Investing in Wristwatches


Book Description

- An important new reference for all Rolex lovers and collectors - Written by experts Osvaldo Patrizzi and Mara Cappelletti and introduced by the Chairman of Sotheby's International Watch Division, Daryn F. Schnipper - 385 key models, with analysis of details and prices realized at auction - Contains a history of luxury wristwatch auctions and relevant information for collectors looking to invest - The first part of a series, with Investing in Wristwatches: Patek Philippe to follow Why do we collect? For some, it is a pursuit of pure passion - those who appreciate the wristwatch as an artform: the intricacy of its mechanics, the finesse of its form. Yet for others, collecting is an investment, and a watch's value is of as much importance as its appearance. All collectors ought to have a guide to models and market value. Investing in Wristwatches: Rolex offers detailed insights into the world of authenticating and pricing high-value wristwatches, which will be of use to collectors from amateur to connoisseur. This publication includes the vast majority of key Rolex models, along with their relevant auction results. The timepieces featured have been carefully selected by Senior Horological Expert, Osvaldo Patrizzi. These wristwatches excel for a diverse range of reasons, including technical excellence, auction records, design and anecdotal history. A description of each watch is accompanied by its picture, reference and sales values (rights included). A comparative analysis of auction results, compiled through close collaboration with the Sotheby's auction house, shows, by brand and timepiece, the evolution of prices over time, leading from the Eighties up to the present day. A system to calculate the currency exchange rate at the time of auction sales will also be included in this vital work of reference.




The Book of Rolex


Book Description

- An exhaustive appraisal of the Rolex watch, including studies of vintage models, current designs and special editions- Learn how to spot fakes using the same clues as the experts- Invaluable to any watch-lover, especially aspiring Rolex collectorsHorological trends flit by faster than ever in today's fast-paced society. But Rolex does not rely on gimmicks; theirs is a more perennial allure, with a reputation built on traditions and hard-earned skill. A company that innovates while paying homage to their roots, every Rolex is the cumulation of centuries of watchmaking expertise. Within this book you will find explanations of the making process, descriptions of the materials involved and expert commentary on what makes each Rolex wristwatch unique. The Book of Rolex demonstrates how each model fits its social milieu, present and past. It also addresses the multitude of fakes on the market, including the so-called 'Frankensteins' - watches made from a mixture of real parts and forgeries, which are notoriously hard to spot - imparting all the skills needed to pick counterfeits out of a line-up. A holistic view of Rolex watches, this book promises to be as timeless as the brand itself. Should you be considering a Rolex, this book will convince you of its worth as an investment.




Vintage Rolex


Book Description

'A gorgeously indulgent new coffee-table heavyweight.' - Esquire magazine 'An ode, a love letter, and a paean to family tradition while also being a celebration of the longevity of the Rolex brand, this tome is encyclopedic and monumental in its scope.' - New York Journal of Books For more than a century, Rolex has stood apart as the most legendary brand of watch in the world. Ever the record setter--the Daytona, belonging to actor Paul Newman, was auctioned by Phillips in New York in October 2017 for $17.8 million--it comes as no surprise that Rolex is the most collected watch label in the world. Published to celebrate The Vintage Watch Company's 25th anniversary in 2020, the book contains a unique pictorial collection of vintage Rolex watches that have passed through the shop during the past 25 years. From early Rolex pocket watches to the world's first wristwatches, elegant in their simplicity yet revolutionary in their impact, to the very first Submariners, iconic Daytonas, and jewel-encrusted Crown collections, the mesmerizing archive of vintage timepieces charts the extraordinary rise of an extraordinary brand.




Moonwatch Only


Book Description

"Initially designed for automobile racing teams and engineers, the OMEGA Speedmaster embarked on a very different trajectory when NASA chose it to accompany astronauts heading for the Moon in 1965. Its involvement in the space adventure has propelled the Moonwatch to the top of the list of celebrated timepieces. After years of research and observation, the authors present a complete panorama of the Moonwatch in a systematic work that is both technical and attractive, making it the inescapable reference book for this legendary watch. This third edition has been enriched with 17 new models, revised information and a new chapter featuring pictures of astronauts and their Speedmasters."--Back cover.




The Vintage Rolex Field Manual


Book Description

A comprehensive, data-driven desk reference guide, to the world's favorite vintage watches. A companion to the acclaimed Field Guide, this is an enhanced, revised and extended edition with richer content and more data.




Patek Philippe


Book Description

"The distinctive watches from Patek Philippe are among the finer things of this world. Long valued for their precision and elegance, here they are appreciated as well for their financial value and its potential for growth. This book serves as a guide for watch collectors and investors alike."--Jacket.




The Watch Collector's Guide to Divers


Book Description

A beautifully arranged book for wristwatch enthusiasts and collectors. Each model is objectively evaluated or its performance and value for the money. Illustrated with stunning color photography and printed on quality stock in the US.




