Antiques & Collectibles

Today’s art market is incredibly dynamic. There are so many compelling works, shows, and exhibitions to choose from and new galleries are opening all the time.

Because there is so much to discover and see, many people are getting interested in collecting art. But since it’s impossible to keep track of all developments, becoming an art collector is not easy. A Poor Collector’s Guide to Buying Great Art provides relief and offers sound advice to those who want to buy art but don’t know how or where to do it. They might have preferences in terms of styles or techniques, but they’re not familiar with how the buying process works. Perhaps they already have specific pieces in mind but don’t yet trust the rules of the art market ―if such rules actually exist. What does someone actually need to know to prevent their personal tastes from leading them to make the wrong investment decisions?

On his way to becoming a passionate art collector himself, Norwegian adventurer Erling Kagge had to learn these ropes and answer this exact question. His years as a mountain climber and visitor to both poles undoubtedly helped him to explore and assess the extremes of the art market. Thankfully for us, his experience also gave him the desire and skills to impart his knowledge to others in A Poor Collector’s Guide to Buying Great Art.

This book illuminates all aspects of becoming an expert at buying art that one will enjoy for many years, such as how to get started, how to take one’s tastes seriously, how to do a targeted search for pieces, how to learn to appraise prices, and how to find trustworthy partners. Kagge’s practical yet entertaining step-by-step guidance also includes ways to identify and avoid pitfalls and deceptive temptations. As an extreme athlete, he knows very well how to follow rules yet trust his instinct where it counts. This know-how has benefitted Kagge on the art market and now it will benefit all readers of A Poor Collector’s Guide to Buying Great Art, too.

The Watch Book Hanhart: The coffee table book that watch collectors have been waiting for! 

When you think of timepieces of excellent precision and quality, you can't go past the traditional German brand Hanhart - and this great illustrated book! Whether a high-quality wristwatch or an innovative stopwatch: watch collector and expert Gisbert L. Brunner pays homage to the mechanical precision watch “made in Germany” in fascinating pictures and informative texts. More than just a high-quality coffee table book that celebrates the cult brand Hanhart and its craftsmanship since 1882: Fascinating insights into the development of the German watch industry make this extraordinary illustrated book a piece of contemporary history! 

Luxury timepieces and exciting watch history in an exclusive illustrated book 

This illustrated book breathes the appreciation of excellent craftsmanship, pioneering spirit and the luxury of ultimate precision and reliability - and lets you discover what celebrities such as Steve McQueen also appreciate about a genuine Hanhart. Be it the first Hanhart single-pusher “Caliber 40” in 1938, the legendary pilot's chronograph “Caliber 41” or the cult wristwatch “Racemaster” as a reminiscence of Hanhart as a stopwatch pioneer in motorsport: you don't have to be a pilot or racing driver to succumb to the fascination of Hanhart chronometers. 

Watch history - fascinatingly documented by the grand seigneur of watch experts

 There is hardly a cult watch or luxury wristwatch that does not fascinate Gisbert L. Brunner: The renowned journalist, collector and watch aficionado has been dealing with all the highlights that the watch industry has to offer for 60 years and is held in high regard worldwide as an expert. Brunner has written more than 25 books on his favorite topics relating to luxury brands and cult watches. True to the motto “It doesn't always have to be Rolex”, in his latest illustrated book “The Watch Book Hanhart” he now devotes himself to the traditional brand of the German watch industry, which is highly esteemed among connoisseurs: a coffee table book that fascinates watch collectors just as much as the timepieces themselves.

The thinking man’s sports car: a symbol of the relentless desire for peak power and limitless performance. The Porsche 911 inspires a worldwide ripple effect.

When Ferdinand Porsche could not find a sports car he liked, he decided to build one himself. And now, the rest is history: Jerry Seinfeld drives it; Boris Johnson admires it; Steve McQueen loves it; and Jeremy Clarkson hates it. The Porsche 911 moves the world. Despised by many in Germany as a set of wheels for fat cats, it is the favorite car of free spirits and intellectuals in the U.S. and across the globe. The Porsche 911 was not just invented by one of the most fascinating and controversial families – it is also a technical meisterwerk. Since its launch in 1963, the 911 has built a reputation for itself as "the thinking man’s sports car." Both a car and a cultural icon, it has earned a fan base that spans from young to old, East to West, connoisseur to enthusiast.

