Hands of Time: A Watchmaker's History of Time. 'An exquisite book' - STEPHEN FRY

This is a captivating exploration of horology that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a comprehensive overview. Reading it, I was left in awe of human innovation and with a heightened appreciation for time’s role in our lives. The book covers a range from satellite clocks accounting for relativity to diverse cultural perceptions of time, enriching my worldview with its insights. This is a testament to a great read; it has sparked numerous questions and topics I’m eager to delve into. My only wish is that the author, Rebecca Struthers, had delved even more extensively into certain subjects, like cultural perspectives on time. I hope that she writes a second book that fills in more detail within the broad strokes of the first!While I anticipated a tone reminiscent of “Sapiens,” the author surprised me by weaving in personal anecdotes from her journey in watchmaking. Her candid accounts of being a female watchmaker in a predominantly male domain, grappling with anxiety, and establishing a small business in a dwindling industry added depth to the narrative. Rebecca underscores how watchmakers often embed personal touches in their creations, reflecting the unique imprint she’s made on this book. Her style elevated the book from merely informative to profoundly beautiful, prompting me to reflect on the intricate devices that accompany us, and their wearers and makers, in all their imperfect humanity, through time.

This book is very interesting for the watches lovers. The author tells the history of watches in a very fascinating manner. My husband, who never reads my books, can't take this book down. I really recommend this book.

I bought this book after the many positive reviews and was not disappointed. Rebecca Struthers (who keeps her PhD quiet, which seems to reflect the way she comes across from writing) does an outstanding job reflecting on the history of time-keeping and the impact that time has on our lives. I particularly enjoyed reading her thoughts on how time-keeping has changed through the ages and how that has affected us and our perception of time as a society. A great read not only for those interested in watches, but for anyone who wants to learn about time generally.I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book on a cruise, whilst trying to slow down life after a stressful period of renovating and moving into our first property, and I’m sure the author would be delighted that much of her advice was spot-on with how I felt reading the book. An essential piece of writing that I won’t be giving away any time soon.

Liked the historical trail. Not sure about the emotional one and believe the illustrations could have been better. But I am sure others will think differently.GP

The book was a joy to read and so happy that people like this still exist, though possibly this may be the last generation.I had read a review and pre-ordered this book.This is a lovely story of the history of the family developing their love of the craft of restoring timepieces and their passion.Best book for a long time, and hope you enjoy it too!Mike

Very good read

Rebecca Struthers has managed to seamlessly weave her own life and feelings into the fascinating and moving tales of horological history she relates, producing a combination of honest autobiography and infectious passion for the subject which makes for riveting reading. I can definitely say that I've never read a book like it. As well as beautifully enhancing the text, Craig Struthers’ wonderful drawings serve to provide yet another personal touch from this amazing husband-and-wife team. This is a book I know I will return to again and again.

One of the most enjoyable non-fiction books that I have read in a long time.