fascinating anecdotes along the road of the evolution of timekeeping and watches. I really enjoyed this.
One of the few practicing watchmakers left in the world chronicles the history of time and the creation of the watch through human history, interlaced with the author's own experiences with a vast array of watches. This book begins with the very first known evidence of humans' attempts to track time, to the first clocks every made to modern day timepieces. This history provides insight into the cultural and historical significance of time and the shifts in human behavior that have gone hand-in-hand with changes in the way we think about and use time.
Struthers is such an ideal author for this book, because her decades of experience of studying and working with watches is embedded within every page: "Now watchmakers like Craig and me are a rare breed. In 2012 we set up on our own, becoming just one of a handful of firms in the UK with the skills to make mechanical watches from scratch and to restore antique watches from the last five centuries. But the course we trained on no longer exists. The Heritage Crafts Red List of Endangered Crafts (much like the Red List of Threatened Species but for craft) currently lists artisanal watchmaking as a critically endangered skill in the UK" (xi). Her deep love, understanding, and expertise regarding watches is evident throughout. Rather than just relaying the history, she makes this book personal through her own depth of knowledge.
This was such an interesting survey through time and about time of human's interaction with timekeeping and watches. From 44,000-year-old human artifacts to sea exploration to Mount Everest and from rigorous eighteenth-century watchmaking standards to World War I trenches, Struthers relays fascinating anecdotes along the road of the evolution of timekeeping and watches. I really enjoyed this.
February 22, 2024
Dr. Rebecca Struthers' "Hands of Time'' is an extensive exploration of watchmaking through its earliest predecessors to its current iteration. Equal parts the history of time itself and a reflection of her own apprenticeship and mastery of watchmaking, Struthers' weaves an engaging work that rewinds time to reveal the layered complexities of culture, invention, and innovation.
As a professor of film, I understand all too well how often the history of an art form takes a backseat to the process of creation. But, without the knowledge of that history, how can we innovate? How can we truly understand the impact of the product before us? Watches and clocks aren't so different from film: they are both irrevocably tied to the social and cultural trends within their histories. So, to truly understand the craft, we need to understand where we have been to better see where we need to go.
This work is a goldmine for those with interests in horology and history, but I am certain anyone could pick this book up and be swept away by the nature of time and timekeeping. I know I was. It made me realize just how much I take time (and all the ways we measure it) for granted. It also reminded me just how much more there is to the amenities we have at our fingertips.
Overall, I give "Hands of Time" a 4 out of 5 star rating. It is accessible, interesting, and engaging. The flow of Struthers' memories, the history she studied, and her mastery of her craft makes the book approachable for all types of minds. There were a few points I personally felt lost with the technical processes of watchmaking, but the diagrams and glossary provided were helpful. In the end, I am left with a new appreciation for timekeeping that borders the impossible urge of picking up a new field of study.
If only I had the time…
As a professor of film, I understand all too well how often the history of an art form takes a backseat to the process of creation. But, without the knowledge of that history, how can we innovate? How can we truly understand the impact of the product before us? Watches and clocks aren't so different from film: they are both irrevocably tied to the social and cultural trends within their histories. So, to truly understand the craft, we need to understand where we have been to better see where we need to go.
This work is a goldmine for those with interests in horology and history, but I am certain anyone could pick this book up and be swept away by the nature of time and timekeeping. I know I was. It made me realize just how much I take time (and all the ways we measure it) for granted. It also reminded me just how much more there is to the amenities we have at our fingertips.
Overall, I give "Hands of Time" a 4 out of 5 star rating. It is accessible, interesting, and engaging. The flow of Struthers' memories, the history she studied, and her mastery of her craft makes the book approachable for all types of minds. There were a few points I personally felt lost with the technical processes of watchmaking, but the diagrams and glossary provided were helpful. In the end, I am left with a new appreciation for timekeeping that borders the impossible urge of picking up a new field of study.
If only I had the time…
December 29, 2023
This is an amazing journey into the world of watches. It's great to have a watchmaker as our guide. The book made me reflect on my own appreciation for watches.
Side Note: My very first watch was a Seiko Quartz with my alma mater's old college emblem in gold on the dial. I was so young when I bought it, and I felt like such a grown-up when I picked the watch. Sadly, I lost that watch about 15 years ago, and they just don't make them anymore, so I can't replace it.
Earlier this year, I spent time cruising Lake Powell, and my smart watch kept changing time automatically when I cruised from the Arizona to the Utah side of the lake. It was also fragile to wear while doing engine checks, and it was also not water resistant. I quickly realized I needed a proper tool watch, tough, scratch resistant, water resistant, with a GMT complication.
It was during my research for a new watch that I came across a YouTube interview video with the author and her awesome book. This book showed me so much about the history of timepieces, advances, and setbacks caused by war, politics, and industry. The lives of major figures in the watch industry are also included. The authors respect for the customer is appreciated because the watch wearer ultimately knows what they want from their time pieces.
I bought my new tool watch, just before I bought this book. After reading this book, I realized that I chose the perfect tool / work watch for me. I will take my new watch on all my travels. This book has a soul. It will also stay near.
