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A Man & His Watch: Iconic Watches and Stories from the Men Who Wore Them
“I’ve paged through stacks of books on the history of watches. . . . But I hadn’t come across a book that actually moved me until I picked up A Man and His Watch. The volume is filled with heartfelt stories.”— The New York Times Style Magazine "There are a bunch of beautifully illustrated watch books out there, but A Man & His Watch by Matt Hranek is more than that. It speaks to the nature of watches as deeply personal items."—Gear Patrol, Coffee Table Books Our Staff Can’t Live Without Paul Newman wore his Rolex Daytona every single day for 35 years until his death in 2008. The iconic timepiece, probably the single most sought-after watch in the world, is now in the possession of his daughter Clea, who wears it every day in his memory. Franklin Roosevelt wore an elegant gold Tiffany watch, gifted to him by a friend on his birthday, to the famous Yalta Conference where he shook the hands of Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill. JFK’s Omega worn to his presidential inauguration, Ralph Lauren’s watch purchased from Andy Warhol’s personal collection, Sir Edmund Hillary’s Rolex worn during the first-ever summit of Mt. Everest . . . these and many more compose the stories of the world’s most coveted watches captured in A Man and His Watch. Matthew Hranek, a watch collector and NYC men’s style fixture, has traveled the world conducting firsthand interviews and diving into exclusive collections to gather the never-before-told stories of 76 watches, completed with stunning original photography of every single piece. Through these intimate accounts and Hranek’s storytelling, the watches become more than just timepieces and status symbols; they represent historical moments, pioneering achievements, heirlooms, family mementos, gifts of affection, and lifelong friendships.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
January 7, 2022
This tome – is meant for a coffee table when I wriggled into a more comfortable position for a relaxing and quick read before heading on to the next task….
"A MAN & HIS WATCH" by Matt Hranek speaks of the timepieces that were brought to life by the story told by its owner. Compelling inside and out, heartfelt stories and stunning pictures of old timepieces were placed side-by-side with each owner's account. There were sentimental perspectives of sad or buoyant memories, a link that connects one moment to the next, and an heirloom passing on from one generation to the other while bringing a piece of history to the future. I have enjoyed reading the narration and devotion that comes with each tale, an expression of self and in an even deeper testament to the love men had for their watches.
"A MAN & HIS WATCH" by Matt Hranek speaks of the timepieces that were brought to life by the story told by its owner. Compelling inside and out, heartfelt stories and stunning pictures of old timepieces were placed side-by-side with each owner's account. There were sentimental perspectives of sad or buoyant memories, a link that connects one moment to the next, and an heirloom passing on from one generation to the other while bringing a piece of history to the future. I have enjoyed reading the narration and devotion that comes with each tale, an expression of self and in an even deeper testament to the love men had for their watches.
January 3, 2019
So, I’ve developed a bit of a watch habit over the last year. I’ve always liked watches but never been that worried about the details.
I stuck this on my Christmas list as it sounded interesting — a collection of photographs and stories about watches and their owners.
It’s more of a coffee-table book if I’m honest. Even the sort of thing you’d find in a waiting room, something you can dip into and read a few stories while waiting to be called for an appointment.
The photographs are beautiful. The range of contributors is a bit odd though. There are some famous names, some chefs, and a lot of watch sellers/journalists/company owners. That makes for a very narrow field. It feels like a boys club.
There’s also a lot of very expensive or luxury pieces, and a predominance of Rolex (I classified 52 as luxury, with 17 being from Rolex, 25 as non-luxury — and I was generous in my classification of non-luxury).
There are a few lower-end pieces (a couple of G-Shocks, a Sears Winnie the Pooh watch, some Swatches, etc), but invariably it’s all about watches that are super expensive — even among the high-end these are the ultra-rare Swiss pieces.
It’s nice enough to flick through, but with such a narrow field and limited space to discuss each piece (some contributions are literally a single paragraph) it doesn’t provide much more than an auction catalogue.
I stuck this on my Christmas list as it sounded interesting — a collection of photographs and stories about watches and their owners.
It’s more of a coffee-table book if I’m honest. Even the sort of thing you’d find in a waiting room, something you can dip into and read a few stories while waiting to be called for an appointment.
The photographs are beautiful. The range of contributors is a bit odd though. There are some famous names, some chefs, and a lot of watch sellers/journalists/company owners. That makes for a very narrow field. It feels like a boys club.
There’s also a lot of very expensive or luxury pieces, and a predominance of Rolex (I classified 52 as luxury, with 17 being from Rolex, 25 as non-luxury — and I was generous in my classification of non-luxury).
There are a few lower-end pieces (a couple of G-Shocks, a Sears Winnie the Pooh watch, some Swatches, etc), but invariably it’s all about watches that are super expensive — even among the high-end these are the ultra-rare Swiss pieces.
It’s nice enough to flick through, but with such a narrow field and limited space to discuss each piece (some contributions are literally a single paragraph) it doesn’t provide much more than an auction catalogue.
