Review: Facts and Stories from the Ticking World 3 of Kristian Haagen
The name Kristian Haagen rings a Bell with most probably ur interested. For the uninitiated, it may be mentioned that he is the undisputed clock-journalist number one. He has participated in the popular television series about the auction house Bruun Rasmussen, where you can follow his career as, among other things, the assessment expert. He has also appeared in a smaller programme series about men and their passion, where he gave viewers an insight into his life surrounded by clocks. In addition, he is editor of several magazines and so ur-author. He has written five books on the subject. The last three were released in the series under the name Facts and stories from the ticking world. The latest book in the series was released on the 1. November 2013 and in this review, I will come with my assessment of it.
The book is superbly bound, and the front page boasted a Linde Werdelin SpidoSpeed Chronograph from the Danish brand. The book is on 304 pages of which by far the largest portion however, full-page photos, which makes the book relatively easy-. I think I read it in about three hours, so it is therefore not an all comprehensive watch-encyclopedia. However, it is also not the intention of this book is written so that everyone, regardless of their experience with watches, can follow with, so lends itself particularly well to the novice and new interested. In this connection I would also like to highlight his two previous books in the series, perhaps even more, can serve as a good introduction for new interested. Kristian Haagen manages namely on really fine show to convey his passion to the reader and it is almost impossible not to be drawn into “the ticking the world”, he with great zeal and tell joy recounts. So are you new in this hobby, the book clearly is recommended.
On the other hand, you have already employed you with this hobby for a long time, you should probably not expect to learn so much new. The book is easy-and the pictures domminerer, as I said, at the expense of the articles. The book is written with the phrase “show it, don t tell it ´” in mind, which I think makes good sense, as it is incredibly hard to capture beauty in words. Indeed, Some will note with some right argue that you can just see the beautiful pictures on the Web or in kate lodges, which we cannot deny. Seen in that light can the 400 crowns as the book costs seem expensive, but personally, I think it adds something more to the experience to sit and browse through the beautiful watches in a deliciously done book. If you think the price is reasonable in this context is a subjective assessment.
Personally, I think that has interested me for watches in many years, despite the above criticism, the book is worth to spend some hours in the company of. Kristian Haagen is good at telling stories, and that is what the book imparts to me as a reader; good stories about exciting watches. Especially the chapter about Jan Stages Rolex GMT-master REF. 1675 is exciting and an interesting angle on it to report on watches. Watches fascinate with their history and the fact emotions associated with them — not just with numbers, and mechanics.
If you want to learn how a clock function from A to Z, you are disappointed when you read Kristian’s book. I will also admit that the many pictures domminerer a little too much in relation to the written content, but if you want to hear the good stories that attach themselves to the small mechanical marvels we carry on the arm everyday through our whole lives, are Facts and Stories from the ticking world 3 is an excellent place to look. The book costs 400 dollars.
Have you read the book and what do you think of it? Do you know of any other good books on the subject, you can recommend? Drop a comment in the comment box and share your opinion.