Letter To Readers The market for classic collector wristwatches is changing and will continue to do so. But on average, even with all the excesses and exemptions upward and downward, the general direction is up, one can say. Naturally, the routine work at auction houses and daily trade on the retail market are focused heavily on the major, big-name brands. But the prices that are now being fetched for pieces speak for themselves. For the vintage collector, it is most probably worthwhile taking a look at the somewhat lesser known watch brands--for instance using the current, updated Classic Wristwatch catalog, in which we present about 900 vintage wristwatches, each with a picture, a concise description, and a development forecast. The estimated prices and forecasts are oriented on the actual market in Germany at the time of printing. Some prices making the rounds on the Internet could be different from those listed in this catalog. But those pieces advertised on the web need careful scrutiny.

Is the price given the one that was paid, or are we dealing here with what amounts to wishful thinking? The models presented in Classic Wristwatches are, with few exceptions ones that were actually auctioned at the Dr. H. Crott auction house. For the sake of accurate comparisons, all the estimated prices and development forecasts are based on very well-preserved, original, functioning and complete watches, even if the actual watch portrayed and described in detail does not actually meet this standard in some individual cases. Watches that are especially well-documented and come with some of the original accessories (case, presentation, box replacement bracelet or straps, sales label, guarantee certificate, instructions for use, original invoice, etc.) can yield considerably higher prices. The opposite is also true. Models that are in need of restoration or have visible damage may well fetch a price below the estimate.

The prices listed in this book are all based on estimated euro prices. The dollar prices have been calculated from a theoretical and fluctuating exchange rate of $1.30 to the euro. For greater precision, please consult the daily exchange rate. For the sake of clarity, the models have not been arranged strictly chronologically. within a brand, but rather according to function and type. By the same token, the vintage of each model has been highlighted to help establish a chronology. The little symbols found next to the name of each watch are also there to serve as additional identification and for overview purposes.

The legend for the pictogram is as follows:.