May 6, 2019
Reading this book was pure joy to me. There are multiple reasons for this to be the case.
To start with, this book was gifted to me by a close friend of mine who actually got me into watches in the first place. Hence it will always have a special place in my small personal library.
Secondly, I believe one of the most interesting aspects of this book is the fact that it portrays many different kinds of watches: from basic and cheap quartz watches, to high-end luxury vintage watches. However, they are all elegantly matched to an interesting story, either about the watch itself, how they were obtained or their relationship to their owner. And this leads me to the third and final reason I loved this book. People.
"A Man and His Watch" works as a perfect reminder that man is by nature a social animal. Watches, as most things in life, are better and more deeply appreciated when related to human experience.
To start with, this book was gifted to me by a close friend of mine who actually got me into watches in the first place. Hence it will always have a special place in my small personal library.
Secondly, I believe one of the most interesting aspects of this book is the fact that it portrays many different kinds of watches: from basic and cheap quartz watches, to high-end luxury vintage watches. However, they are all elegantly matched to an interesting story, either about the watch itself, how they were obtained or their relationship to their owner. And this leads me to the third and final reason I loved this book. People.
"A Man and His Watch" works as a perfect reminder that man is by nature a social animal. Watches, as most things in life, are better and more deeply appreciated when related to human experience.
May 8, 2019
As someone who has a lot of love towards watches ever since a child, and is now getting into watch collecting, I have a lot of appreciation for this book. There truly is a special bond behind a man (I'm sure the same can go for women, but I personally haven't encountered such stories) and his watch. Whether it's an heirloom, it has some special story and meaning to it or it's the watch you've been wanting to buy your whole life, a watch can be a very special item. If you are into watches or are curious about the subject and you'd like to hear some heartfelt stories connected to them, I recommend you get this book. Besides the stories it's full of very good photos of the mentioned watches so you're not just reading about them. Also, the book is a beautiful hardcover and it just looks amazing all in all. It's definitely something I'm going to be rereading in the future.
April 1, 2018
I’m a watch guy. I especially like mechanical pieces, and there are plenty of them showcased in Matt Hranek’s manly book.
Most of the stories shared are a delight to read, like Dr. Jack Carlson’s 1914 Waltham Trench Watch. Made for American soldiers in World War I, the watch “has a shrapnel guard...In a way, the idea is morbidly humorous—you’ll get blown up, but the crystal won’t get cracked.”
Or the story of watch dealer John Cristcitiello’s Breitling Chronomat, a piece he bought at a watch show twenty years ago. It belonged to an American GI who took it to a repair shop in the south in 1941 to get serviced and “never came back for it.” The story gave him “goose bumps” when he heard it.
Or the forty-four Speedmasters that James H. Ragan, NASA engineer, helped test and later transferred to the Smithsonian for preservation after astronauts wore them around the moon during the Apollo program. “And at first [the Smithsonian] didn’t want them!”
Although Paul Newman’s Rolex Cosmograph is on the cover, the book is not exclusively focused on luxury timepieces. Casio, Timex, and other less expensive brands are also spotlighted with great stories from the successful men who own them.
The photographs are exquisite—all tight close ups revealing the character and grace of every piece. At least 23 of the 38 contributors in this book are New Yorkers. That’s not a criticism, only an observation. But if Hranek decides to write a second volume, which I think he should—there are thousands of watch stories out there—perhaps it should include fewer Yankees. Hahahaha!
Most of the stories shared are a delight to read, like Dr. Jack Carlson’s 1914 Waltham Trench Watch. Made for American soldiers in World War I, the watch “has a shrapnel guard...In a way, the idea is morbidly humorous—you’ll get blown up, but the crystal won’t get cracked.”
Or the story of watch dealer John Cristcitiello’s Breitling Chronomat, a piece he bought at a watch show twenty years ago. It belonged to an American GI who took it to a repair shop in the south in 1941 to get serviced and “never came back for it.” The story gave him “goose bumps” when he heard it.
Or the forty-four Speedmasters that James H. Ragan, NASA engineer, helped test and later transferred to the Smithsonian for preservation after astronauts wore them around the moon during the Apollo program. “And at first [the Smithsonian] didn’t want them!”
Although Paul Newman’s Rolex Cosmograph is on the cover, the book is not exclusively focused on luxury timepieces. Casio, Timex, and other less expensive brands are also spotlighted with great stories from the successful men who own them.
The photographs are exquisite—all tight close ups revealing the character and grace of every piece. At least 23 of the 38 contributors in this book are New Yorkers. That’s not a criticism, only an observation. But if Hranek decides to write a second volume, which I think he should—there are thousands of watch stories out there—perhaps it should include fewer Yankees. Hahahaha!
January 28, 2018
A Horological Waltz
I found myself immersed into the stories behind each watch like an audience member at his favorite opera. I for one am an avid watch enthusiast and this book hit the spot in so many ways. Highly recommend it for anyone that prides themselves to be a fan of history, design and genius.
