In The Shop – Introducing: ‘The Dial: The Face Of The Wristwatch In The 20th Century’ By Dr. Helmut Crott
If you’re already privy to Dr. Helmut Crott’s work, you might have noticed that we’ve had this stunning book listed as “coming soon” in the Hodinkee Shop for quite some time now. Maybe you’ve been patiently awaiting the day you can finally order a copy of your own. Maybe you’ve never heard of it. Either way, we’re excited to be able to finally share it with you, as this is one for which you’re going to want to make some room for on your shelf. Told in three chapters over 392 glossy pages, The Dial: The Face of the Wristwatch In The 20th Century condenses the wide breadth of knowledge and expertise of Dr. Helmut Crott’s work on the subject into a stunning book for watch enthusiasts of any level.
About The Author
The story of how Dr. Helmut Crott got involved in the watch industry is as compelling as the subject of the book itself. First trained in the medical field as a surgeon, Crott found himself entranced by the beauty and technological intrigue of fine watchmaking from the lens of a collector. This fascination with the subject had quite the snowball effect, leading Crott to turn from a hobbyist to a serious collector and from a collector to an auctioneer of fine watches. His impact is such that he has been credited as one of the first to establish the vintage mechanical wristwatch as a collectible.
After a full career as an auctioneer and creating one of the most prolific collections of Patek Philippe wristwatches, Crott was approached by legendary Swiss dial maker Stern Creations to create an archive of the last 100 years of its finely crafted dials. This archival work would blossom into the Patek Philippe Database, which would soon become an integral resource to both top collectors and auction houses.
Explore The Book
Infusing this wealth of unique knowledge into a book that’s as aesthetically beautiful as it is fascinating, The Dial: The Face Of The Wristwatch In The 20th Century takes a microscopic view of the traditions, manufacturing techniques, and design principles of the most legendary dials created during the previous century. To give the reader a contextual baseline understanding of dial-making traditions, the first chapter details the rich history of the dial-maker Stern Cadran, referencing the takeover of the Patek Philippe Company by its supplier, the Stern Brothers.
Through the use of elegant illustrations, chapter two tells the tale of the complex steps required and changing techniques of dial manufacturing throughout the 20th century. From the initial blank to the final stages of finishing and polishing techniques, this chapter shares the innovative and artisanal nature of the dial-making process from inception to completion.
After a strong foundation of knowledge has been laid in chapters one and two, chapter three captures the imagination with elegant illustrations of the most sophisticated, daring, and iconic dials from the history of watchmaking. Explore the legacy of the Rolex La Caravelle, the Paul Newman Daytona, and other legends in dial design that have left their mark on horology well beyond the 20th century.
Browse The Complete Hodinkee Library
You can now purchase your own copy of the richly illustrated and endlessly fascinating The Dial: The Face Of The Wristwatch In The 20th Century, translated into English for the first time in the Hodinkee Shop. While you’re there, feel free to browse the complete selection of books in the digital library, each a discovery for the horologically inclined.
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