This book is a love letter to time and timepieces. I highly recommend the book.
Side Note: My very first watch was a Seiko Quartz with my alma mater's old college emblem in gold on the dial. I was so young when I bought it, and I felt like such a grown-up when I picked the watch. Sadly, I lost that watch about 15 years ago, and they just don't make them anymore, so I can't replace it.
Earlier this year, I spent time cruising Lake Powell, and my smart watch kept changing time automatically when I cruised from the Arizona to the Utah side of the lake. It was also fragile to wear while doing engine checks, and it was also not water resistant. I quickly realized I needed a proper tool watch, tough, scratch resistant, water resistant, with a GMT complication.
It was during my research for a new watch that I came across a YouTube interview video with the author and her awesome book. This book showed me so much about the history of timepieces, advances, and setbacks caused by war, politics, and industry. The lives of major figures in the watch industry are also included. The authors respect for the customer is appreciated because the watch wearer ultimately knows what they want from their time pieces.
I bought my new tool watch, just before I bought this book. After reading this book, I realized that I chose the perfect tool / work watch for me. I will take my new watch on all my travels. This book has a soul. It will also stay near.
This book is a love letter to time and timepieces. I highly recommend the book.
August 17, 2023
This is a very interesting introduction into the profession of horology, the study and measurement of time and a term I never knew existed before reading the book. Struthers skims the wavetops of the profession with short stories, from mankind's earliest attempts to track our rotation around the sun and then catalogs some of the major evolutions in technology and progress. There's something in here for everyone. If you're a history buff, you'll enjoy reading about the role time pieces played in major global events. If you're a watch nerd, you'll appreciate the technical explanations of the tiny, complex machines on your wrist. As a result of reading Hands of Time, my appreciation for horology has grown immensely and I'm now back to wearing a mechanical watch on a daily basis. I actually stopped in to see our local watch dealer/repair shop yesterday, a place I normally walked by with minimal interest, and engaged in a fun conversation with the owner. I got a little lost in the more technical elements of the book and wish there were more images to accompany the text. With this overview, I now hope she writes another book, perhaps focusing on what she and her colleagues consider to be the top technical breakthroughs in the profession and/or an in depth presentation on what those in her profession consider to be the most fascinating brands which exist today, or something similar.
December 28, 2023
English watchmaker (and currently the only practicing watchmaker in the United Kingdom with a Ph.D. in horology) Rebecca Struthers takes us on her personal journey to becoming a watchmaker, intertwined with a brief history of watchmaking and timekeeping around the world.
Struthers presents us with her memoir blended nicely with a tour through history of notable watchmakers and their works, as well as world events that had major impacts on the industry of watchmaking. Put like that, it sounds as if it could easily become quite muddled, but Struthers manages to keep a clear narrative line through all of the detours and side passages. There are a lot of fascinating horological history facts in here, as well as a good deal of her own personal reflections on her life and the events that brought her where she currently is in her life and career.
There is not much here that anyone already steeped in the world of mechanical watches wouldn't already know, but it's still fun to hear about again. This book is educational and even a little pensive. Struthers finishes the book with a hypothetical walkthrough of a typical watch cleaning/repair session, and as she puts the finishing touches on her repairs, I found myself reflecting on the nature of our relationship with time and what the future might hold for mechanical watch movements as we plunge deeper into the digital age.
Struthers presents us with her memoir blended nicely with a tour through history of notable watchmakers and their works, as well as world events that had major impacts on the industry of watchmaking. Put like that, it sounds as if it could easily become quite muddled, but Struthers manages to keep a clear narrative line through all of the detours and side passages. There are a lot of fascinating horological history facts in here, as well as a good deal of her own personal reflections on her life and the events that brought her where she currently is in her life and career.
There is not much here that anyone already steeped in the world of mechanical watches wouldn't already know, but it's still fun to hear about again. This book is educational and even a little pensive. Struthers finishes the book with a hypothetical walkthrough of a typical watch cleaning/repair session, and as she puts the finishing touches on her repairs, I found myself reflecting on the nature of our relationship with time and what the future might hold for mechanical watch movements as we plunge deeper into the digital age.
December 1, 2023
I found this book by a student watchmaker to be an excellent example of the study of time or horology. I enjoyed reading about the history of watchmaking. Going into the depths of time and returning with stories about watches that were needed to conquer the seas and fly above us with pilots was paramount to the development of a storyline. The book spoke socioeconomically and was somewhat anthropological about who had what kind of watch throughout the ages. It fulfilled my desire to learn. In some ways it was all encompassing and did not lack intellectual vigor. My favorite part was learning about the watchmaker Breguet. The author explained the inner workings and mechanisms of a watch. If you were one of the first owners of a pocket watch for example you were well to do. Breguet made watches for Queen Charlotte and King George III. Breguet made the first watch that could sustain force being acted upon it and displayed this by throwing his watch on the ground to show how sturdy he made it. One facet that I liked was how I share a first name with Alex Henshaw who was the first to fly from London to Cape Town wearing a Rolex watch. Thanks for such a fascinating read about the development of watches! I wear my watch today enlightened about the craft.
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