What is a beautiful watch? How do you make a good choice? The Magic of Watches explains how and why these little objects are so precious, fascinating and exciting. The book presents paradoxes: why a one-million-dollar watch might be less precise and more fragile than one that costs 15 dollars.

It comes back to the origins of the measurement of time: how did we go from the water clock to the wristwatch? The book goes on to technique: how does a mechanical movement work? How does a quartz one work?; delves into details: what is a ''complication'' and when do we speak about ''chronometer''?; showcases art: how do we enamel a dial?

The Magic of Watches is unique: it focuses in detail on the basics in order to understand and love watches better