The Rise and Decline of England's Watchmaking Industry, 1550–1930.

"The Rise and Decline of England's Watchmaking Industry, 1550–1930" by Alun C. Davies explores the history of the English watchmaking industry from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The book highlights the formation and growth of the industry, with a focus on the contributions of Huguenot immigrants and the establishment of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. It also discusses the challenges faced by English watchmakers, including competition from cheaper Swiss watches and the failure to adopt protectionist tariffs and modernize production methods. The book concludes with an analysis of the decline and disappearance of the English watchmaking industry in the late 19th century, attributed to the industrialization of production in the United States and Switzerland. Despite not addressing contemporary research issues, the book is praised for its use of archival documentation and integration of technical characteristics of watches into the narrative. It is recommended for those interested in the history of industrial dynamics and the decline of manufacturing in Europe. [Extracted from the article]