Rolex Daytona Story


Book Description

PRESENTATION: LEARN EVERYTHING ABOUT MODERN AND VINTAGE ROLEX DAYTONA ROLEX DAYTONA STORY describes every single Daytona reference, from its origin until today providing all the essential details for collectors, enthusiasts and dealers. All references are presented with the dates of the beginning and of the end of production; each model is illustrated with all those characteristics that determine the value and the rarity of the watch. All the illustrations in this volume are exactly what collectors have always dreamt of: large, beautiful and depicting every little detail of all the watches. Are you a watch collector and want to know every little detail about Rolex Daytona? Have you only recently approached the world of Rolex watches and are you looking for reliable answers to your doubts? Are you a watch dealer and want to know exactly what you buy or sell? Do you want to know the real value of your Daytona watches? Do you want to know the real value of your Daytona chronographs? For all this and much more, this book is perfect for you Attached are the updated estimates of all published watches. TOPICS The important dates of the Daytona, the chronological production table, the “Paul Newman” dials, the Daytona dial makers, the Greek letter “sigma”, the customized dials, the faded dials, the calibers used and their differences, the aftermarket dials, the push-buttons, the bezels, thewinding crowns, the “underline” dials, the “Tropical Dials”, the bracelets, the gold hallmarks, the enamel dials, regular 6 and inverted 6, the updated estimates of all published watches. All models are accompanied by the descriptions of all those characteristics that determine the value and the rarity of the watch, such as: Bezels – Bracelets – Buttons – Calibers – Case back – Cases -Dials – Dials with changing color – Diameter – Hallmarks – Hands – Indexes – Inverted 6 – Lugs – Movements – Papers – References with their period of production – Sigma – Spare parts – Winding Crown.




Rolex


Book Description

The history of Rolex is inextricably linked to its founder Hans Wilsdorf, who took the first steps in the world of Swiss watchmaking as he dreamed about a timepiece that could be worn around the wrist. This experimental research led Rolex to achieve its highest goals in both technological innovation and in the use of the finest materials alone. Its models have been photographed on the wrists of political leaders, sports champions, and film and fashion celebrities, transforming each Rolex into a fully-fledged status symbol, a synonym of elegance and precision. Including essays with a historical and technical slant, in-depth descriptions of the most representative pieces and a brief glossary, the pages in this book sparkle with golden hands, diamond-studded dials and patent-leather watchbands, illustrated in period photographs and macro-detail. The volume ends with a chapter dedicated to the most amazing auctions that saw the sale of the Geneva-based company's vintage watches. AUTHOR: Mara Cappelletti, journalist and consultant for many publications by antiquarians and jewellery historians, she is also a professor of the history of jewellery at the Istituto Superiore di Arte Orafa Galdus. In collaboration with Osvaldo Patrizzi, watch collector and world-class watch expert. SELLING POINTS: * The history, icons, and the record-breaking models of the Geneva-based Rolex watch company * A lavishly illustrated book for the lovers of watches, elegance and precision 150 colour illustrations




Moonwatch Only


Book Description

-A new edition of this definitive book, marking the 60th anniversary of the Speedmaster -Includes new features and additional historical information "The OMEGA Speedmaster Professional - the Moonwatch - has done things that no other timepiece has done and it has been worn in places that only a few human beings have been." - Captain Eugene Cernan, last man on the moon "It is an indescribable reference work and a true must-have for every Speedmaster collector." - Forbes There are very few timepieces in the world that deserve a definitive and comprehensive book. The OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is one of them. Initially designed for automobile racing teams and engineers, the Omega Speedmaster embarked on a very different trajectory when NASA chose it to accompany astronauts heading for the Moon in 1965. Its involvement in the space adventure has propelled the Moonwatch to the top of the list of celebrated timepieces. After years of research and observation, the authors present a complete panorama of the Moonwatch in a systematic work that is both technical and attractive, making it the unparalleled reference book for this legendary watch. This new edition, marking the 60th anniversary of the Speedmaster, has been enriched with numerous new features and additional historical information. Contents: Foreword by Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA; Foreword by Captain Eugene Cernan, Commander of Apollo 17; Why a Speedmaster Moonwatch guide?; Part 1 - Speedmaster History; 1, Major Dates; 2, Speedmaster and NASA 25; Part 2 - Main Components and Accessories; 1, An Original Approach; 2, The Caliber; 3, The Caseband; 4, The Dial; 5, The Bezel; 6, The Hands; 7, The Caseback; 8, The Crown; 9, The Pushers; 10, The Glass; 11, The Bracelet; 12, The Presentation Box; 13, The Documents; Part 3 - The Models; 1, Introduction; 2, Standard Production; 3, Special and Limited Series; 4, Personalized Models and Special Projects; 5, The Alaska Project; Part 4 - 60 Years of Innovation; Part 5 - How to Start Collecting Speedmasters; 1, Budget; 2, Choosing a Model; 3, Sales Channels; Part 6 - Appendices; 1, Model Codes; 2, Tables & Bibliography; 3, Contributions; 4, Identification Aid