"Absolutely essential for all the connoisseurs and Rolex lovers." - Laura Astrologo Porche, celebremagazine world 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. Rolex: Investing in Wristwatches 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.

"A Chronometer is a precision watch, which is regulated in various positions and at different temperatures and has received a certificate to that effect." This definition of a chronometer was formulated in 1951 by the Organization of Swiss Watch Manufacturers. This book gives a detailed account of chronometer testing for wristwatches in Europe, with information about testing methods, procedures, and guidelines. as well as participating makers based on Swiss Testing Agencies' yearly reports from 1925 and the Swiss Observatories' reports kept between 1941 and 1967. More than 60 chronometer wristwatches by known makers are discussed, as well as their tests. Types of errors and their possible causes will be pinpointed. Practical chronometer testing will be taught, as will the differences between chronometer and non-chronometer wristwatches from various European countries. In addition to the many photographs in the illustration section, a register listing more than 300 Swiss watch manufacturers who made chronometer wristwatches will be very useful. The reader also receives hints about fakes and forgeries.