I found myself immersed into the stories behind each watch like an audience member at his favorite opera. I for one am an avid watch enthusiast and this book hit the spot in so many ways. Highly recommend it for anyone that prides themselves to be a fan of history, design and genius.
March 6, 2024
Wonderful stories of watches and the people that wore them. My favorite watches included Sylvester Stallone’s black and gold Rolex, a watch JFK was gifted from one of his Ambassadors, FDR’s Tiffany & Co watch gifted to him from the Yalta Conference, and an Hermes belt watch designed for golfers. The best story came from a waiter that was gifted a Timex Indiglo watch from Bill Murray, who was fascinated by its illumination. The book included great stories and vivid photos.
February 24, 2018
This was a fantastic read. I love watches so the author is preaching to the converted, but i'd never given that much thought to owning a vintage watch, or associating memories and meaning to watches - possibly because for me, no other family member has an interest in, or owns a watch of any value or meaning. I also now appreciate the beauty of an aged watch and the individuality of each watch as time leaves its mark on the case. New watches seem very sterile in comparison. I get it. I completely get it.
It has opened up a new interest for me, and I will now consider buying vintage watches (where previously I always bought new).
One quote from the book by Hamliton Powell really resonated with me:
“Taking a moment to wind my watch means giving myself twenty seconds of the day to create a sense of purpose as to how I’m going to use my time—to ask myself, Am I going to live today with intention?”
I find that statement pretty deep, and owning a wind-up watch really highlights how precious life is, and how we should make the most of it. I don't even own a wind-up watch as it seemed like too much hassle, but now I want to; just so that I can think more clearly about what time is, and not to waste it.
Brilliant.
It has opened up a new interest for me, and I will now consider buying vintage watches (where previously I always bought new).
One quote from the book by Hamliton Powell really resonated with me:
“Taking a moment to wind my watch means giving myself twenty seconds of the day to create a sense of purpose as to how I’m going to use my time—to ask myself, Am I going to live today with intention?”
I find that statement pretty deep, and owning a wind-up watch really highlights how precious life is, and how we should make the most of it. I don't even own a wind-up watch as it seemed like too much hassle, but now I want to; just so that I can think more clearly about what time is, and not to waste it.
Brilliant.
March 2, 2019
The photography is excellent. Very nice, close-up pics of watches.
I thought the stories were very hit/miss. For every "I found this in my grandfathers drawer" story, there was a "Yay, I bought a 1 of 3 Rolex for only $350,000!" And I also fond the story-tellers to be a very small, limited group of New Yorkers. It's like a group of collectors got together and wrote a book about their stories, and oh yeah, we'll throw in one from Mario Andretti and Sly Stalone.
Meh.
I thought the stories were very hit/miss. For every "I found this in my grandfathers drawer" story, there was a "Yay, I bought a 1 of 3 Rolex for only $350,000!" And I also fond the story-tellers to be a very small, limited group of New Yorkers. It's like a group of collectors got together and wrote a book about their stories, and oh yeah, we'll throw in one from Mario Andretti and Sly Stalone.
Meh.
May 11, 2024
A pesar de que muchos son relojes caros y algunos casi irrepetibles, lo importante son las historias que cada persona cuenta de ellos, que a final de cuentas es lo que les da un valor único por encima del precio que tengan o hayan tenido...
Eso y hubo muchas frases con las que me identifiqué demasiado.
5/5
Eso y hubo muchas frases con las que me identifiqué demasiado.
5/5
March 11, 2025
Tengo 5 libros sobre relojes. 4 son muy técnicos, con fotos de los movimientos, explicando cada una de las partes, otro viene toda la historia de los relojes de forma muy detallada. Otro es de todas complicaciones que se pueden poner en un reloj.
Ninguno supera a este libro. Sí, tiene fotos muy bonitas de relojes, desde un Casio de plástico hasta un Patek Philippe. Lo mejor de todo son las historias que cuentan.
Cada una de las historias tiene un valor sentimental espectacular o alguna anécdota curiosa. Me recuerda un poco al libro Humans of New York o Humans en que viene una foto y una historia de un ser humano
Me mueve mucho que varios entrevistados recuerdan "el reloj de su papá".
Yo tengo la gran fortuna de tener el reloj de mi papá (un Mido Estelaris Datoday) y así como se relata en el libro, yo siento un apego invaluable al reloj que vi usar a mi papá por muchos años. Jamás en la vida lo perdería o vendería.
Gran libro. Ojalá mis hijos vean mi reloj y lo quieran en sus vidas.
Tengo que mencionar que este libro me lo regaló el Dr. Rafita y lo agradezco mucho
Ninguno supera a este libro. Sí, tiene fotos muy bonitas de relojes, desde un Casio de plástico hasta un Patek Philippe. Lo mejor de todo son las historias que cuentan.
