George DanielsAll in Good Time: Reflections of a Watchmaker

A Rather dry and un-emotive tome, but I found it quite interesting. The description of George's early life I found particularly interesting, and helped explain the personality of the author. It's a rather odd autobiography, though as it's a book almost entirely devoted to the author's career and interests: the author reveals almost nothing of his own self, and even less of his personal life (the "existence" of his wife and daughter merit probably 1/2 a page of the entire book..

I've been a complication watch and horology enthusiast as well as watch collector for coming on 30 years. For any serious enthusiast of the mechanical watch, the name George Daniels should not escape you. And so, I was greatly looking forward to this work of biography; not the least because I've found details of his life hard to come by in magazines and media through the years. Perhaps it's due to my great admiration for the man's contribution to modern horology that it would have been nigh impossible not enjoy his autobiography. If you are a keen fan of watches and all things horology, including the giants of the industry, I reckon you will enjoy this book. Daniels write in a way that only a British can, with all the idiosyncratic and charming language that is almost unique to the pre-internet world. I enjoyed the book almost as much for Daniel's writing style as the subject matter. The first half of the book talks about Daniel's harsh and lean upbringing and pre-adult years. It's not hard to see it is this background that has made him the man of character he became. The second quarter of the book starts to drill into his interest in watchmaking. The third quarter discusses his maturity as a watchmaker but also delves into his passion for antique cars. For the reader who doesn't care for this subject, this part may read a bit dry. But the book as a whole is not a long read so I skimmed through this part and found myself benefitting a bit from Daniel's knowledge of the provenance of a number of marque names from the world of contemporary car manufacturers. Daniels returned to the world of watches in the final quarter of the book. Some readers have found the second half of the book a rehash of the first. I had a different take: here, I though Daniels fleshed out quite a bit more details of the vignettes that he'd introduced in the second quarter of the book. It made for interesting reading to read about his dealings with some of the technocrats (more like bureaucrats!) in the haloed halls of some of the most celebrated brands in the Swiss watch industry. The last quarter of the book also includes a light compendium of some of Daniel's most important watches.If you are a true watch enthusiast in all its different facets, you will enjoy this book and can't help taking to this book like a mini conversation with George Daniel. His strength of character really comes through in this biography. I certainly felt a sigh of sadness when the book came to an end and especially the thought that the author is no longer with us. Daniels was/is so much alive in this book. Whilst I purchased and read the Kindle version, I'll definitely be ordering the hardcopy of his seminal work "Watches" co-authored with his close friend, Sam Clutton. Fives starts for this autobiography and I definitely recommend it to all watch and horology enthusiasts.

Perhaps Daniels might have benefited by having a ghost writer. The book is a bit verbose. That said, it is a wonderful read, in particular, if watches are your thing. He talks at length about their design and making them. He also talks about his life long love of motor cars and racing. The man climbed and made his mark and without a doubt is to be saluted for his accomplishments. More than that, one senses he was wonderful person, keeping his ego in check and remaining humble while achieving star status.

I first became interested in horology several years ago, and through my research into the subject became introduced to the work of George Daniels. I've been interested in this book for some time, and with the 2018 printing and a drop in retail price, I purchased a copy.I have two other works by George, _Watchmaking_, and _The Practical Watch Escapement_, both of which I very much enjoy. George's writing style is very direct and to the point. He states his opinion of things as he sees them, and generally does not mince words, nor use a lot of embellishments.This book is written in the same style: direct, matter-of-fact, to the point, and often without emotion. He spends a lot of time on his childhood and the difficult circumstances of his upbringing, which gives some insight into his personality, work ethic, and interests. Apart from that, however, there isn't much of a focus on his personal life. Most of the narrative revolves around his efforts to build his various watches, vocational pursuits, and his interactions with others in the watch industry, particularly the Swiss industry. All of these things are interesting, but I was hoping for more of a picture of what George was like as a person, his thoughts on various subjects (not just watches and motor cars) and what life for him was like. Nevertheless, like his other books it is a very good read.There are many pictures in the book, taken throughout the years, including many pictures of the various watches he created. All of these add to the book, but some of the pictures have appeared in other works (like _Watchmaking_).In the back of the book is a section written by Roger W. Smith, George Daniels' only apprentice. This is a fascinating read, as it gives us a look, from another person's point of view, of what George was like, and also how George helped influence and shape the life of another. Roger has of course become a master watchmaker in his own right, and George Daniels' work lives on through the work of Roger. Roger's story is a fascinating one all on its own, and I hope at some point Roger will also release an autobiography.New to the 2018 printing is a two-page list of George Daniels' entire watch production.

This book is a must read for anyone interested in watchmaking. The book cronicles his life, as well as his successful struggle to have his new co-axial escapement invention accepted by the Swiss. It is now used in high-end Omega watches. Many great color pictures of his watches are included, as well as pictures of the automobiles he restored and raced.Watchmakers will find his detailed explaination of the co-axial escapement especially useful.Having met Mr. Daniels several times over the years, I found his book especially interesting. It is highly recommended.

Absolutely amazing book I would recommend it to any aspiring watchmaker or enthusiast

I loved this intriguing history of one man's obsession with perfection and technology. The world is a better place for people like George Daniels - for whom art and craft were a priority. George spends 16-hour days working on his clocks and watches - and his 'spare' time fixing up old cars to enjoy in races and social events. What a character!

Uma história de vida fascinante que se confunde com o desenvolvimento do movimento co-axial hoje utilizado pela OMEGA.DE um menino pobre ao mais respeitado relogoeiro do século XX

I bought this book for my husband and he loved it. He couldn't put it down. Since my husband was growing up in England at the time the author was writing and also had an interest in old cars and motorcycles as well as watches--in other words--all things mechanical-----he found it a trip down memory lane. Now, in his retirement, he is an avid restorer of antique clocks so found this book a delight. It is well written although at times a little disjointed . This is not a book for those wishing to learn how to repair watches or clocks but as the title states---the reflections of a watchmaker.

Being a trade watch repairer in the UK, it makes me very proud to be part of this community especially with George Daniels and Roger Smith being such honest and straightforward craftsmen. It's an inspiration and a reminder sometimes, we are all human, and don't forget where you came from. A must read for the aspiring watchmaker and the so needed apprentices coming into the field.