Swiss Information – Tourism & Products

Hot Rolex Watch History Information

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 makers of timepieces, none has reached this pinnacle of public respect and acclaim. The watches formulated 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 came upon wristwatches are included in this volume, along with new data and a revised value guide. In addition there are elaborated looks at a great deal of of Rolex's legendary movements. Dowling and Hess, both acknowledged Rolex authorities, have captured the watches' beauty in color photography and present the most indepth and spacious history written of the company. The watches and the spacious data this book offeres to collectors make it a genuinely utile volume, one that will be cherished by watch lovers around the world.

Most helpful client reviews

75 of 82 people found the following review helpful.
Although it has it is problems, I commend this book
By A
There are few decent books available in regards to Rolex watches. Therefore, Dowling and Hess' massive tome on the subject is an exceedingly welcome addition to the subject. Their book is unquestionably well-researched, fabricating what is presently the definitive book on Rolex. Brief but informative chapters with regards to a lot of of the most recognizable Rolex designs (e.g., Explorer, Submariner, Daytona, OysterQuartz...) are augmented by gorgeous color reproductions of the models they discuss. Furthermore, the writers 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 numerous areas that I feel prevent it from being a 5-star book. First, the chapters could have been expanded to include more info when it comes to 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 a lot of of the other chapters, the writers will have to have included more information, even if that meant deleting a few pictures. While the writers evidently uncovered a lot of new selective information (mostly technical, to their credit), their text likewise "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 invent a text that can not totally meet the needs of either. Secondly, the book could have applied a lot of further and added editing. The writing is acceptable, but for such an pricey book a few more drafts could have smoothed out the prose style, which is at times a little rough and takes away from the subject.

In sum, while I love this book because it is surely the best book when it comes to Rolex that exists, it is likewise likely that it will not completely meet the needs of a good deal of persons who buy 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 undertake to placate everybody, but they do so with mixed success, revealing the book's limitations as well as it is strengths. But go in front and buy the book for it is amount of energy alone--it is unquestionably worth it.

35 of 41 people found the following review helpful.
Excellent resource, even though not 100% accurate
By A
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 galore interesting pics of Wilsdorf creations. If you're looking for a less pricey and littler book chock full of Rolex selective information (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 in front and buy both!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful.
Great Rolex reference, but not much in updates for 3rd edition
By Michael Chung
For a comprehensive Rolex history with pictures, this is one of the best books out there. I unquestionably commend this book for the Rolex enthusiast. Because it focuses for the most part on history, the pictures are for the most part of vintage models.

I own the 2nd edition (published 2001) and was excessively affected emotionally when I saw the 3rd edition available (published 2006). I thought perhaps there would be updates on the newer watches in particular the 50th Anniversary Submariner and Day-Date (the green ones). To my disappointment, the 2nd and 3rd editions appeared to be identical except for the price guide at the end of the book. Yes, it's nice to have modified numbers, but I feel an altered edition must mention a great deal of altered watches as well.

A printing error on page 383 was not corrected in this 3rd edition either. That page shows a picture of an upside down Seadweller, but the print beneath the picture says "The Yachtmaster."

If you already own the 2nd edition and don't care for an modified price list, there's no need to spend $75+ for the 3rd edition. However, the 3rd edition is a good buy for the basi time buyer.

Overall I give the book 5 stars, but I'm giving it 4 stars here because of the lack of updates for the 3rd edition.

See all 43 client reviews...