Porsche 911: The Ultimate Sportscar as Cultural Icon explains how this German car became a global phenomenon and a symbol of aspiration, freedom, and the appetite for perfection, and even more, why, around the world, the 911 continues to fascinate gentlemen, ladies, and rogue drivers. In this book, Ulf Poschardt sends Porsche drivers to the shrink and concludes that a little narcissm can be a healthy thing; he then takes them on an engaging journey through the checkered history that defines their pride and joy. Not everyone can, nor indeed should, drive a Porsche, but Porsche 911: The Ultimate Sportscar as Cultural Icon lays bare the raw driving force behind the 911 for anyone intrepid enough to discover.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of hip-hop luxury watches with “Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches”. This coffee table book by the editors of hiphop.de, Leon Schäfers, Jeanette Lang and Tobias Kargoll, reveals the multi-layered history of rap through the scene's most emblematic watches. Embark on a journey from the beginnings of hip-hop in the streets of the Bronx to global recognition, illustrated by the iconic watches of rappers and megastars such as Travis Scott, Kanye West and Jay-Z.

At the heart of this opulent display of “Ice”, the essential components of hip-hop style, are the luxury watches. These timepieces are not just functional objects, but central expressions of identity and status within the scene. The book sheds light on the connection between rap and luxury watches by highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship of brands such as Rolex, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe. Experience the unmistakable style and cultural influence that these distinctive timepieces have on the rap community.

With 320 pages of pure luxury, finished with gold foil, this impressive illustrated book is not only a must-have for watch lovers, but also a stylish decorative highlight for your home. Perfect for coffee table enthusiasts, it offers exciting insights into the changing trends and timeless classics of hip-hop watch culture.

Whether it's the Rolex Datejust by 2Pac or the bespoke masterpieces by Jacob & Co.-"Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches" captures both the historical and current trends of the scene. Be inspired by the extravagant designs and individual expressiveness that make this jewelry true status symbols in hip-hop.

Immerse yourself in the opulent world of hip-hop watches and secure your VIP pass to a lifestyle full of glitz, glamor and “ice”. A must for all collectors, hip-hop enthusiasts and those who want to experience the symbiosis of music, art and luxury at first hand.

The brand new “The Watch Book Rolex - Next Generation” is the ultimate tribute to the world's most famous watch brand. With 256 pages, also published as an exclusive special edition in an elegant slipcase, this illustrated book offers a unique insight into the history, models and innovations of Rolex as well as the cultural influence of the brand. Curated by renowned bestselling author and Rolex expert Gisbert L. Brunner, this book contains more style, more pop culture and more information than ever before.

The history of Rolex is a fascinating look back at innovations and milestones in the watch industry. Since the introduction of the first wristwatch with a chronometer certificate in 1926, Rolex has established itself as a pioneer in the world of luxury watches. Early models such as the Submariner (1953), Explorer (1953) and GMT-Master (1954) are synonymous with a spirit of discovery, a thirst for adventure and maximum precision. Over the years, Rolex has not only established itself as a watch manufacturer, but also as a cultural symbol and aspirational brand - from politicians and actors to athletes and hip-hop stars, everyone wears Rolex.

However, “The Watch Book Rolex - Next Generation” offers more than just exciting information, as a modern layout and numerous photographs make for a visual experience when reading the book. 

As usual, Gisbert L. Brunner guides readers through the fascinating world of Rolex with passion and expertise. Guest contributions on topics such as recognizing counterfeits and collecting watches round off the content and a further highlight of this volume is the detailed presentation of the latest Rolex development, a chronograph with 32 complications, which is given a special place on the slipcase of the special edition and makes it a particular highlight for Rolex fans. 

All in all, this is an indispensable piece for anyone who wants to understand the history, craftsmanship and fascination behind the luxury brand Rolex.

Immerse yourself in the impressive world of Longines and discover the fascinating history of one of the world’s most renowned watch manufacturers in "Longines – Watches That Made History". This extraordinary book by experienced watch expert and journalist Pierre-André Schmitt takes you on a journey through 50 carefully curated chapters. It not only presents masterpieces from the Longines brand, but also the unique stories of those who wear and have worn these exquisite timepieces—including memorable individuals such as the revolutionary physicist Albert Einstein, aviation pioneers Jackie Cochran and Charles Lindbergh, and boxing legend Joe Louis.

