Practical Watch Repairing

By Donald De Carle

Book Overview

With over 550 black-and-white illustrations and an approach that assumes no prior watch-repairing experience, Donald de Carle's classic book is essential for any beginner or experienced horologist. It's been called the best illustrated book on practical horology ever written--Horological Journal

The absorbing and everlasting subject of watch repairing has been dealt with in books in many languages throughout the years. But when Practical Watch Repairing was first published in the middle of the twentieth century, he intended to create a book that a watchmaker can understand, even if he can't read. For the readers in his audience, de Carle has provided well-informed discourse on every topic a watchmaker, or aspiring watchmaker, needs to know. He covers:
Workshop and WorkbenchEssential ToolsCase, Dial, and HandsBarrel and MainspringHand Cleaning and OilingSpringing and TimingFriction JewellingAnd much more
With Practical Watch Repairing, even a layman can become a watch-repair specialist.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1602393575
• ISBN13: 9781602393578
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Great Mechanical Watch Repair Text

This book was originally published in 1946, and it's still in print because it's the best. The text is straight forward, clear and easy to understand. The illustrations are very helpful, maybe even excessive, but to someone who knew nothing about the subject before starting the book, that's not so bad. The newer editions have a small section on quartz repair, but due to the advances in electronics, it is dated. The theory is helpful, but those seeking to learn quartz repair only probably need another book. All in all, it is a great book highly recommended to anyone who would like to learn watch repair.

Practical Watch Repairing

Fabulous. The detail is great - perhaps too much, BUT on the second reading he brings the craft alive. Full marks - love this book. A few colour photos may be in order. BUT GREAT BOOK

easy instruction.

I bought three watch books. This is this is the one that did what I wanted. Very easy to follow book. It makes you want to take apart a watch right away.

A must read for apprentice and watchmaker

This book has been quoted, paraphrased, used in part or in whole by watchmakers of all levels. Decarle originally put articles and illustrations found in his book in one of the major horological journals. A number of watch courses use these in part or in whole. As a watchmaker's apprentice, I have found this book very useful for understanding the workings of watches.

This is a must have book

This book contains a wealth of information on basic watch theory and a thorough dicussion of hand wound mechanical watches. It covers problems that can be encountered and methods to correct a wide variety of them. He offers proven techniques for disassembly, diagnosis, cleaning and lubrication and reassembly of non-complicated watches. The only detractions I've found is the assumption made that the reader has experience with watchmaker's lathes and the tool recommendations are sometimes very dated.