As a watch enthusiast who’s been watching watches for many years, there is virtually an unlimited quantity of content available encompassing watches, their culture, their history, their technical capacity, and so much more. Whether it’s fact or opinion, more and more people every day are beginning to publish works discussing watches and culture.
Sometimes though, I just want to step away from watch discussion and commentary and simply pick up a book and immerse myself in a story that involves watches. An opportunity to let my brain relax while still touching my passion and hobby at the fringes.
So I started researching what else is out there. What authors have written stories that touch on horology and watch collecting? Here are three books and two short stories I found:
1. “The Watchmaker of Filigree Street” by Natasha Pulley
This novel follows Thaniel Steepleton, a telegraphist whose life is saved by a mysterious watch, leading him to Keita Mori, its enigmatic Japanese maker. Set in Victorian London, the novel blends mystery, fantasy, and historical fiction, exploring themes of fate, friendship, and technology.
2. “The Watchmaker’s Daughter” by C.J. Archer
India Steele, a watchmaker’s daughter, loses everything after her father’s death. Desperate, she becomes an assistant to the enigmatic Matthew Glass, a man searching for a magical watch. Also set in Victorian London, this novel blends mystery, romance, and supernatural elements.
3. “The Clockmaker’s Daughter” by Kate Morton
This novel weaves together multiple timelines, centered on Birchwood Manor. It follows the mysterious disappearance of artist Edward Radcliffe’s muse, Lily Millington, in 1862. Spanning over 150 years, it explores themes of love, loss, and the lasting impact of secrets, narrated by those connected to the house.
4. “The Watchmaker of Everton” by Georges Simenon
An ordinary watchmaker, Dave Galloway, sees his life unravel when his son, Ben, becomes involved in a robbery and murder. As Dave grapples with his son’s crime and his own feelings of guilt and responsibility, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.
5. “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe
While not entirely centered around horology, Edgar Allan Poe’s classic short story involves a clock metaphor. The narrator, who insists on his sanity while describing the meticulous murder of an old man with a “vulture eye,” references the sound of a beating heart, comparing it to “a watch makes when enveloped in cotton.” This comparison emphasizes the narrator’s heightened senses and growing madness.
These tales, blending mystery, history, and even a touch of the supernatural, offer a unique way to indulge in a love for timepieces while diving into gripping narratives. Whether you’re looking for a deep dive into the world of watchmaking or just a passing reference, these stories provide the perfect escape while still touching on the fringes of your horological passion.
Whether you’re a seasoned watch collector or simply someone who appreciates the artistry and craftsmanship of timepieces, these novels and stories offer a unique way to explore the world of horology through the lens of fiction. They allow us to step away from the technicalities and debates often surrounding watches, and instead, immerse ourselves in captivating tales where timepieces play a significant, if sometimes subtle, role. Each story, in its own way, reminds us of the powerful connection between time, memory, and human experience. So next time you’re looking for a good read, why not choose a story that ticks in rhythm with your passion for watches?
