The work is progressive, beginning with simple clocks and watches and proceeding to the more complicated types. The tools and apparatus needed are described and illustrated. The clocks dealt with are mainly the more modern types of mechanical clock but attention is given also to movements of the older long case and fusee types, as many of them are now being repaired as a result of the great interest shown in antique clocks. The chapters on watch repairing deal with chronographs and repeaters as well as self-winding mechanisms. The latest developments in ultrasonic cleaning of horological movements and their electronic timing are described and illustrated.

Donald de Carle was a Fellow and Medallist of the British Horological Institute by virtue of being a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. Mr. de Carle's earlier book, Practical Watch Repairing, has enjoyed a phenomenal success, running into many editions, and has been translated into several languages. He contributed to the Encyclopedia Britannica and was the author of many other horological works.