The Pocket Watch Handbook

This book was first printed in England in 1985, so don't expect any information more current than that. It is not a price handbook either. What it does provide is a high quality history of the development of the watch from the Middle Ages with a fair deal of technical explanation. For one unfamiliar with how watches are made, some of the terminology will be difficult. The book also provides some examples of how to research a watch and how to engage in the business of selling watches. Unfortunately, information on starting a watch shop in England in the 1980s is not very useful for most American readers of today, and the research is only moderately interesting. But as an historical introduction to watches it is a top-notch overview, suitable for the technically inclined beginner. The photos are of high quality.