Wristwatch Annual 2003: The Catalog of Producers, Models, and Specifications (Wristwatch Annual, 1)

The Wristwatch Annual 2003 again provides watch enthusiasts with brief but useful information about the major watch manufactures throughout the world. While some of the narrative seems copied almost verbatim from previous editions, most of what is discussed remains timely and pertinent. If you have an extensive understanding of horology, this book may not be essential, because it lacks the deep, technical information for which you may be seeking. If you have absolutely no clue what the differences are between a Timex and a Patek Phillipe, this book will probably not help you, either, since such discussions are not the intent of the publisher.So, then, for whom is this book designed? Well, I find it to be most useful for the casual watch aficionado who merely wants to have a quick, compact reference containing pictures and the basic specifications (e.g., price, size, model numbers) of the current models produced by the major watch manufactures. As previous reviewers suggest, the guide is neither error-free nor is it exhaustive. I still find it well worth the cost, however, because I have yet to come across an annual reference that is better for my purposes.Also, in contrast to previous editions, I find the quality of the pictures much improved in the 2003 edition, which was a treat to see. Now I just need to start saving (though it will probably be in vain) for that 1950 Panerai reissue on pp. 272-273 that is now the object of my lust and the cause of my insomnia.

I've bought each issue since I got interested in watches in 2000, even though the contents change very little from year to year. Another shortcoming of the annual is that the price information is neither complete nor accurate - you can usually get significant discounts on many of the watches featured. Nevertheless, it is great fun just to look at, and read about watches that I can only drool over :-P

This is an excellent tool if your a collector, admirer, in the biz or anyone considering a watch purchase. An incredible reference tool, great in helping one narrow down their likes and dislikes...my 3rd year in a row. There are a couple of others...however this one is the most objective and useful.

バーゼルフェアのカタログってないのかな、と捜していてたまたま見つけた本です。世界に名を馳せる名品の数々。その美しさにうっとりですね。実際には小さな腕時計が、どうしてこんなにも魅力的なのか。あれこれ眺める楽しさは格別です。英語がちっとも分からなくても全然気になりません。唯一困るのは、ブランド名の正しい読み方が分からないことくらいかな。腕時計ファンならマストの１冊です。それと、広告が少ないのもいい。時計の雑誌って半分くらいが広告でイヤになることがありますが、この本は広告がとても少ないです。

I was looking for the year 2000 copy, but these are VERY pricey indeed. This 2003 copy is almost identical so is a much better proposition. I found the information on each brand very interesting.