With breathtaking photographs and technical details on each watch, this illustrated book sets new standards. This innovative approach makes it clear that each watch is not only a precise timepiece with an outstanding design, but also a bearer of personal stories that are deeply rooted in the history of the 20th century. Each chapter provides an insight into the interplay between technical excellence and human passion. And each chapter also represents a piece of contemporary history.

"Longines – Watches That Made History" is not just another work on watchmaking, but an emotional experience that will redefine your perspective on the world of watches. This book is a collector’s item and a must-have for watch enthusiasts—it shows how important watches are in people’s lives. Discover the treasures of a brand steeped in tradition in this illustrated book and celebrate Longines’ heritage with us!

The reference book offers a magnificently illustrated chronicle of the world's best timepieces, including portraits of 18 premium manufacturers such as Patek Philippe, Rolex and Cartier

The reference work for all watch enthusiasts Few objects combine function, elegance and status as skilfully as a wristwatch. The choice of personal timepiece can reveal a lot about us, as it shows the importance we attach to man's most precious possession. A mixture of precise mechanics, craftsmanship, precious materials and innovation characterises the true superlatives.

In this volume, watch enthusiasts can delight all their senses in a splendidly illustrated and excellently documented chronicle of the world's finest timepieces. It begins with an excursus on the meaning of time and its measurement by ticking gears. It then captivates with portraits of 18 premium manufacturers such as Patek Philippe, Rolex and Cartier. These ‘biographies’ trace the development of the most important names in the art of perfect watchmaking from their earliest beginnings to the latest innovations and current models. They explore what exactly makes these houses so exceptional and tell of the remarkable achievements that have earned them their position as outstanding authorities in the European watch industry.

The Revised Edition of the bestseller for the teNeues anniversary To mark the 40th anniversary of the first teNeues illustrated book, some all-time favourites from the past are celebrated in an affordable, modern softcover edition that fits perfectly on any bookshelf. The Watch Book and The Watch Book II represent the beginning of a real success story. Together with the renowned wristwatch expert and historian Gisbert L. Brunner, high-quality illustrated books about the world of luxury watches have been produced ever since. These titles heralded the launch of the internationally renowned The Watch Book series in 2015 and the following year. Now the bestsellers are being reissued and offer sophisticated aesthetics in a small format.

The second part of the reference work for all watch enthusiasts

The world of wristwatches is undergoing radical change. So-called smart or connected watches, i.e. watches that communicate with the phone, are becoming increasingly important. Nevertheless, they will not displace the classic timepieces with mechanical movements from wrists, because the ticking of the mechanical watch is and remains the heartbeat of human culture. Following on from the successful The Watch Book, the second volume, again generously presented, is a must. Informative texts and numerous pictures present a further 24 watch brands and show their special features.

This time, however, the protagonists cover a much broader spectrum. In addition to numerous watches that define the popular segment of affordable luxury, there are also timepieces from the top chronometric class. The Revised Edition of the bestseller for the teNeues anniversary To mark the 40th anniversary of the first teNeues illustrated book, some all-time favourites from the past are being celebrated in an affordable, modern softcover edition that fits perfectly on any bookshelf. The Watch Book and The Watch Book II represent the beginning of a real success story. Together with the renowned wristwatch expert and historian Gisbert L. Brunner, high-quality illustrated books about the world of luxury watches have been produced ever since. These titles heralded the launch of the internationally renowned The Watch Book series in 2015 and the following year. Now the bestsellers are being reissued and offer sophisticated aesthetics in a small format.

100 Iconic Watches: The glamorous illustrated book that all watch aficionados need! 

What makes a wristwatch an icon among chronometers? Excellent craftsmanship, ultimate precision, outstanding design and a flair for style and luxury. All this is common to the 100 marvellous watch classics presented in this magnificent coffee table book. Watch expert Gisbert L. Brunner presents all the world's most famous luxury brands and cult watch models in his outstanding illustrated book, which feels like an entertaining catalogue of the most sought-after collector's items. 

