The Watch

The Watch: A Twentieth Century Style History by Alexander Barter is a visually rich and authoritative chronicle of the wristwatch’s evolution throughout the 20th century. Drawing on his extensive experience in the watch world, Barter explores how changing tastes, social shifts, and technological innovations shaped the design and popularity of timepieces from decade to decade.

Each chapter focuses on a specific era, detailing how historical events like the Great Depression, World War II, and the quartz revolution influenced watchmaking. From the rise of elegant Art Deco pieces to the bold experimentation of the 1970s and the mechanical revival of the 1990s, this book covers both mass-market icons and rare collector’s items.

Lavishly illustrated with high-quality photography, vintage advertisements, and design sketches, The Watch is both a stylish coffee-table book and an insightful reference. It’s ideal for collectors, designers, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of fashion, engineering, and time.