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PhilK · 7 October 2009, 06:20 PM

My wife has kindly offered to buy me a couple of Rolex Reference books for my upcoming Birthday (and Christmas)

. Having scoured Amazon etc, my current shortlist of two is "Vintage Rolex Sports Models (Published Aug 2008)" and "Rolex Wristwatches: An Unauthorised History (published June 2006)". I considered "The Rolex Report" but, ideally, wanted hardback as opposed to paperback. That book also has not been updated since 2002.

Can anyone think of any better books (without going OTT on budget) that I should be looking at? Has anyone bought these and been pleased/disappointed? Thoughts and views welcome.

Speed · 7 October 2009, 06:43 PM

I have the Sports Model book...Does not cover models past 1999 I think. Some history - not a lot. Read the digs by reviewers on Amazon.

I just ordered Rolex report - more for the history. Pricing is useless since the book is so dated. Cheap tho...

Looks like there is nothing really comprehensive out there - yet. Both of the foregoing books needs updates.

I think there is a very posh Rolex Sub book out there - if you can find it - for $600 USD. A bloody rip off if you ask me...Forgot the title.

The GMT Kid · 7 October 2009, 06:44 PM

The only one I would add:

"100 Superlative Rolex Watches" by John Goldberger

Singslinger · 7 October 2009, 06:59 PM

The two you've picked are probably among the better reference books. Certainly, the second one (I think by Dowling & Hess) is often considered to be the most comprehensive - packed full of interesting historical details and photos covering all Rolex watches, not just sports models.

The Rolex Report is more for collectors - it contains data on how to spot fakes, serial numbers for watches, bracelets and other such fine details. The photos are in black and white though, so it's visually not that attractive.

The GMT Kid · 7 October 2009, 07:55 PM

"Rolex Wristwatches: An Unauthorized History" and "Vintage Rolex Sports Models" are the two best Rolex reference books I own.

"100 Superlative Rolex Watches" is an incredible picture book for those who like to drool.

AK00 · 7 October 2009, 08:44 PM

Been shopping for Rolex books too! Thanks for the recommendations.

Have the Martin Skeet book for about 2 years now, very comprehensive in terms of illustrations but limited to Vintage Sports Models, literature wise - not that satisfactory.

Gonna order the 3 books now....

Deep Sea · 7 October 2009, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masugu

I have the Sports Model book...Does not cover models past 1999 I think. Some history - not a lot. Read the digs by reviewers on Amazon.....

I have this one also, and it is a great reference for all the different models in each series of the sport watches. As stated, does not really get into any of the modern stuff, but the pictures in it are exquisite. Other than a reference for vintage watches, this book is not much use (to me). But I like the pictures!

I have the Dowling & Hess book as well (Rolex Wristwatches: An Unauthorized History), and it's well-written with a lot of history. Does not spend a lot of time dwelling on any particular model, but gives a very detailed chronology of the brand.

PhilK · 8 October 2009, 10:24 PM

The above advice is very useful. It almost seems like there is a space in the market for an End to End authorative text on the subject. However, in the meantime, looks like the two I shortlisted are the ones to go for. Many thanks to those who came back to me.

ronintt · 9 October 2009, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The GMT Kid

The only one I would add:

"100 Superlative Rolex Watches" by John Goldberger

Ditto, though have ordered this:

http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9780764333804/

JBat · 9 October 2009, 04:55 AM

The Dowling & Hess book is excellent and you gives you a lot of background and history about the company, and tons of great pics of watches old and new. Lots of material.

rkb · 9 October 2009, 05:20 AM

I own the two you mentioned plus the Rolex Report. If I could only have one it would be the one on vintage sports models- very nice book.

rescue7 · 9 October 2009, 05:29 AM

My collection of books on Rolex watches include the following;

The Rolex Report
Vintage Rolex Sports Models
Rolex Daytona from birth to the myth
100 Superlative Rolex Watches and
The Best of Time Rolex Wristwatches.