Cada una de las historias tiene un valor sentimental espectacular o alguna anécdota curiosa. Me recuerda un poco al libro Humans of New York o Humans en que viene una foto y una historia de un ser humano
Me mueve mucho que varios entrevistados recuerdan "el reloj de su papá".
Yo tengo la gran fortuna de tener el reloj de mi papá (un Mido Estelaris Datoday) y así como se relata en el libro, yo siento un apego invaluable al reloj que vi usar a mi papá por muchos años. Jamás en la vida lo perdería o vendería.
Gran libro. Ojalá mis hijos vean mi reloj y lo quieran en sus vidas.
Tengo que mencionar que este libro me lo regaló el Dr. Rafita y lo agradezco mucho
March 22, 2025
A Man and His Watch is an absolute must-read for any watch enthusiast. As someone who has always appreciated the stories behind my own watches, whether it was a graduation gift from my parents, a wedding gift from my father-in-law, or a treasured heirloom passed down from my grandfather, I thoroughly enjoyed this this book. It beautifully curates meaningful stories from various famous men, highlighting how watches serve as wearable trophies, personal history books, and lasting monuments.
While I would have loved for each story to dive a little deeper, or at least dive a bit deeper on the watches themselves, the collection still offers a fascinating glimpse into the personal connections people form with their timepieces. A truly enjoyable read that leaves you reflecting on the stories your own watch might tell.
January 11, 2021
fascinating stories, superb photography and a whole book of very interesting watches and the people that wear them
August 11, 2024
I made a mistake purchasing this book in Kindle format; it truly shines in its physical form, especially with the high-quality images.
The stories are captivating and offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of horology, particularly the chapters featuring famous individuals and their connection to timepieces.
The stories are captivating and offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of horology, particularly the chapters featuring famous individuals and their connection to timepieces.
February 7, 2025
Again, let's ignore the title 😄 This book shares a lot of neat stories about people and their personal (often historical) time pieces. The photography is incredible. Loved it!
August 12, 2025
An excellent book. The physical book itself and the sleeve cover are top quality. The paper the book is printed on is heavy and high gloss. The actual contents are great. No watch needed as ruled out to be part of the collection in the book. The photography of the watches is perfect and shares all the details clearly. And the stories are the stories of how these watches relate to the men who wore them. Many with great emotion conveyed. If you are a watch guy, this book is a must read.
December 19, 2025
Great pics
December 30, 2020
Being a watch fan I loved this book. From the textured front cover to the stories and photographs inside, everything about this book had me hooked.
May 9, 2025
Finished in a single sitting
January 20, 2022
Soul food. Most relaxing coffee table book ever.
Thanks Sanskriti :)
Thanks Sanskriti :)
March 6, 2024
It's not the timekeeping nor the price, but the story that makes a watch valuable
The author Matt Hranek remarks at the beginning of this book that “for many men, watches seem to have a deeper meaning than just keeping time. Watches mark special occasions, they tell the world a bit about who you are, and they can, if you’re lucky, connect you to the people in your life who matter most.”
I've never been a watch enthusiast before. I was given a Swatch by someone I really look up to and I wore it since high school to university days even until my masters degree. And afterwards I use Apple Watch and later Garmin as a part of my sporty life, while at the beginning of my collector phase I tend to purchase more simple watches like an Edwin Jeans watch just because it has my name on the dial, a MVMT, or that time I bought a special edition G-Shock in Hiroshima, as well as that time I bought a Swedish minimalist watch at the N Seoul Tower. Also, I was particularly proud of this limited edition watch by Fossil that made several luxury watch enthusiasts asking about what it is (but it deteriorated less than a year).
But then I learned about brand association and that a watch is not just a time keeping device, but a part of our personality. And soon enough I became intrigued with learning who wears what kind of watch brand, and whether it fits with their personality. Like James Bond with his association with Omega, while Jason Bourne is more of a TAG Heuer guy. Or how Che Guevara sported a Rolex Submariner (which is cool AF but a stark contrast with his socialist idealism), or Indonesia's dictator Suharto wears Audemars Piguet Millenary 150161ST which shows power. And then there's Jurgen Klopp, who is loyal to one brand IWC even though he's not an endorser, which fits with his personality as the brand is a kind of silent luxury brand at par with Rolex, without needing to show off like in-your-face designs of Panerai or Richard Mille.
And so the interest in watches turned into an obsession. I kept searching and reading articles about personalities with the watch brands that they wear, like how Ed Sheeran is apparently an avid watch collector but who loves one watch above all the APs and the Hublots in his collection: his cheap ToyWatch that meant a lot growing up.
Which brings us to this book. The book is listed as the number 1 recommended book on watches, by several different watch websites. It shows what many different watches mean for many different people, from a legacy watch handed down from generations above, to expensive top luxury brands, to cheap watches with a huge backstory that makes them priceless. There's something for everyone to relate to.
