Scrambling for something to gift a watch enthusiast that's not actually a watch? Enter The Watch Book: Rolex, a limited edition tome by timepiece aficionado Gisbert L. Brunner and publisher teNeues Publishers.
Updated with new models from 2020 and 2021, the volume presents the history of Rolex, the watch giant's iconic designs, and the craftsmanship that goes into each them.
Over 400 photographs get up close and personal with the Swiss watchmaker's Oyster, Datejust, and Submariner, including iterations of the timeless styles from the past two years.
Expert texts in English, French, and German (great for a watch collector who's also a polyglot) get into the nuts and bolts of each model.
The newly expanded edition comes at just the right time. 2021 was quite a year for Rolex, which remains one of the most desirable imprints for collectors both seasoned and novice.
In September, a Rolex "Deep Sea Special," an exceedingly rare model that can withstand extreme pressure, hit the auction block with an estimated value of CHF 1.2 to 2.4 million (approximately $1.31 to $2.6 million). It ultimately sold for CHF 1,058,500 (approximately $1.14 million) — less than expected, but still a monumental sum.
And earlier this year, a Rolex "Zenith" Daytona raked in $3.14 million at auction, marking the second-most expensive modern Rolex ever sold.
Not only are they guaranteed to upgrade any outfit, Rolex watches are also famously a secure investment, thanks to their quality and enduring appeal.
If you or someone you know is thinking of taking the plunge, consider Brunner's book a guide to finding that perfect model: The Watch Book: Rolex launches in its updated edition on December 20.
