{"product_id":"ultimate-collector-watches-9783836590051","title":"Ultimate Collector Watches","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom precious early minute repeaters by Louis Brandt \u0026amp; Frère and James Schulz to legendary and super-rare vintage chronographs by Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Vacheron Constantin to state-of-the-art contemporary pieces, this book is a glorious celebration of watchmaking conducted at truly virtuoso levels of timekeeping precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis sumptuous double volume provides a connoisseurial roundup of the world's ultimate watches, from early aviators' timepieces by the likes of Longines to legendary vintage chronographs by, among others, Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Audemars Piguet to state-of-the-art contemporary pieces. Also included are horological masterworks by the legendary George Daniels and his prodigy, Roger W. Smith, as well as other celebrated independent watchmakers, including Philippe Dufour, François-Paul Journe, Kari Voutilainen, and Rexhep Rexhepi. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe one hundred astonishingly valuable wristwatches showcased in this meticulously curated and beautifully illustrated book provide a rare insight into the sublime artistry and complex engineering of haute horlogerie. This title also gives an unparalleled historical overview of luxury watchmaking, from its pocket-watch origins to today's revival of interest in bespoke, handcrafted timepieces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeaturing 100 magnificent \"grail\" wristwatches, their fascinating design-and-development backstories are expertly recounted, alongside page-after-page of sublime imagery specially generated by the world's leading watch photographers. Also included are rare archival treasures, from design sketches and technical drawings to superb period advertisements and photographs. Plus in-depth interviews with leading authorities from the watchmaking and collecting worlds, including Patrick Getreide (OAK Collection), Alexandre Ghotbi (Phillips), Ben Clymer (Hodinkee), Roger W. Smith (watchmaker), Auro Montanari (renowned collector), and Silas Walton (A Collected Man).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDetails\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eISBN13: 9783836590051\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFormat: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNumber of Pages: 960\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEdition: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication Date: 24 Apr 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublisher: Taschen GmbH\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication City, Country: Cologne, Germany\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions (cm): 36(H)x28.1(L)x11.5(W)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight (gm): \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eAuthor Biography\u003c\/h4\u003eCharlotte and Peter Fiell are well-known design authors having written over 70 books on the history, theory, and criticism of design. The Fiells have lectured widely, guest taught courses, curated exhibitions, and consulted manufacturing companies, museums, salerooms, and major private collectors around the world. Together, they have written numerous TASCHEN books, including 1000 Chairs, Design of the 20th Century, Industrial Design A–Z, 1000 Lights, Scandinavian Design, and, most recently, the double-volume Ultimate Collector Cars, Ultimate Collector Motorcycles and Ultimate Collector Watches.\u003ch4\u003eReviews\u003c\/h4\u003eAcross the volumes unfolds a narrative in which mechanical watches appear as carriers of memory, artisanal care and cultural continuity... terms such as craftsmanship, ritual, passion and duration structure the tone and perspective, lending collecting a cultural charge that extends beyond mere ownership. * HYPERMADE *\u003cbr\u003eSpotlight[s] 100 of the most incredible timepieces ever made and provide[s] a comprehensive historical overview of haute horlogerie, from the very first pocket watches to the latest and greatest one-offs. * Robb Report *\u003cbr\u003eRather than being a visual-only work, the book intersperses vintage advertisements, archival sketches, and close-up shots of the watches in question - often treating readers to an inside look at their cross-sections - with the kind of detailed history of horological innovations that would pique the curiosity of even the most well-versed aficionado. * WWD *\u003cbr\u003eNot simply a reference work, but a book that seeks to erect an impressive monument to the connection between art and craftsmanship. * Chapter *\u003cbr\u003eA record of where watchmaking has been and where it's heading next. * Esquire *\u003cbr\u003eUltimate Collector Watches isn't just a reference book. It's an aspirational artifact - the kind of piece that invites conversation, reflection, and quiet admiration. It appeals to both seasoned horologists and newcomers who simply appreciate design done right. * Flawless Crowns *\u003cbr\u003eAcross 960 pages, each \"grail\" wristwatch is presented as both a masterpiece of craftsmanship and a chapter in the history of design. * Black Bough *\u003cbr\u003eUltimate Collector Watches is an important and welcome tome for all those looking to learn more about collecting vintage watches! I had a hard time putting it down once I cracked the pages. * Eric Wind, world leading expert on vintage watches and founder of Wind Vintage *\u003cbr\u003eA curated collection of the rarest, most significant, most breathtaking wristwatches ever made. * Aurel Bacs, Senior Consultant at Phillips in Association with Bacs \u0026amp; Russo (from Foreword) *","brand":"Charlotte \u0026 Peter Fiell","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48781324058841,"sku":"9783836590051","price":550.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0502\/9530\/8441\/files\/71P3gNwFbdL._SL1500_4cb28c0a-6c30-42f7-b233-7feb9283a3aa.jpg?v=1780589072","url":"https:\/\/www.arielbooks.com.au\/products\/ultimate-collector-watches-9783836590051","provider":"Ariel","version":"1.0","type":"link"}