Collector's items and brilliant anecdotes from celebrities in an exquisite coffee table book 

An illustrated book that reads like a who's who of luxury brands and watch models: From Audemars Piguet and its Royal Oak, the first luxury steel wristwatch and coveted accessory of Hollywood celebrities, to the Omega Speedmaster - the watch that flew to the moon. Not to be missed are, of course, Jaeger-LeCoultre's smallest caliber 101, worn by Queen Elizabeth II. at her coronation, or Nautilus and Aquanaut, the sporty cult watches from Patek Philippe. Spiced up with just the right amount of anecdotes about celebrities and well-known watch enthusiasts, this magnificent illustrated book presents 100 iconic watches that document contemporary history and have found their place among the most important watch classics. 

A magnificent illustrated book from the pen of the leading watch expert 

Gisbert L. Brunner is at home in the world of cult chronometers, luxury wristwatches and legends among precision timepieces like no other: the renowned watch expert has been cultivating his passion for iconic watches for six decades, transforming his collecting hobby from a passion into a profession. In addition to numerous articles for specialist magazines, Brunner has published over 25 books on classic watches and luxury brands. With his flair for contemporary history, legendary watch models and collector's items, his latest coffee table book 100 Iconic Watches is a must-have for all watch enthusiasts.

• The bestseller now in the ultimate limited edition luxury box 
• Contains the third revised edition of the illustrated book "The Watch Book Rolex" with a limited cover color in elegant navy-blue.
• High-quality high-end equipment meets concentrated information  

The ultimate standard work on the Rolex brand in a limited edition for that special Rolex luxury: Give yourself the gift of "The Watch Book Rolex" by watch pope Gisbert L. Brunner in an exceptional collector's luxury edition. Modelled on a watch box, you will receive the illustrated book luxuriously embedded in a high-quality box. Bound in imitation leather with gold accents, upholstered in red fabric - the book is packed just as valuably as the Rolex watches presented in it, making it a real piece of jewellery for the coffee table! 

"The Watch Book Rolex" has long been undisputedly one of the best coffee-table books when it comes to the luxury watch brand. The book on the Rolex brand is now in its third, revised edition. In this superlative illustrated book, Gisbert L. Brunner, regarded by experts as the "watch pope", sheds light on the history of the chronometric legend that is Rolex. In his usual artistic style, he explains the uniqueness of this brand and the extent to which it has contributed to the technical development of the wristwatch. From the first officially certified wristwatch to the waterproof "Oyster" case and the technically sophisticated models of the modern era, Gisbert L. Brunner covers everything the reader needs to know about the Rolex brand in impressive pictures and highly informative yet entertaining texts.  

In the third revised edition, the successful author has now also included the latest models, including from the Perpetual 1908 collection, which was launched in 2023, and from the legendary Daytona series, the brand's traditional line, which is already celebrating its 60th anniversary. The additional digital content, which only owners of the illustrated book "The Watch Book Rolex" have exclusive access to via the teNeues app, is brand new and a special treat for real watch fans. It is fair to say that this impressive illustrated book has once again managed to develop further in its third edition. 

The bestseller is now crowned with a high-quality, high-end edition that fulfils every wish of the discerning Rolex collector.  

A real rarity, because "The Watch Book Rolex - Special Luxury Edition" is only available in a strictly limited edition

Innovation, exclusivity, and elegance define Patek Philippe, a family-owned company with a single and passionate calling: to perfect the watch. These lavishly illustrated books present some of the most important timepieces from the more than 3,000 watches exhibited at the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva. These precious timepieces have been passionately assembled over more than 40 years by Philippe Stern, Honorary President of the company, and include some of the most valuable pieces in watchmaking history. The books allow you to take the Patek Philippe Museum’s exhibition home with you, or, alternatively, to get a preview of its treasures before you visit. From the collection of historic watches featuring the first portable timepieces dating back to the 16th century to innovative milestones in Patek Philippe’s portfolio since its founding in 1839, each watch is reproduced with such beauty and precision that you can almost hear it ticking. With expert curatorial insight and context from Peter Friess, Conservateur of the Patek Philippe Museum, these intricate mechanisms are not only presented for themselves; they also offer a unique perspective into the cultural history of the last 500 years. True to the trust and excellence of the Patek Philippe brand, the presentation, the extraordinary book design by Birgit Binner, and content of these sumptuous publications meet the highest professional standards. They are the perfect books for the “perfect watch.”

