While I was in Schaffhausen earlier this month I received a copy of a new IWC book, about the history of IWC and its museum. For the avid collector, and certainly for the historical fan, this book is a must have.
Only problem is that I don't know how to get it –other than buying it at the Museum. It does have an ISBN number of 978-3-9523898-1-2 for the edition in English and has a price of 39 Euro. It also has an IWC inventory number of IWA57568, so if anyone figures out how to get their hands on one, please let us know.
It appears to be a special edition of IWC's great book “Engineering Time Since 1868” --but above the same title are the words “Historical Selection”. It's equally sized, but not nearly as thick: There's 64 pages of beautifully illustrated images, and informative text –even though hard-core fans will of course want even more.
When the reader first opens the cover, amateur historians will realize they're getting something special;
And the inside cover may give the “real” title to the book, IWC Museum A Journey Through History
The book then chronicles IWC's history, with stunning examples from the IWC Museum collection, as these sample pages show:
And then transitions to wristwatches, as these pages reflect:
The book then discusses production, and gives a printed tour of the factory, from case manufacturing to finishing to movement production, All the photos are outstanding, and there's little bits of information that even the expert collector will gather. The last two pages consist of a watchmaking guide , defining common watch terms.
Other than traveling to Schaffhausen, I'm not sure how to get this book. But get it –even if you have to travel ;)
88 Discussions and CommentsMember since Oct. 27, 2010St. Louis,
United States
Michael--
I don't understand what you mean by "equally sized." The volume appears to be much smaller in both height and width, apart from its also being far slimmer, than the massive "Engineering Time."
To answer a few questions....I don't have the Engineering Time book at home to compare. But this book is large in length and width, if not exactly the same size. Obviously depth is hugely less.
On content, I haven't compared page by page, but I do believe some info is new...for example I don't recall in the larger book any info on the Sultan of Oman, a diamond pocket watch made for him, etc. Whether there is enough new information to justify cost depends on one's own values (and pocket book). I definitely think so.
559 Discussions and CommentsMember since Sept. 16, 2008Duesseldorf,
Germany
So as Mark wrote, apparently we need to visit the museum. Being able to see #22 in real life is for sure enough of a reason to visit the museum, which can then be completed with buying that book.
2,996 Discussions and CommentsMember since April 2, 2011Hong Kong,
Hong Kong
looks good. I want it !
Regards, Shing | email iwcforme1976 (at) gmail (dot) com time does not change us. it just unfolds us. max frisch. all that really belongs to us is time; even he who has nothing else has that. baltasar gracian.
It is a very nice book -- I read it almost straight through when I got it.
As for size, it measures about 13.75" x 10.75" (35cm x 27cm for our friends who live in those parts of the world that use sensible units) which is large.
Omar Khayyám (Persia XI-XII Century) offered that Time should not only be measured in length but also in width due to the intrinsic difference between a minute or other depending on what is happening to the beholder... I wonder how a watch would look like...
Only problem is that I don't know how to get it –other than buying it at the Museum. It does have an ISBN number of 978-3-9523898-1-2 for the edition in English and has a price of 39 Euro. It also has an IWC inventory number of IWA57568, so if anyone figures out how to get their hands on one, please let us know.
It appears to be a special edition of IWC's great book “Engineering Time Since 1868” --but above the same title are the words “Historical Selection”. It's equally sized, but not nearly as thick:
There's 64 pages of beautifully illustrated images, and informative text –even though hard-core fans will of course want even more.
When the reader first opens the cover, amateur historians will realize they're getting something special;
And the inside cover may give the “real” title to the book, IWC Museum A Journey Through History
The book then chronicles IWC's history, with stunning examples from the IWC Museum collection, as these sample pages show:
And then transitions to wristwatches, as these pages reflect:
The book then discusses production, and gives a printed tour of the factory, from case manufacturing to finishing to movement production, All the photos are outstanding, and there's little bits of information that even the expert collector will gather. The last two pages consist of a watchmaking guide , defining common watch terms.
Other than traveling to Schaffhausen, I'm not sure how to get this book. But get it –even if you have to travel ;)
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Last edited: 25 November, 2012 - 19:57
I don't understand what you mean by "equally sized." The volume appears to be much smaller in both height and width, apart from its also being far slimmer, than the massive "Engineering Time."
That said, the book is a must have.
Thanks for bringing it to everyone's attention.
Cheers!
Donald
It can be purchased online;
The new museum catalogue
but the linked web site is in German and and I cannot find any indication that the book ordered is in German or English.
Cheers from the cellar
cellar@gregsteer.net
Last edited: 4 January, 2013 - 22:35
As Michael says, it's a fantastically well produced publication, with brilliant photos and texts.
If the only way to get it is to visit the museum - then go visit the museum (which is with of without the book a truly worthwhile experience).
Best regards
Mark
Last edited: 16 April, 2013 - 00:36
On content, I haven't compared page by page, but I do believe some info is new...for example I don't recall in the larger book any info on the Sultan of Oman, a diamond pocket watch made for him, etc. Whether there is enough new information to justify cost depends on one's own values (and pocket book). I definitely think so.
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Regards, Shing | email iwcforme1976 (at) gmail (dot) com
time does not change us. it just unfolds us. max frisch.
all that really belongs to us is time; even he who has nothing else has that. baltasar gracian.
Last edited: 8 December, 2012 - 16:07
Last edited: 15 June, 2013 - 20:49
As for size, it measures about 13.75" x 10.75" (35cm x 27cm for our friends who live in those parts of the world that use sensible units) which is large.
Best regards,
David
Last edited: 13 June, 2013 - 05:31
I've asked one for "Sinterklaas"... (St Nicolas)!!!
Let's hope he is nice to me.
Kind regards, Salutations sincère, Met vriendelijke groet,
Merijn
W.W.W. / 3712-02 / 5445-01 / RLX 114270 / RLX 16570 White
Looks great, and as Shing said, I want one!
Regards,
Jeronimo
Omar Khayyám (Persia XI-XII Century) offered that Time should not only be measured in length but also in width due to the intrinsic difference between a minute or other depending on what is happening to the beholder... I wonder how a watch would look like...