I'd say 100 Superlative Rolex watches is the nicest and here's a link to a site that reviews a few Rolex books,

http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/book_reviews/

7 October 2009, 06:20 PM	#1
PhilK "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: London Posts: 192	Best Rolex Reference Books My wife has kindly offered to buy me a couple of Rolex Reference books for my upcoming Birthday (and Christmas). Having scoured Amazon etc, my current shortlist of two is "Vintage Rolex Sports Models (Published Aug 2008)" and "Rolex Wristwatches: An Unauthorised History (published June 2006)". I considered "The Rolex Report" but, ideally, wanted hardback as opposed to paperback. That book also has not been updated since 2002. Can anyone think of any better books (without going OTT on budget) that I should be looking at? Has anyone bought these and been pleased/disappointed? Thoughts and views welcome.

9 October 2009, 05:20 AM	#11
rkb "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Russell Location: Seattle Metro Watch: EXPORER II Posts: 605	I own the two you mentioned plus the Rolex Report. If I could only have one it would be the one on vintage sports models- very nice book. __________________

7 October 2009, 06:43 PM	#2
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,742	I have the Sports Model book...Does not cover models past 1999 I think. Some history - not a lot. Read the digs by reviewers on Amazon. I just ordered Rolex report - more for the history. Pricing is useless since the book is so dated. Cheap tho... Looks like there is nothing really comprehensive out there - yet. Both of the foregoing books needs updates. I think there is a very posh Rolex Sub book out there - if you can find it - for $600 USD. A bloody rip off if you ask me...Forgot the title.

7 October 2009, 06:44 PM	#3
The GMT Kid Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: S.F. Peninsula Watch: what you say! Posts: 815	The only one I would add: "100 Superlative Rolex Watches" by John Goldberger

7 October 2009, 06:59 PM	#4
Singslinger "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: singapore Posts: 6,425	The two you've picked are probably among the better reference books. Certainly, the second one (I think by Dowling & Hess) is often considered to be the most comprehensive - packed full of interesting historical details and photos covering all Rolex watches, not just sports models. The Rolex Report is more for collectors - it contains data on how to spot fakes, serial numbers for watches, bracelets and other such fine details. The photos are in black and white though, so it's visually not that attractive.

7 October 2009, 07:55 PM	#5
The GMT Kid Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: S.F. Peninsula Watch: what you say! Posts: 815	"Rolex Wristwatches: An Unauthorized History" and "Vintage Rolex Sports Models" are the two best Rolex reference books I own. "100 Superlative Rolex Watches" is an incredible picture book for those who like to drool.

7 October 2009, 08:44 PM	#6
AK00 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Alan Location: Shanghai Watch: 1665 Rail Dial Posts: 75	Been shopping for Rolex books too! Thanks for the recommendations. Have the Martin Skeet book for about 2 years now, very comprehensive in terms of illustrations but limited to Vintage Sports Models, literature wise - not that satisfactory. Gonna order the 3 books now....

8 October 2009, 10:24 PM	#8
PhilK "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: London Posts: 192	The above advice is very useful. It almost seems like there is a space in the market for an End to End authorative text on the subject. However, in the meantime, looks like the two I shortlisted are the ones to go for. Many thanks to those who came back to me.

9 October 2009, 04:55 AM	#10
JBat "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: John Location: Washington Watch: 16710, 16610, DJ Posts: 7,329	The Dowling & Hess book is excellent and you gives you a lot of background and history about the company, and tons of great pics of watches old and new. Lots of material.

9 October 2009, 05:29 AM	#12
rescue7 Banned Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Rescueguy Location: Here Watch: DSSD Posts: 1,129	My collection of books on Rolex watches include the following; The Rolex Report Vintage Rolex Sports Models Rolex Daytona from birth to the myth 100 Superlative Rolex Watches and The Best of Time Rolex Wristwatches. I'd say 100 Superlative Rolex watches is the nicest and here's a link to a site that reviews a few Rolex books, http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/book_reviews/

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