April 26, 2021
In The Shop - In The Library: Explore The Road Less Traveled With These Four Books
For the past few HODINKEE Library updates, we've focused on diversifying the titles on our virtual bookshelf. But today, we're heading back to our roots with four new books that explore watchmakers through four different lenses.
If you've been itching to dig deeper into the world of watchmakers and their stories but want something more off the beaten path than a deep dive on Rolex, the Moonwatch, or the chronograph, we think you'll be keen on these titles that have just landed in the HODINKEE Shop . Plus, we welcome two additional bookstands to our housewares collection to help you proudly display your new volumes in all their glory.
'The Watch: A Twentieth Century Style History'
Many might argue that the 20th century was the most innovative period in horological history. In The Watch: A Twentieth Century Style History , you'll explore the evolution of timepieces over 100 years. From the transition to the wristwatch from the pocket watch to the golden age of watchmaking and the onset of the Quartz Revolution, you'll uncover some of the greatest timepieces and gain context for today's watchmaking landscape.
The Watch: A Twentieth Century Style History is organized by decade, beginning with an introduction to each era's stylistic influences. Then, throughout each section, you'll dive deeper into the key developments, technological breakthroughs, and categories of watches within the period. Supplementing this compelling story of 20th century watchmaking are an array of photographs, including vintage advertisements and intricate close-ups of key timepieces.
'Cartier Panthère'
The panther has long been a potent emblem of femininity, seduction, and power in fashion, design, art, and the Maison de Cartier. In Cartier Panthère , you'll learn about the evolution of this animal as a symbol throughout our culture and the Cartier catalog that has led it to become one of the most instantly recognizable and enduring motifs for the brand.
Thanks to a stacked team of contributors, including art historian Bérénice Geoffroy-Schneiter, jewelry historian Vivienne Becker, jewelry expert Joanna Hardy, and fashion editor André Leon Talley, you'll uncover every angle of this exotic creature and its influence on Cartier's creations, including a chronology of 100 years of Cartier panther designs.
'Sevan Biçakçi: The Timekeeper'
Istanbul native Sevan Biçakçi is a visionary jeweler known for his knowledge of the Ottoman Empire and for blending elements of nature, ancient mythology, and Ottoman history in his designs. In Sevan Biçakçi: The Timekeeper , fine jewelry historian Vivienne Becker highlights a particularly special collection of Biçakçi's work.
In a period of study, Biçakçi explored the Ottoman tradition of timekeeping and clockmaking, inspired by an exhibition of timepieces at the world-famous Topkapi Museum in his hometown. For nearly a decade, Biçakçi worked to bring his knowledge and understanding of Ottoman timekeeping traditions to life in his own creations, resulting in a dramatic collection of pieces that serve as functional timekeeping objects while also illustrating the story of time. These exceptional timepieces house Swiss movements while maintaining the signature style Biçakçi employs in his jewelry. Over the course of 200 pages and 150 illustrations, you can dive into these one-of-a-kind creations and the creative genius behind them.
'Montblanc: Inspire Writing'
In the world of horology, we typically think of Montblanc as one of the most versatile and quality-driven watchmakers in the industry. But you may also know Montblanc for its proficiency across an array of luxury goods. Long before the brand introduced timepieces into its catalog, it was synonymous with refined writing culture, namely writing instruments. In Montblanc: Inspire Writing , you'll discover the history of the German brand's place as a premier producer of writing instruments and a source of inspiration that's helped countless people leave their mark on the page for over a century.
In addition to archival and product images, you'll be reminded of the power of handwriting as a personal art form and vessel for self-expression that's been sorely lost in the modern age of technology.
Explore The Full HODINKEE Library
So you want a watch-related book with a twist? We think each of these four titles fits the bill.
Whether you're looking to delve into a particular facet of the watch world or need a bit more of a departure, we've been carefully curating the HODINKEE Library with titles that will resonate with any enthusiast. To explore these books in more detail or browse the full selection, stroll on over to the HODINKEE Shop . And while you're there, don't forget to pop over to our Home section to check out those two new bookstands that make the perfect accompaniment to any title in your personal collection.The multifaceted nature of watchmakers, as told through four unique tomes.