Publisher edition artwork
The Impossible Collection of Watches
Nicholas Foulkes · First published 2014
One hundred watches of the twentieth century, in Assouline's most extravagant format
Essential
Easy · 200 pages
Why Read It?
To understand the lineage and artistry of 20th-century horology, curated by a discerning eye, and presented with exceptional photographic detail.
What It's About
A curated selection of 100 historically significant and aesthetically important wristwatches and pocket watches from the 20th century, presented with detailed descriptions and sumptuous photography.
Why It Matters
It serves as a benchmark for understanding the evolution of watch design and engineering, offering insights into the cultural resonance and enduring appeal of mechanical timepieces.
The Review
Nicholas Foulkes, a biographer and horological connoisseur, curated this grand survey of 20th-century watchmaking, a period of unprecedented innovation and aesthetic diversification. His selection, presented across 200 large-format pages, is not a mere chronology but a meticulously considered assembly of pieces that define pivotal moments in design, engineering, and cultural impact. Foulkes eschews the predictable, instead offering a connoisseur's eye view, highlighting creations that transcended their utilitarian purpose to become objects of art and enduring statements of personal style.
The volume delves into the nuances that distinguish a Breguet from a Patek Philippe, a Cartier Tank from a Rolex Daytona. Each entry is afforded ample space, with lavish photography capturing the intricate details of dials, movements, and cases. Foulkes' commentary is insightful, providing historical context and technical elucidation without becoming overly arcane. He understands that a watch is not merely a time-telling device but a miniature engineering marvel, a canvas for artistic expression, and a signifier of societal shifts. This book is less an academic treatise and more a highly refined exhibition in print, an opportunity to appreciate mechanical artistry at its zenith.
Best Read
Peruse at leisure in a well-appointed study, perhaps with a single-malt whisky.
Three Things You'll Take From It
- 01
The 20th century was a golden age for watchmaking innovation and design.
- 02
Iconic watches are defined by a confluence of technical mastery, aesthetic originality, and cultural impact.
- 03
Nicholas Foulkes' curatorial approach emphasises artistry and historical significance over mere brand popularity.
Better Read or Heard?
An audio version would diminish the visual splendour central to this work.
If You Like This…
A Man and His Watch — Matt Hranek
A collection of personal stories behind significant watches.
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A definitive history of the esteemed Swiss watchmaker, also by Foulkes.
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The Edition to Own
The original 2014 edition by Assouline, a substantial 'Ultimate Collection' volume, bound in a linen clamshell box, is the definitive presentation. The large format truly serves the photography.
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