M
Mike Kearney
The Watch and Clock Makers' Handbook, Dictionary and Guide, F. J. Britten, copyright 1881, at least 15 editions through 1955. About 500 pages.
Britten wrote some of the best books on horology, including this book, 'Old Clocks and Watches and Their Makers', 'Watch Springing and Adjusting' and probably others I haven't been lucky enough to find yet.
This book is essentially a dictionary, defining people and things related to the field of horology. It's an essential reference if you're reading old books on horology, as it gives meaning to words long since out of use. It also gives French and German translations of words, which can be a help in reading foreign texts. Some definitions (for example Douzieme) have only a brief sentence or two; others (like Compensation Balance) just go on for pages.
This book has been reprinted several times in the last ten or twenty years, so it should not be too hard to find an inexpensive copy.
It belongs on every horologist's bookshelf.
Regards,
Mike
Britten wrote some of the best books on horology, including this book, 'Old Clocks and Watches and Their Makers', 'Watch Springing and Adjusting' and probably others I haven't been lucky enough to find yet.
This book is essentially a dictionary, defining people and things related to the field of horology. It's an essential reference if you're reading old books on horology, as it gives meaning to words long since out of use. It also gives French and German translations of words, which can be a help in reading foreign texts. Some definitions (for example Douzieme) have only a brief sentence or two; others (like Compensation Balance) just go on for pages.
This book has been reprinted several times in the last ten or twenty years, so it should not be too hard to find an inexpensive copy.
It belongs on every horologist's bookshelf.
Regards,
Mike
