Watch Catalogues
Discussion
I've been sending off for watch catalogues and I've got a few now. I'll try to summarise what they're like, so you know which ones are worth your time and which aren't. They mostly are, by the way.
Firstly, I got the Omega catalogue. It's actually not terribly interesting once you've oohed and aahed at the pretty pictures.
Then I got the Dornblüth catalogue, and things were all different. A little hand-written card from Dirk himself was a lovely touch, and an intriguing booklet with lots of historical information. Each watch is actually on a postcard, so you can send fellow watchspods messages from on holiday. Very interesting and appealing.
Next to arrive was the Jaeger LeCoultre catalogue, which is a hard-backed book with lots of interesting reading. Again with the history, and some very nice photography (not all of it watch-related).
However, this got its doors thoroughly blown off by the arrival of the A. Lange & Söhne catalogue. Also with a historical bent, the large format of this hardback book means that the watch photographs are even more pornographic.
Today's acquisition was the IWC catalogue which is also a hardback book. It's actually better written than the Lange & Söhne and JLC catalogues, and kept me occupied in the "reading room" for quite a while.
I'm currently waiting for or looking for catalogues from Breguet (waiting), Vacheron Constantin (looking) and Patek Philippe (looking).
Firstly, I got the Omega catalogue. It's actually not terribly interesting once you've oohed and aahed at the pretty pictures.
Then I got the Dornblüth catalogue, and things were all different. A little hand-written card from Dirk himself was a lovely touch, and an intriguing booklet with lots of historical information. Each watch is actually on a postcard, so you can send fellow watchspods messages from on holiday. Very interesting and appealing.
Next to arrive was the Jaeger LeCoultre catalogue, which is a hard-backed book with lots of interesting reading. Again with the history, and some very nice photography (not all of it watch-related).
However, this got its doors thoroughly blown off by the arrival of the A. Lange & Söhne catalogue. Also with a historical bent, the large format of this hardback book means that the watch photographs are even more pornographic.
Today's acquisition was the IWC catalogue which is also a hardback book. It's actually better written than the Lange & Söhne and JLC catalogues, and kept me occupied in the "reading room" for quite a while.
I'm currently waiting for or looking for catalogues from Breguet (waiting), Vacheron Constantin (looking) and Patek Philippe (looking).
Well, Mr Jameson, I'm not as well-read as you. I have the rather un-inspiring Omega and Breitling nominees, which are merely a few pictures, as expected, from ownership of their previous catalogues.
Then came Dornblueth's brochure. I, too, appreciate a hand-written letter from Dirk. I love the simplicity of the layout, and the postcards of each model.
IWC's came next, and then we begin the MASTERCLASS in watch catalogues. It's a history book for watch-boffs, with great writing and photography. My only other is the Zennith, which is simlarly great, if for no other reason than that it looks like a coffee-table book. It sits next to my Britannia Royal Naval College book!
Then came Dornblueth's brochure. I, too, appreciate a hand-written letter from Dirk. I love the simplicity of the layout, and the postcards of each model.
IWC's came next, and then we begin the MASTERCLASS in watch catalogues. It's a history book for watch-boffs, with great writing and photography. My only other is the Zennith, which is simlarly great, if for no other reason than that it looks like a coffee-table book. It sits next to my Britannia Royal Naval College book!
Mr MoJo said:
How do you aqcuire the catologues, is it just a case of writing or e-mailing the manufacturer or is it a case of just popping into your local AD ?
Most Dealer websites will have the option to Request a Catalogue, delivery times vary, or local AD should have them. Omega in Bond Street has the Lifestyle magazine free aswel, bit of a Bond feature in this issue, well worth it if your into Bond or Omega. CommanderJameson said:
I've been sending off for watch catalogues and I've got a few now. I'll try to summarise what they're like, so you know which ones are worth your time and which aren't. They mostly are, by the way.
Good post Commander.I did this a few years ago. I think it was quite a popular PH watch forum activity at the time.
I think the Breguet one was the best one I got. The panerai and IWC were also worth getting.
The IWC 'book' has landed on my desk. Looks very nice. Ordered as a companion to my recent purchase on the basis that it'll make quite an interesting addition to the watch in years to come.
Might try for a couple of others though I can't really afford any more 'once-in-a-lifetime' purchases to match the catalogues...
Might try for a couple of others though I can't really afford any more 'once-in-a-lifetime' purchases to match the catalogues...
I have the Omega one at home, which in all fairness is a rather nice catalogue if you haven't picked up an expensive watch catalogue before 
However the TAG Heuer hardback is a step-up in quality ... It can also be viewed online with some interesting interactive features, albeit misses some pages out! You can view it here: http://tagheuer.gs-activ.com/cat/
However the TAG Heuer hardback is a step-up in quality ... It can also be viewed online with some interesting interactive features, albeit misses some pages out! You can view it here: http://tagheuer.gs-activ.com/cat/I picked up a Rolex catalogue from a recent trip the US and i have to say it is a little ordinary and physical small as well. Although, the store in Providence Place (Ross Simons) had an excellent range of Rolex watches in stock. The lady that served me was very friendly and convinced me to try on one of her favourites, a white gold daytona with a mother of pearl face. I just about died when i heard the price.
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