A Man & His Watch by Matt Hranek
A Man & His Watch is a hardcover by Matthew Hranek, a watch collector and New York men's style figure, who traveled to interview owners and photograph 76 watches. Each one comes with its story: Paul Newman's Rolex Daytona, now worn by his daughter Clea, the Omega John F. Kennedy wore at his inauguration, the Rolex Sir Edmund Hillary had on Everest. The New York Times Style Magazine and Gear Patrol both praised it as a book about why watches matter to people. Rated 4.8 across more than 5,000 reviews on Amazon US, at about $24.
Why it makes a good gift
Best for : A man who wears one watch every day and knows its story.
Best occasion : Father's Day, his birthday, Christmas, a graduation.
Why it works : A man who already owns a good watch rarely needs another, but stories about Paul Newman's Daytona or Hillary's Rolex on Everest give him something new to talk about, and the book looks good on a coffee table.
Avoid if : He has no interest in watches.
For
Him, Friend
Budget
$$ — Affordable
Frequently asked questions
What is the book about?
The stories behind 76 watches and the men who wore them, with original photos of each piece.
Do you need to be a watch expert?
No, it is built around personal stories rather than technical details.
Is it a hardcover?
Yes.