The book is filled with sentimental stories about a man and his watch. Such as Francis Chichester, an adventurer, sailor, and navigator who circumnavigate the globe wearing Rolex Oyster Perpetual. Benjamin Clymer with his Omega Speedmaster Mark 40 that was given to him by his grandfather that pretty much started off his love of writing about watches that eventually led to Hodinkee. Keith Haring and his Swatch collections (which he sees as pieces of art that can be put in our wrists). How Dimitri Dimitrov - a Maitre D at the Tower Bar at the Sunset Tower Hotel - got a Timex watch from Bill Murray. Or that interview with a NASA guy whose job is to test the endurance of watches to see whether they are equipped to be used as a tool in space (which only Omega passed the tests).
There’s also Geoffrey Hess who met his wife because of his love of vintage Rolex (and someone who makes me want to attend vintage collector gatherings). Tom Sachs who loves his Casio G-Shock DW-5600 that he has been wearing for 20 years. A Rolex Submariner reference 5513 that was buried in a beach and found by some chap with a metal detector, and ended up purchased by Grahame Fowler. Sylvester Stallone’s Gold Rolex submariner reference 1680/8. Ralph Lauren’s Cartier Tank Cintrée. Or Andy Warhol's impressive collection of as many as 300 high-end watches.
As Hranek commented, "at the end of the day, a watch is just a watch - it's the story behind it that can make it exceptional. Just like Paul Newman's model 6263 big red Rolex Daytona given by his wife, with the engraving of "Drive slowly - Joanne." Which is a nice touch since Newman was a race car driver. Or how according to Mario Andretti, "in racing watches can stand in for trophies", which he indeed collected along the way during his illustrious career.
But my favourite sentimental note on watches got to be the vintage Tudor watch that Jacek Kozubek bought that came with a handwritten note from the seller telling the backstory of the man who had owned it: “her father, who had been a marine, a submariner, and mechanic aboard the USS Barbel, stationed in Papa Hotel - also know as Pearl Harbor.” The seller wrote, “Though it is hard for me to part with my father’s watch… my hope is that someone will appreciate it as much as my father did!”
The book also inserted watch history in between the personal stories. Like how Eric Ripert's watch Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 tilted to the right because it was designed for a driver whose cars back then had big steering wheels. Or how Patek Philippe is credited with inventing the wristwatch, but the style was largely created as a timepiece for women. And it wasn't until the Cartier Santos-Dumont that wristwatch became associated with exploits of daring and courage: "Louis Cartier invented a small timepiece that attached to the wrist with a leather strap, and gifted the new "Cartier Santos-Dumont" wristwatch to his famous aviator friend [Alberto Santos-Dumont], who never flew without it."
Furthermore, to write this book Hranek got access to archives of Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Zenith, Hermès, and TAG Heuer, held Paul Newman's Daytona in flesh, talked with Kikuo Ibe (the creator of Casio G-Shock), among many others, which was an intriguing read by themselves.
And the many pictures of the watches in this book, especially the vintage or rare ones, are also superb. The Cartier belonged to King Constantine I of Greece, Elvis Presley's Corum Buckingham, Sir Edmund Hillary's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Officially Certified Chronometer from 1950, John F. Kennedy’s inauguration Omega, Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Tiffany & Co Yalta conference watch, the Popeye and Domino engraved Rolexes, the 1952 Tudor Oyster Prince that was one of 26 models sent to Greenland on the wrist of scientists and military and medical personnel to do a seismological and gravitational research. And the many incredible watches that I’ve never heard before, like Orfina, Fisher Ancre 15 Rubis, Elgin, Waltham Trench, Jaeger-Lecoultre Reverso, Doxa, Kurono, Autodromo Monoposto, and many others.
I mean, I get it now. It's not necessarily about the brand name or the price, but more about the memory or what it symbolized. My dad was a watch collector, and among the Rolexes and Cartiers that he has, he was most fond with this fake Rolex Submariner that he bought in a flea market in China. He even like to wear it to the office every once in a while for a laugh. When he passed away, that was the watch that I took to keep him in memory (for the cheekiness), just like Paul Newman's daughter took and wear his Daytona when he passed away (although I don't think I will ever wear it in public).
Moreover, just like Hranek, I too have an Oyster Perpetual Datejust, which was given to me by my father in-law on the day I married his daughter. It took me years to realised what it meant, because he didn't literally say it to me back then: That it symbolized the day he accepted me as his son. So, I get the sentimental meaning of watches, just like when I bought myself a TAG Heuer Aquaracer Solargraph for my 40th birthday then went to the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert in the evening.
Or my current everyday watch IWC Mark XVIII Little Prince edition, a watch that I got obsessed with due to the fact that I love to read books and the watch is a tribute to one of my favourite authors Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Never thought that I would get my hands on it, and just like all men interviewed in this book I wouldn't trade this watch or any of my other sentimental watches for anything else in the world. Not even this vintage Omega that I found in an antique market in Java, which I bought for less than $10.
