Rolex Wristwatches: An Unauthorized History (Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

by James M. Dowling (Author), Jeffrey P. Hess (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The name Rolex is recognized around the world. It has become an icon of beauty, quality, accuracy, style, and taste. While there are other fine manufacturers of timepieces, none has reached this pinnacle of public respect and acclaim. The watches produced by Rolex over the last 100 years are celebrated in this lavishly illustrated classic, now in a revised and expanded third edition. Over 30 newly discovered wristwatches are included in this volume, along with new information and a revised value guide. In addition there are detailed looks at some of Rolex's legendary movements. Dowling and Hess, both acknowledged Rolex authorities, have captured the watches' beauty in color photography and present the most thorough and extensive history written of the company. The watches and the extensive information this book offeres to collectors make it a truly useful volume, one that will be cherished by watch lovers around the world.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing; 3rd edition (June 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764324373
• ISBN-13: 978-0764324376
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #170,112 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

72 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Although it has its problems, I recommend this book, August 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Rolex Wristwatches: An Unauthorized History (Hardcover)

There are few decent books available about Rolex watches. Therefore, Dowling and Hess' massive tome on the subject is an extremely welcome addition to the subject. Their book is definitely well-researched, producing what is currently the definitive book on Rolex. Brief but informative chapters about some of the most recognizable Rolex designs (e.g., Explorer, Submariner, Daytona, OysterQuartz...) are augmented by beautiful color reproductions of the models they discuss. Furthermore, the authors provide very informative chapters regarding the Perpetual movement, chronometers, and the history of the company. Simply stated, this is THE Rolex book. If you love Rolex, this book is a must.

While the book, as a whole, is excellent, there are still some areas that I feel prevent it from being a 5-star book. First, the chapters could have been expanded to include more information about the watches. For example, the chapter on the Sumariner and Sea-Dweller (Ch. 12), while providing the basic underlying premises and history for both models, is far too brief. As with some of the other chapters, the authors should have included more information, even if that meant deleting a few pictures. While the authors obviously uncovered a lot of new information (mostly technical, to their credit), their text also "recycles" facts that most Rolex aficionados already know. Perhaps the book is intended for the generalist as well as the specialist; however, the short chapters create a text that cannot fully meet the needs of either. Secondly, the book could have used some additional editing. The writing is acceptable, but for such an expensive book a few more drafts could have smoothed out the prose style, which is at times a little rough and detracts from the subject.

In sum, while I love this book because it is certainly the best book about Rolex that exists, it is also likely that it will not fully meet the needs of many people who purchase it. Maybe there is a need for two volumes: one that is intended for the novice, and one that is intended for the experienced collector. In this book, it seems as though Dowling and Hess try to placate everybody, but they do so with mixed success, revealing the book's limitations as well as its strengths. But go ahead and buy the book for its strengths alone--it is definitely worth it.

34 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource, though not 100% accurate, April 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Rolex Wristwatches: An Unauthorized History (Hardcover)

James Dowling et al have written one of the best books on Rolex watches available. Though not 100% accurate, it is well worth the wealth of information. If you like pictures of Rolex watches, this book is for you. Never have I seen so many interesting pics of Wilsdorf creations. If you're looking for a less expensive and smaller book chock full of Rolex data (no pics), then you might consider The Rolex Reference Guide - 2nd Edition by Charlie Jarman. But if you want gloss and in depth Rolex history, buy Dowling's book. Heck, go ahead and buy both!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best Rolex reference history book., August 15, 2007

By	James Scalici (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Its worth every penny if you want a reference book on Rolex. No book comes close.
The pictures and quality are fantastic, It is a reference book and not a book that is light reading, its full of heavy detail on every Rolex ever made up to 1999.
Another edition should be due about now, for updates.
I 100% recommend to any Rolex enhusiast, Rolex dealer or Rolex collector. There simply is no book with more detail on the market.