Important: I am not affiliated with any of the manufacturers, brands, services, or websites listed on this page and this is my personal experience. If you find this helpful and want to say thanks, please buy me a coffee or take a look at my book on Amazon. It keeps this page ad-free. Thank you!
I inherited a love and appreciation for traditional watches from my Dad. A traditional watch, whether automatic or even quartz, is just a thing of beauty. I definitely have a champagne taste and a lemonade wallet when it comes to watches (ha!). So if you’re like me, and love watches and just want a list of useful sites and apps that will help deepen your appreciation for watchmaking, watches, and horology, then read on. I have also included links to useful apps and tools for watch owners. I hope you find this useful.
Apps
- Watchville (retired), get the Hodinkee App instead.
If you own a moon-phase watch, this app is essential. Just tape the moon icon in the top left and you can accurately set the phases of the moon.
Books
- Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time
This book is a must-read if you want to understand the importance of pocket watches, their role in navigation, and John Harrison who was obsessed with making an accurate pocket watch.
Guides
- Mechanical Watch Guide
If you really want to understand how a mechanical watch works, this is a beautiful interactive guide. You will finally understand your watch more than you ever have.
Instagram Accounts
- A Blog to Watch
Photos from their blog, although I do prefer the Hodinkee Instagram account. - Hodinkee
If you watch your feed full of beautiful watches, you can’t go past Hodinkee. - Wristwatch Revival
The official Instagram account of the YouTube channel is always interesting and educational.
Shopping
Aside from official sources, you may find the following helpful:
- Chrono24
The market for pre-owned watches, including hard-to-find models. - Joomashop
Grey market/Parallel imported watches.
If you’re looking to buy a good quality affordable watch, you may be interested in my blog post about the Top 5 best Casio watches.
TV Series / Movies
- Longitude
This is a dramatization of the Longitude book focused on John Harrison. It’s a two-part movie.
Stars Jeremy Irons and Michael Gambon (the latter played Dumbledore in Harry Potter). Very enjoyable.
Websites
- A Blog to Watch
A clever name and a good mix of articles on high-end and affordable watches. - Hodinkee
If you want to stay up to date on the latest news in mechanical watches, it’s a good read.
YouTube Channels
- Wristwatch Revival
This is compelling, the channel owner (Marshall) has no ego and a clear love of mechanical watches, and the videos chart a repair and educate you on the mechanics of watches.
PS. You can find all my watch-related blog posts here. If you want a list of useful websites for owners of traditional mechanical watch owners, this blog post is useful.
Important: I am not affiliated with any of the manufacturers, brands, services, or websites listed on this page and this is my personal experience. If you find this helpful and want to say thanks, please buy me a coffee or take a look at my book on Amazon. It keeps this page ad-free. Thank you!