Precious Watches from the 16th to the 19th Century

Precious Watches from the 16th to the 19th Century by Enrico Morpurgo is a richly illustrated history of Italian watchmaking, published by Omega Publications in Milan. While no exact year appears on many bibliographic records, the book is often cited as circa 1964 in antiquarian and second-hand listings. Spanning approximately 112 pages, the volume combines aesthetic appreciation with horological scholarship to present rare and exquisite timepieces from Renaissance to early industrial periods.

Morpurgo offers a historical survey of watchmakers, design trends, and mechanical development through the centuries, charting how techniques evolved from early portable clocks to finely finished pocket watches. The book features high-quality color and monochrome photographs, illustrative plates, and detailed commentary on case styles, movements, ornamentation and the influence of regional Italian craftsmanship on broader European watchmaking. The survey also situates these precious watches within art-historical and social contexts, illustrating how patronage, technology, and aesthetics intertwined.

For collectors, watch historians, horologists and design enthusiasts, Precious Watches from the 16th to the 19th Century is a treasure. It offers not merely a catalogue of antiques, but a window into the cultural and technical heritage of Italian horology. The Omega Publications edition is especially evocative — combining luxury, scholarship and archival depth — making it a must-have reference for those fascinated by the art and science of timekeeping.