The author Matt Hranek remarks at the beginning of this book that “for many men, watches seem to have a deeper meaning than just keeping time. Watches mark special occasions, they tell the world a bit about who you are, and they can, if you’re lucky, connect you to the people in your life who matter most.”
I've never been a watch enthusiast before. I was given a Swatch by someone I really look up to and I wore it since high school to university days even until my masters degree. And afterwards I use Apple Watch and later Garmin as a part of my sporty life, while at the beginning of my collector phase I tend to purchase more simple watches like an Edwin Jeans watch just because it has my name on the dial, a MVMT, or that time I bought a special edition G-Shock in Hiroshima, as well as that time I bought a Swedish minimalist watch at the N Seoul Tower. Also, I was particularly proud of this limited edition watch by Fossil that made several luxury watch enthusiasts asking about what it is (but it deteriorated less than a year).
But then I learned about brand association and that a watch is not just a time keeping device, but a part of our personality. And soon enough I became intrigued with learning who wears what kind of watch brand, and whether it fits with their personality. Like James Bond with his association with Omega, while Jason Bourne is more of a TAG Heuer guy. Or how Che Guevara sported a Rolex Submariner (which is cool AF but a stark contrast with his socialist idealism), or Indonesia's dictator Suharto wears Audemars Piguet Millenary 150161ST which shows power. And then there's Jurgen Klopp, who is loyal to one brand IWC even though he's not an endorser, which fits with his personality as the brand is a kind of silent luxury brand at par with Rolex, without needing to show off like in-your-face designs of Panerai or Richard Mille.
And so the interest in watches turned into an obsession. I kept searching and reading articles about personalities with the watch brands that they wear, like how Ed Sheeran is apparently an avid watch collector but who loves one watch above all the APs and the Hublots in his collection: his cheap ToyWatch that meant a lot growing up.
Which brings us to this book. The book is listed as the number 1 recommended book on watches, by several different watch websites. It shows what many different watches mean for many different people, from a legacy watch handed down from generations above, to expensive top luxury brands, to cheap watches with a huge backstory that makes them priceless. There's something for everyone to relate to.
The book is filled with sentimental stories about a man and his watch. Such as Francis Chichester, an adventurer, sailor, and navigator who circumnavigate the globe wearing Rolex Oyster Perpetual. Benjamin Clymer with his Omega Speedmaster Mark 40 that was given to him by his grandfather that pretty much started off his love of writing about watches that eventually led to Hodinkee. Keith Haring and his Swatch collections (which he sees as pieces of art that can be put in our wrists). How Dimitri Dimitrov - a Maitre D at the Tower Bar at the Sunset Tower Hotel - got a Timex watch from Bill Murray. Or that interview with a NASA guy whose job is to test the endurance of watches to see whether they are equipped to be used as a tool in space (which only Omega passed the tests).
There’s also Geoffrey Hess who met his wife because of his love of vintage Rolex (and someone who makes me want to attend vintage collector gatherings). Tom Sachs who loves his Casio G-Shock DW-5600 that he has been wearing for 20 years. A Rolex Submariner reference 5513 that was buried in a beach and found by some chap with a metal detector, and ended up purchased by Grahame Fowler. Sylvester Stallone’s Gold Rolex submariner reference 1680/8. Ralph Lauren’s Cartier Tank Cintrée. Or Andy Warhol's impressive collection of as many as 300 high-end watches.
As Hranek commented, "at the end of the day, a watch is just a watch - it's the story behind it that can make it exceptional. Just like Paul Newman's model 6263 big red Rolex Daytona given by his wife, with the engraving of "Drive slowly - Joanne." Which is a nice touch since Newman was a race car driver. Or how according to Mario Andretti, "in racing watches can stand in for trophies", which he indeed collected along the way during his illustrious career.
But my favourite sentimental note on watches got to be the vintage Tudor watch that Jacek Kozubek bought that came with a handwritten note from the seller telling the backstory of the man who had owned it: “her father, who had been a marine, a submariner, and mechanic aboard the USS Barbel, stationed in Papa Hotel - also know as Pearl Harbor.” The seller wrote, “Though it is hard for me to part with my father’s watch… my hope is that someone will appreciate it as much as my father did!”
The book also inserted watch history in between the personal stories. Like how Eric Ripert's watch Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 tilted to the right because it was designed for a driver whose cars back then had big steering wheels. Or how Patek Philippe is credited with inventing the wristwatch, but the style was largely created as a timepiece for women. And it wasn't until the Cartier Santos-Dumont that wristwatch became associated with exploits of daring and courage: "Louis Cartier invented a small timepiece that attached to the wrist with a leather strap, and gifted the new "Cartier Santos-Dumont" wristwatch to his famous aviator friend [Alberto Santos-Dumont], who never flew without it."
Furthermore, to write this book Hranek got access to archives of Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Zenith, Hermès, and TAG Heuer, held Paul Newman's Daytona in flesh, talked with Kikuo Ibe (the creator of Casio G-Shock), among many others, which was an intriguing read by themselves.
