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Recommending Dr. Struthers’ book has been one of the easiest things I have done for fellow enthusiasts of all things mechanical. In this book review, I will explain in detail why this was the case, and why I bought two additional signed copies from England as gifts for my favourite watchmaker and watch photographer in the industry, and why you should just buy a copy for yourself right now.
What makes Hands of Time truly special is that Dr. Struthers uses her life experience as the main driver to guide the reader through a highly engaging history lesson on watchmaking. The book’s journey starts simultaneously when Dr. Struthers was 19 years old and simultaneously 44,000 years ago, as the reader explores the earliest time-telling devices and the importance of lunar cycles. The only danger that will most certainly arise while reading this book is that you will want to add several watches with various complications to your collection. Incidentally, I did add one moon phase timepiece and may add another soon. Far from being a boring and dry technical exercise, Dr. Struthers also covers the social importance of timepieces and how they were viewed as manufacturing and societies evolved.
Dr. Struthers’ emotionally captivating memoir makes learning history effortless. Her tales of her mentor, Peter, and how she had to scrap some of her work while under him to pay for rent was utterly gut-wrenching. These deeply personal stories allow the reader to take in complex information that would otherwise not be digestible for the layperson. Dr. Struthers’ explanations of how escapements work make other titles, such as George Daniels’ Watchmaking, easier to understand for those without formal training in this field. This is where the true brilliance resides in this title and why it is ultimately worthy of every bookshelf.
There are two secret weapons which Dr. Struthers deploys, which result in this book being a must-read. First is having her brilliant husband, Craig Struthers, draw several charming yet highly detailed illustrations throughout the book. Himself a watchmaker and her business partner, these illustrations are vital for those with minimal working knowledge in watchmaking. Second is Dr. Struthers’ incredible humility. She mentions her failures throughout the book and does not shy away from them. She uses them as the teachable moments that have made her the highly sought-after watchmaker that she is, but also that of a great historian and writer.
In closing, Dr. Struthers’ book highlights what my favourite watchmakers all share. Of course, they are all fascinated by mechanical devices, engineering, and design, but they also care deeply about the stories the watches tell us when we hold them. Most importantly, what separates the watchmakers I like working with is their persistent curiosity and their open-minded approach to their work. After finishing this title, you will be more informed on the topic and feel more personally connected with the world of watches. If you are already an enthusiast and lover of watchmaking, your love will be amplified by this book.