Product Description

Here is a unique book. It describes the theories and processes of repairing and adjusting the modern watch in precise and meticulous detail: a thing which has never been done so completely before in the many books on the same subject. As a text book it is a revelation. Taking nothing for granted, except the ability to read and comprehend a simple description of mechanical processes, de Carle takes his reader through every stage and every operation of watch repairing ...and to deal with them thoroughly is quite a programme - it takes 300 pages containing 24 chapters, two appendices and 553 illustrations. The fine draughtsmanship and accurate technical detail of the illustrations set a new standard. "Practical Watch Repairing" can justifiably claim to be the best illustrated book on practical horology yet issued, and one of the best of its kind on any subject. The publication of the book marks the beginning of a new epoch in the study of the mechanics of horology.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #46661 in Books
• Published on: 1996-06-28
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 319 pages

About the Author
Donald de Carle was a Fellow and Medallist of the British Horological Institute and a Freeman of the City of London by virtue of being a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. He contributed to the Encyclopaedia Britannica and was the author of many other horological works including Clock and Watch Repairing, Complicated Watches and their Repair, Practical Clock Repairing, Watch and Clock Encyclopaedia, Clocks and their Value, Horology ('Teach Yourself Series'), Practical Watch Adjusting and Springing, The Watchmaker's and Modern Engineer's Lathe, Watches and their Value, etc. Donald de Carle died in 1989.

Customer Reviews

Well worth a read.
This book is of course not intended for the repairer of modern quartz watches and would not be bought by such except out of interest. When written it was generally held in high regard and still should be for those requiring an introduction to the workings and repair of the older mechanical watch. There is also a chapter on the workings of the Bulova Accutron. It is profusely illustrated by clear line drawings in many of which the size of the watch parts v. the hands manipulating them is exaggerated for clarity. This is quite amusing until you get down to handling the fiddly bits and want to know what to do next when something pings off into the far distance.
For the non-practical the book gives an insight into the 'works' and for the practical a host of useful information and instruction. The point about tools and solvents by the previous reviewer is well made but such tools are available some new while others may require a trip to eBay.
One does not have to follow de Carle to the letter but he is an excellent guide and although this may not be your only book on the subject it would be a very good first. You can go elsewhere if you are going to take up serious repair work using modern techniques. de Carle knew what he was talking about and if you are a collector at least you will have a fair idea of what goes on inside your acquisitions.
A word of warning to anyone about to tackle a cherished possession. Replacement parts for even moderately 'old' watches are unbelievably difficult to obtain.

Too many words, not enough pictures
This book was written during the War and last updated in the 60's, so no mention of quartz watches. Also it may not be easy to get hold of the parts and tools and impossible to get the solvents he suggests.
It is very wordy and very short on pictures. I would have preferred a Haynes manual approach.
I may find it interesting to read but wouldn't risk taking an heirloom apart under its guidance.