And the many pictures of the watches in this book, especially the vintage or rare ones, are also superb. The Cartier belonged to King Constantine I of Greece, Elvis Presley's Corum Buckingham, Sir Edmund Hillary's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Officially Certified Chronometer from 1950, John F. Kennedy’s inauguration Omega, Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Tiffany & Co Yalta conference watch, the Popeye and Domino engraved Rolexes, the 1952 Tudor Oyster Prince that was one of 26 models sent to Greenland on the wrist of scientists and military and medical personnel to do a seismological and gravitational research. And the many incredible watches that I’ve never heard before, like Orfina, Fisher Ancre 15 Rubis, Elgin, Waltham Trench, Jaeger-Lecoultre Reverso, Doxa, Kurono, Autodromo Monoposto, and many others.
I mean, I get it now. It's not necessarily about the brand name or the price, but more about the memory or what it symbolized. My dad was a watch collector, and among the Rolexes and Cartiers that he has, he was most fond with this fake Rolex Submariner that he bought in a flea market in China. He even like to wear it to the office every once in a while for a laugh. When he passed away, that was the watch that I took to keep him in memory (for the cheekiness), just like Paul Newman's daughter took and wear his Daytona when he passed away (although I don't think I will ever wear it in public).
Moreover, just like Hranek, I too have an Oyster Perpetual Datejust, which was given to me by my father in-law on the day I married his daughter. It took me years to realised what it meant, because he didn't literally say it to me back then: That it symbolized the day he accepted me as his son. So, I get the sentimental meaning of watches, just like when I bought myself a TAG Heuer Aquaracer Solargraph for my 40th birthday then went to the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert in the evening.
Or my current everyday watch IWC Mark XVIII Little Prince edition, a watch that I got obsessed with due to the fact that I love to read books and the watch is a tribute to one of my favourite authors Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Never thought that I would get my hands on it, and just like all men interviewed in this book I wouldn't trade this watch or any of my other sentimental watches for anything else in the world. Not even this vintage Omega that I found in an antique market in Java, which I bought for less than $10.
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January 3, 2024I'm starting to love watches sooo much. So much more to them than I had originally thought. I'm not gonna rate this for a while. 4 star if I don't get that into watches, but 5 star if I start a little collection. Time will tell!
November 29, 2020
Interesting enough to finish in a couple of days. I enjoyed the stories with horological and personal histories.
Overall, this book proves that liking watches is still a boys' club.
As a woman who wears watches with case diameters 34mm and above (traditionally men's sizes), I don't exactly feel out of place while reading the book. I would've loved to see women on a book like this though. The likes of Charlize Theron and Ellen Degeneres are also not out of place in a book like this.
Overall, this book proves that liking watches is still a boys' club.
As a woman who wears watches with case diameters 34mm and above (traditionally men's sizes), I don't exactly feel out of place while reading the book. I would've loved to see women on a book like this though. The likes of Charlize Theron and Ellen Degeneres are also not out of place in a book like this.
February 4, 2022
Redundant
The book is just a summary of how and why some people acquired certain watches, which could have been an interesting read for watch enthusiasts. Reality is, most of the stories are very similar “my dad gave me this watch bla bla bla”; written in an amateurish elementary school style. As for the content itself, it is probably all available on the internet.
Not worth buying at all. Could be given as a watch magazine for 2$.
The book is just a summary of how and why some people acquired certain watches, which could have been an interesting read for watch enthusiasts. Reality is, most of the stories are very similar “my dad gave me this watch bla bla bla”; written in an amateurish elementary school style. As for the content itself, it is probably all available on the internet.
Not worth buying at all. Could be given as a watch magazine for 2$.
March 2, 2020
Could have been more, feels more like a starting point
It started of very interesting. Individual stories of people and their watch. Some poignant stuff. But it gets less and less interesting and there isn’t enough photos to really gawk.
The individual pieces are varied. Most of them interesting but I wished to read much more. Overall i left wanting, more stories and photos.
It started of very interesting. Individual stories of people and their watch. Some poignant stuff. But it gets less and less interesting and there isn’t enough photos to really gawk.
The individual pieces are varied. Most of them interesting but I wished to read much more. Overall i left wanting, more stories and photos.
April 25, 2024
It does need a bit of updating regarding certain watches, but is an essential read for a watch enthusiast
December 10, 2025
Not what I was expecting.
I picked up this book hoping to learn a few things about watches and history of brands. This book is not about that.
It’s about people’s name and pictures of rusted used watches. Call them vintage if you want, but some are just broken.
I’m not familiar with 90% of the names being mentioned, so perhaps include a photo of their face beside their stories would help introduce and link them better.
The book did include sketches of a few people at the end, but not everyone will reach the end and flip to cross reference.
The organization of this book is also strange. They will throw in archive from a brand between those stranger’s watch stories.
This is one of those books that doesn’t have an intro or outro. It feels less of a book, but blog posts style interview notes.
