Matt HranekA Man & His Watch: Iconic Watches and Stories from the Men Who Wore Them

I am a watch guy! I am also a guy who reads about watches, learning more about the tradition and history behind the watchmaker and the company, while learning about the product releases since the company’s inception.But I saw a book that was different from watch books that I typically read.I decided to give Matt Hranek’s October 2017 book “A Man & His Watch: Iconic Watches and Stories from the Men Who Wore Them” a try because it’s a book in which men share their stories of an important watch (or watches) that have true meaning for them.May they be watches they received from a loved one, a friend or something they won from a competition, I believe there is a story behind a watch for some owners and that is what made me interested in giving this book a try.The hardcover book comes with a slipcase (with both sides opened) and the book features the cover of a Model 6263 Big Red Rolex Daytona once owned by the late Paul Newman and now owned by his youngest daughter Clea, who can be seen in many interviews and events sporting the watch.For those not familiar with the watch, the Paul Newman watch is the most expensive of all time. There are two Rolex Daytona watches which Paul Newman owned, one he wore from 1969 through 1984 which was a Model 6239 Rolex Daytona which he gave to his daughter Nell’s boyfriend at the time, James Cox, who didn’t own a watch and Paul Newman gave his old watch to him.James had it in his possession for many years until 2016 when he contacted renown auctioneer Aurel Bacs and that Paul Newman’s Model 6239 Rolex Daytona was sold in October 2017 at an auction by Philips for $17,752,500 and has now become the most expensive watch ever.The watch is the “holy grail” for hardcore watch collectors and is known as the Paul Newman watch.The watch had the inscription “Drive Careful, Me” (which his wife Joanne Woodward gifted him back in 1969) but the reason why Newman gave it to a young Cox at the time, aside from him not having a watch, was also the fact that Joanne bought him a new Model 6263 Big Red Rolex Daytona which had the inscription “Drive Slowly, Joanne”.Clea Newman decided to sell the watch in December 2020, consigning it to an auction with proceeds benefiting charitable organizations founded by Paul Newman.But these are stories that I find fascinating. How people come across watches, may they be luxury watches or inexpensive watches, just reading those stories is something I enjoy reading about.And numerous stories are featured in Matt Hranek’s “A Man & His Watch: Iconic Watches and Stories from the Men Who Wore Them”.While I’m not going to discuss many of the stories featured (because if you are interested in watches, I really do want you to check this book out!), you do have numerous people such as Mario Andretti, Dimitri Dimitrov, Kikuo Ibe, James Lamdin, Paul Boutros, Mark Cho, Kenta Watanabe, Tom Sachs, Josh Condon and many more individuals who contributed to this book.Featuring great macro shots of the watch on a black background (just the front of the case/dial with part of the strap from the top and bottom), I had a great time reading this book, but since it’s shorter at around over 216 pages, I made sure to read two entries a day, so I can thoroughly enjoy the book.There was one review that he found the book “boring” and “uninspired” because they are not “watch guys”, while I respect one’s opinion, personally for me, I’m a watch guy but I enjoyed this book because they are not all “watch guys”. There are more than enough watch bulletin boards/forums to read from watch guys who come across a watch.I don’t want to read a story about a person who scored a cool watch on eBay, or bought a watch at a cool deal from a seller/trader on a popular watch forum. I want genuine stories from people, from all facets of life, who kept a watch they were given, no matter if they were “watch guys” or not, why the watch they kept has meaning.While I’m sure there are many men who have received cool watches handed down to them or those who scored a luxury watch at an estate sale, personally I feel these stories can continue on for a volume 2 of “A Man & His Watch”, which I hope Hranek does consider.I feel that this book can be utilized as a coffee table book for those who need a middle-sized book to stack upon a larger book. For me, if I was to enter someone’s home and saw this book on their coffee table, it would be a good communication starter and heck, I would buy this book immediately just knowing what it’s about.I personally discovered this book actually looking for a Rolex historical coffee table book and saw this come up on the search and immediately had to give it a try and so glad I did. It’s the kind of book you don’t see being made. Watch books are usually about the history or are watch photo books, this one is quite special and unique and I’m grateful to Hranek for working on this book and hope for a second volume!Matt Hranek’s “A Man & His Watch: Iconic Watches and Stories from the Men Who Wore Them” is highly recommended!

This book was set up as a back drop for a watch timing video I watched. Never heard of it, so I found it here. This is truly a piece of art! Not just for the content, but also for how intricate the book is made. Just beautiful! I like watches, but wouldn’t consider myself a collector. I literally read this entire book the day I received it. The individual stories are captivating. This book is a perfect gift for anyone with the slightest interest in watches and some very big named people that were them. Just awesome!

5/5 RatingThis book is everything and more. Recently started getting into watches I've must've watched a hundred videos in the last month or so, from Teddy Baldesarre, Roman Sharf, Nico Leonard, The Grey Market Youtube channel. CRM Jewelry, you name it I've watched it. Watching these videos / channels showed me just how little I knew about watches. Not only can watches can be flex showpieces and collectibles, but they can say a lot about your time, your appreciation for the art and how they're made. I currently have two watches and trust me, they're in the $200 and lower price range. But as I learn more I'm slowly getting ready to make a larger purchase.Anyways, back to the book. this thing is truly a work of art. The imaghs in this book are SUPERB. There's a story connected with every watch highlighted. It even has a a story from Nas the rapper as he explains what his favorite watches are and how watches were viewed growing up in Queens.This is a phenomenal Coffee table book as well as a discussion piece for anyone who loves watches. Great purchase and an even greater gift for a special someone.ProsPhenomenal PicturesNice storiesHigh level imagesWork of ArtConsNone

It is interesting to read about famous relationships - this time between watches and owners. This book gives you insight to both the object and the owner while entertaining you as well. You probably won't read straight through it (though I did), but it's better to savor each interesting story and thus come back to the book later for more fun. Enjoy the read.

I picked up A Man & His Watch as part of a gift for my dad’s 80th birthday, alongside an 80-year-old Omega, and it couldn’t have been more fitting. This book is more than just pictures of iconic watches—it’s about the stories behind them, the people who wore them, and why they mattered. Without getting too sentimental, it these stories that helps keep watches relevant and always have a place (for me anyway) in the world of tech.✔ Beautifully Done – The photography is stunning, and the stories bring real meaning to the watches featured.✔ More Than Just a Coffee Table Book – Sure, it looks great sitting out, but it’s also a fantastic read for any watch enthusiast.✔ Perfect for Watch Lovers – Whether they collect watches or just appreciate them, this book makes a thoughtful and timeless gift.If you (or someone you know) loves watches, this is a must-have. My dad loved it, and it made the milestone birthday even more special.

The photos and stories are what make this book so much fun to read and enjoy. Its not a long book and the photography is excellent. Some of the watches are real gems, others not so much. Perfect gift for the watch geek in your life.

I usually don't take the time to write reviews but I have to say this book confirmed for me all the reasons why I became obsessed with watches. Itas a quick read with great photos and with the slip case it's a perfect coffee table book. If you or someone you know loves watches this is a no-brainer gift.

I purchased this as a gift, and when it arrived it was shrink-wrapped and well-packaged. The book slides into a hard outer sleeve. The detailed photography is gorgeous! This is a great gift for any guy who loves fine timepieces. A seriously cook coffee table book.