Rolex: Investing in Wristwatches

• An important new reference for all Rolex lovers and collectors
• Written by experts Osvaldo Patrizzi and Mara Cappelletti and introduced by the Chairman of Sotheby's International Watch Division, Daryn F. Schnipper
• 385 key models, with analysis of details and prices realised at auction
• Contains a history of luxury wristwatch auctions and relevant information for collectors looking to invest
• The first part of a series, with Patek Philippe: Investing in Wristwatches to follow

Why do we collect? For some, it is a pursuit of pure passion – those who appreciate the wristwatch as an artform: the intricacy of its mechanics, the finesse of its form. Yet for others, collecting is an investment, and a watch's value is of as much importance as its appearance. All collectors ought to have a guide to models and market value. Rolex: Investing in Wristwatches offers detailed insights into the world of authenticating and pricing high-value wristwatches, which will be of use to collectors from amateur to connoisseur.

This publication includes the vast majority of key Rolex models, along with their relevant auction results. The timepieces featured have been carefully selected by Senior Horological Expert, Osvaldo Patrizzi. These wristwatches excel for a diverse range of reasons, including technical excellence, auction records, design and anecdotal history. A description of each watch is accompanied by its picture, reference and sales values (rights included).

A comparative analysis of auction results, compiled through close collaboration with the Sotheby's auction house, shows, by brand and timepiece, the evolution of prices over time, leading from the Eighties up to the present day. A system to calculate the currency exchange rate at the time of auction sales will also be included in this vital work of reference.

About the Author

After graduating in 1989 from the IULM University of Milan, Mara Cappelletti attended the ‘History of Jewelry’ course and the ‘Art of Islamic countries, India, China, Korea and Japan’ short course at the Sotheby’s Institute of Art in 2005. She is founder and president of Associazione Culturale Stile e Storia, working in art, fashion and jewellery. From 2011-2012, Cappelletti was the curator and author, together with Osvaldo Patrizzi, of The Masters of Time (24 Ore Cultura): a collection of 25 monographs dedicated to the world’s finest watchmakers and founders of the greatest Maisons. In January 2020, Cappelletti was the main curator of the exhibition Stile Milano (Milano Style). She had previously curated 2015 exhibition Jewels Of Taste as part of the Expo In Citta, supported by the University of Milano, Associazione Orafa Lombarda, and The World Jewellery Confederation CIBJO.

Osvaldo Patrizzi has held a long fascination with horology. He served as an apprentice watchmaker in Milan from 1965-1973, before being employed as a restorer of antique watches. He went on to become an Expert of the italian Association of Antique Horology Dealers and a consultant for the Swiss Custom. He founded the Galerie d’Horlogerie Ancienne, which became Antiquorum in 1981. In 2007, he founded PATRIZZI & CO. AUCTIONEERS. Across the course of his long and illustrious career, Patrizzi has been responsible for selling over 75% of all the watches ever sold for over one million dollars. His ‘Grading System’ is the most reliable way for collectors to gauge the condition of their prospective investments.