———————————————
Quotes:
“…[Something] that costs $40 that you own, versus something that costs $4,000 that owns you.” - p134
The topic is around an ad motto: “You never actually own a PP. You merely take care of it for the next generation”
“I don’t care about trying to create something that last for ages; I’m trying to create something that excites people now, something that they want to buy and own” - p156
I picked up this book hoping to learn a few things about watches and history of brands. This book is not about that.
It’s about people’s name and pictures of rusted used watches. Call them vintage if you want, but some are just broken.
I’m not familiar with 90% of the names being mentioned, so perhaps include a photo of their face beside their stories would help introduce and link them better.
The book did include sketches of a few people at the end, but not everyone will reach the end and flip to cross reference.
The organization of this book is also strange. They will throw in archive from a brand between those stranger’s watch stories.
This is one of those books that doesn’t have an intro or outro. It feels less of a book, but blog posts style interview notes.
———————————————
Quotes:
“…[Something] that costs $40 that you own, versus something that costs $4,000 that owns you.” - p134
The topic is around an ad motto: “You never actually own a PP. You merely take care of it for the next generation”
“I don’t care about trying to create something that last for ages; I’m trying to create something that excites people now, something that they want to buy and own” - p156
July 3, 2022
If you’re looking for a coffee table book about watches, go for “A Man & His Watch“. The photography is beautiful and the stories are to the point and generally interesting.
When I ordered the book, I actually had to wait for a couple of months as it was sold out in Switzerland. Somehow, when it arrived, I kept it on the bookshelf for another while. Today I’ve picked it up and found it to be a nice afternoon read.
While I unequivocally recommend the book as mentioned above, there are a few points that could’ve been improved. The main idea is for a select group of men to tell the stories of their favorite watches. Yes, the stories didn’t go very deep, but this was to be expected: this is a coffee table book after all. However, the selection of contributors was unfortunately a bit imbalanced. For example, more pieces by the likes of Ben Clymer, Mario Andretti or Ralph Lauren, or more insight into e.g. the watch worn by Sir Edmund Hillary would have been so much more valuable than three contributions by people from “Analog/Shift“. Also, some chapters like the one about the preservation of the El Primero at Zenith just didn’t seem to fit into the concept and could’e been left out.
When I ordered the book, I actually had to wait for a couple of months as it was sold out in Switzerland. Somehow, when it arrived, I kept it on the bookshelf for another while. Today I’ve picked it up and found it to be a nice afternoon read.
While I unequivocally recommend the book as mentioned above, there are a few points that could’ve been improved. The main idea is for a select group of men to tell the stories of their favorite watches. Yes, the stories didn’t go very deep, but this was to be expected: this is a coffee table book after all. However, the selection of contributors was unfortunately a bit imbalanced. For example, more pieces by the likes of Ben Clymer, Mario Andretti or Ralph Lauren, or more insight into e.g. the watch worn by Sir Edmund Hillary would have been so much more valuable than three contributions by people from “Analog/Shift“. Also, some chapters like the one about the preservation of the El Primero at Zenith just didn’t seem to fit into the concept and could’e been left out.
November 1, 2022
Matt Hranek's A Man and His Watch offers a beautifully bound coffee table book filled with very sharp pictures of either famous or else much loved watches. Paul Newman's famous Daytona is on the inside cover, but the best story was from Nate Burkus, an interior designer.
I was wearing that watch when my partner, Fernando, and I went on vacation to Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia. That was 2004, when the tsunami hit. I survived; Fernando didn't. It wasn't until months later that I realized the watch had been on the trip, and that I didn't have it any longer. And I thought about it. I thought about whether or not I should replace it... and, for some reason, I was drawn to replacing it. [...] I found it from a dealer in Chicago. I remember the day I put it on. Looking down at it on my wrist, I realized it meant that that experience hadn't won. It hadn't taken me out.Many of the people interviewed here discuss how their watch is an artifact from their father or grandfather or a mentor. Bruce Willis's character from Pulp Fiction does not appear, sadly.
August 4, 2018
Finally, a book that delves into the stories behind the watches, the collectors -- or watch idiot savants (WIS) -- who enjoy them, and why these fine timepieces have captured the hearts of many men and women across the world. Hranek has collected short, but insightful stories from collectors, with each story accompanied by beautiful photos of some of the rarest and most coveted timepieces. But don't be put off by the dazzling Rolexes; this book includes watches recognizable by the everyman, from Timex to Casio's G-Shock. It has a little bit of everything.
More important than the value of these watches are the stories and memories they hold. A Man and His Watch explores that relationship and why watches endure and will endure beyond smart phones.
"If you want to have a good time . . . Then you need a good watch." -- Rocky Balboa
I highly recommend this book to watch lovers everywhere.
More important than the value of these watches are the stories and memories they hold. A Man and His Watch explores that relationship and why watches endure and will endure beyond smart phones.
"If you want to have a good time . . . Then you need a good watch." -- Rocky Balboa
I highly recommend this book to watch lovers everywhere.
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