Vintage Book Help

[mfer]

Which one should I start with to learn a bit more about vintage pieces?

# Vintage Rolex Sports Models: A Complete Visual Reference & Unauthorized History by Martin Skeet

# Rolex Wristwatches: An Unauthorized History (Schiffer Book for Collectors) by James M. Dowling

# The Rolex Report: An Unauthorized Reference Book For The Rolex Enthusiast by John E. Brozek

# Something else that I didn't find on Amazon

[mailman]

Originally Posted by mfer

Which one should I start with to learn a bit more about vintage pieces?

# Vintage Rolex Sports Models: A Complete Visual Reference & Unauthorized History by Martin Skeet

# Rolex Wristwatches: An Unauthorized History (Schiffer Book for Collectors) by James M. Dowling

# The Rolex Report: An Unauthorized Reference Book For The Rolex Enthusiast by John E. Brozek

# Something else that I didn't find on Amazon

I own a copy of the first one you listed Mik. The info seems good compared to what I read here

[therolexguy]

They're all good. The 1st has all sport models (obviously), the second is one of the largest I've seen and has some great history on the company, and the last one has very good info on spotting fakes and a lot of model #'s and the differnces, etc. It all depends on your buget and why you're looking to read them. Good luck.

[mfer]

I can afford them all just fine. Just wondering if they are all worth buying or if one is crap, etc. I guess I'll order the sports vintage one first and go from there.

for the replies

[sakuraba]

I've read all three, but would choose the Vintage Rolex Sports Models book. It give more detail if you're into vintage watches, while the Dowling and Hess book is more historical, and the John Brozek book delves more on buying and not getting "e-screwed". All three are great.

The most detailed I have read are the books by Guido Mondani, but are really too expensive for me. Tempo King was selling one a while back for a good price.


Here's a link to the Mondani books:
http://www.collezionareorologi.it/index.php?lang=en

[mike]

Mik, I have all three and confess to using the Vintage Sports Model book the most.

The rap that the book usually takes from collectors is that the photos are computer generated and some of the information is a bit off the mark as new information has come to the fore and been comfirmed by collectors with watches "in the field".

Messers Dowling and Hess's book is a great read about all things Rolex and really gives a good insight into the early years.

The Mondani books are great but expensive.

I've said before any book reflects that "snapshot" in time during which it was composed, but with so much new information coming to light and the research done by collectors(some with amazing connections to the source) the web and forums such as this represent IMO an incredible source of information.

[mfer]

Thanks for all the input guys. I order the Vintage Rolex Sports Models: A Complete Visual Reference & Unauthorized History by Martin Skeet.

Need to read up so I don't bug you guys to death.

I'll tell you this, I kind of lost interest in Rolex lately, but these vintage pieces I've recently seen have certainly perked up my interest. And the prices on 5513, 1675 don't seem to bad either.

That being said, I'm still going to be tapping you guys before the big purchase (I hope).

[Tools]

Good choice..

As Mike said, some of the information is different than some of the other books mentioned..

But the reality is that Rolex is fact, myth, and guesswork.. Much of the guesswork (such as serial charts) seem to become "absolutes" when they are not.. ... and the same with books......... great references, but if new information comes to light, or new discoveries within the brand are found; it's est to keep an open mind.........