An invaluable resource on vintage watches, Classic Wristwatches 2008-2009 contains detailed information on some fifty of the most historically interesting brands sought after by collectors. Updated every two years, Classic Wristwatches deals solely with vintage watches, that is, watches no longer in current production. This easy-to-use guide fully describes and illustrates each timepiece featured, as well as providing an estimated price carefully calculated by experts in the field. Including record prices at auction, this book supplies all the information that a collector needs to know about a vintage watch and its approximate current value, such as details on the movement, case, and special characteristics of the piece. A symbol also denotes whether the authors believe the value of the watch will increase, decrease, or remain the same. In addition to collectible vintage watches, the coverage in Classic Wristwatches includes important historical models by Rolex and Patek Philippe and such rare brands as Record and Enicar. Featured Manufacturers: Angelus, Audemars Piguet, Baume & Mercier, Breitling, Cartier, Certina, Chronoswiss, Cyma, Doxa, Eberhard & Co., Enicar, Eterna, Excelsior Park, Fortis, Gigandet, Girard-Perregaux, Glashütte, Hamilton, Hanhart, Heuer, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Junghans, A. Lange & Söhne, LeCoultre, Lémania, Leonidas, Longines, Mido, Movado, Ulysse Nardin, Nivada, Officine Panerai, Patek Philippe, Piaget, Pierce, Record, Rolex, Tissot, Tudor, Universal Gené, Vacheron Constantin, Vulcain, Wakmann, Zenith Praise for Classic Wristwatches: "If the ticking of a Rolex makes your collector's heart beat faster, then… Classic Wristwatches is a must for you." — ArtInvestor Magazine Updated every two years, Classic Wristwatches deals solely with vintage watches, that is, watches no longer in current production. This easy-to-use guide fully describes and illustrates each timepiece featured, as well as providing an estimated price carefully calculated by experts in the field. Including record prices at auction, this book supplies all the information that a collector needs to know about a vintage watch and its approximate current value, such as details on the movement, case, and special characteristics of the piece. A symbol also denotes whether the authors believe the value of the watch will increase, decrease, or remain the same. In addition to collectible vintage watches, the coverage in Classic Wristwatches includes important historical models by Rolex and Patek Philippe and such rare brands as Record and Enicar. Stefan Muser has been the owner of the renowned auction house Dr. Crott in Mannheim, Germany, since 1993. He is regarded as one of the most knowledgeable auctioneers in Europe. Michael Ph. Horlbeck is a collector and journalist who writes a collecting column for the German magazine Armbanduhren. Horlbeck is also author of a book on mechanical alarm wristwatches. Excerpt from Classic Wristwatches 2008/2009 Letter to Readers Dear Readers, Old wristwatches are high on many collectors’ list at the moment, confirmed by the fact that grand Swiss watch brands regularly bring out new editions of their successful past models, taking great care to reproduce designs for these new classics loyal in all details. Research has shown that a majority of watch fans in an age bracket with good purchasing power react positively to shapes and features wristwatches from the 1950s and ’60s where the terms “beauty,” “quality,” and “reliability” are concerned. The image of a “good watch” from the days of their youth is often evoked by an Omega, Rolex, Longines, or IWC on the wrist of a father, uncle, or teacher—and contemporary watch designers ingenuously change things up with an array of interesting strap lugs, domed dials, and faceted hour markers. Certainly there is a lot to be said for buying a watch in a store, one that comes with a guarantee and the modern watch movement. But why be satisfied with an ambitious remake when the original can be had in a perfectly restored or even new state at a fraction of the prices that are demanded today? Collecting wristwatches doesn't need to be an expensive hobby: alongside the secure investments—if there is such a thing—this publication also shows interesting ways to enter this fascinating world of design and technology—at interesting price points. Classic Wristwatches paints a portrait of legendary German and Swiss watch brands, introducing the most sought-after wristwatch models of the twentieth century. Each model is presented individually with a picture and with its most important technical information as well as its current estimated market value. Alongside understanding the technical and historical elements of the subject, putting together this publication also demanded a certain propensity for systematic busy work. And, of course, a representative, well-cared-for archive was necessary in order to illustrate these develo