In this new volume of the Watch Book series, successful author Gisbert L. Brunner focuses on Swiss watch history and the watch industry, and in particular on the house of Oris, because what could be a more fitting connection than that of the leading expert when it comes to mechanical timepieces with the watch manufactory that is one of the few to produce exclusively mechanical watches. Founded in 1904, the company stands out in many ways in the luxury world of horology, it is run independently and not by a large corporation, it is valued as a down-to-earth brand and - in an industry that is not necessarily known for this - it focuses on sustainability, true to the motto: "Things have to make sense". Of course, technology should not be missing from this volume; after all, Oris has developed 280 different calibres in its company history and manufactured them in its own factories. Companions have their say and the best watch models of the company's almost 120-year history are presented in this usual high-quality volume.

In a 2021 study, McKinsey describes Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) within the watch market as 'the industry's fastest-growing segment'. The trade in pre-owned watches is expected to overtake that in new watches by the middle of the decade. 'Certified Pre-Owned' is thus a booming trend. Pre-owned watches are becoming increasingly popular for various reasons: CPO makes classic watches and exclusive rarities accessible to connoisseurs, but also to new customers. Since the fine pieces are authenticated by experts, the market offers security. Above all, however, the CPO business enables an emotional approach: buyers get watches with a history that they can perpetuate themselves and then pass on to the next generation. Dive into the fascinating world of watches and watch collecting with Timeless Treasures. Does a good watch really have to be expensive? What factors determine the condition of a watch? What should I look for when buying? Are CPO watches a good investment? These and many other questions are answered here by leading experts in the field. But you will not only find useful information for building your own high-quality collection. You will feel the passion for elegant timepieces on every page of this book. Discover first-class photographs of classic and current watch models from the major brands, of celebrities professing their passion for this accessory, or of legendary film scenes in which special watch models play supporting and leading roles. The reading is rounded off with a 'style guide', which offers watch lovers inspiration on how to perfectly stage their favourite pieces in every situation or also answers the question: What type of watch am I? The result is an emotional all-round portrait of the impressive world of CPO watches, perfectly attuned to an ever larger and more diverse fan community. It's time to let a little luxury into your life with this book! Text in English and German.

The Watch Book Rolex has long been undisputedly one of the best coffee-table books when it comes to the luxury watch brand. In this superlative coffee-table book, Gisbert L. Brunner, known among experts as the "watch pope", illuminates the history of the chronometric legend Rolex. In his usual artistic style, he explains what makes this brand unique and to what extent it has contributed to the technical development of the wristwatch. 

From the first officially certified wristwatch, to the waterproof "Oyster" case, to the technically sophisticated models of modern times, Gisbert covers everything the reader needs to know about the Rolex brand in impressive pictures and highly informative yet entertaining texts. In the third revised edition, the successful author has now also included the latest models of the legendary Submariner and Daytona series, the brand's traditional lines, which are already celebrating their 70th and 60th anniversaries. But in this edition, Gisbert also addresses the particular challenges facing the watchmaking trade in the advancing 21st century. The business is confronted with the increasing shortage of skilled workers. The author highlights the innovative projects and programmes with which the luxury brand is countering this trend in order to be able to maintain its own standards of guarantee and service in the future. 

Text in English, French and German.

Compendium - Revised Edition

For all chrono fans, collectors and watch enthusiasts there is now the brilliant and completely revised new edition "The Watch Book Compendium". The comprehensive coffee-table book replaces the earlier "The Watch Book Compendium" and combines "The Watch Book I" and "The Watch Book II". As usual, the successful author Gisbert L. Brunner shines with his extensive expertise and brings his readers closer to the history of the wristwatch with more than 1,000 high-resolution photographs. With over 40 pieces, hardly any other illustrated book gathers more premium watch brands under one roof.

The predecessors of "The Watch Book Compendium - Revised Editon" have long been considered standard works among experts. Because no other photo book depicts more of the noble timepieces. The author shows the luxury timepieces not only in a frontal and side view, as many catalogs have to offer. The reader often gets a direct look at the sophisticated mechanics of these small masterpieces of extraordinary craftsmanship. There is no more beautiful and artistic way to present accomplished technology. 

Gisbert L. Brunner invites his interested reader on a journey through time in the world of the watch. Beginning with the earliest beginnings of the art of watchmaking, we accompany him piece by piece into the modern age. Because even today, premium watches are a sign of style, taste and status symbol. The presentation of the precious materials, the beautiful designs and the insight into the sophisticated technology, enchants real watch fans and makes "The Watch Book Compendium - Revised Edition" a perfect gift.