5 BOOKS FOR TRUE WATCH FANATICS

As watches around the world continue to grow in popularity, so does the market for books about them. From the family history of Cartiers to specialized books on the iconic Reverso, for example. MASTERS selected five books that every watch fanatic should have, if only to put them on the coffee table for decoration. Text: Fleur de Jong

1. The Cartiers: The Untold Story Behind the Jewelry Empire.

This book was written by Jean-Jacques Cartier's granddaughter, Francesca Cartier Brickell. The Cartiers is the revealing story of a jewelry dynasty from revolutionary France to the 1970s. It centers on the three Cartier brothers, who made their family business internationally famous in the early twentieth century thanks to their complementary talents. For example, Louis was a visionary designer who created the first men's wristwatch, Pierre a businessman who made master deals and Jacques the precious stone expert. Francesca traveled around the world researching her family history and looking for those who had ties to her ancestors. The book reveals never-before-told drama, romance, intrigue and betrayal. Photo: Amazon | The Cartiers: The Untold Story Behind the Jewelry Empire

2. Air Time: Watches Inspired by Aviation, Aeronautics, and Pilots

Air Time is a comprehensive and beautifully designed book that alone is well suited for the coffee table. The book is written Mark Bernardo and Aaron Sigmond. Air Time takes a sharp look at more than ninety iconic timepieces created and inspired for and by aviation, aerospace, and pilots. Photo: Walmart | Air Time

3. Independent Watchmakers

This book is a loving celebration of 60 of the most exclusive watchmakers in haute horlogerie. This book will open many an eye to a new world of timepieces. With an emphasis on design over price, these watches range from affordable to luxurious. The book contains a number of unique pieces about which nothing has ever been published before and includes works by such artists as: Hajime Asaoka, Felix Baumgartner and Aaron Becsei. Photo: Robb Report | Independent Watchmakers

4. Reverso

The Reverso was created in 1931, at the height of the Art Deco period. There was a demand for a wristwatch that could withstand the rigors of polo matches. This richly illustrated book describes the story of the world's most recognizable wristwatch through archival images and original photography along with texts by historian and watch specialist Nicholas Foulkes. In addition to the history of the watch, the book also shows the social milieu and cultural changes that provided the background for the creation of the Reverso. Photo: Luxurylaunches | Reverso

5. Accutron

As one of the few American watch companies to survive the quartz crisis, Bulova's Accutron was an important development in the watch industry. The rise of quartz watches and a general poor economic condition caused the Swiss watch industry to be in dire straits. The book provides a unique look at America in the twentieth century. Photo: AccutronRead an article about iconic watches at GASSAN here.