quartz crisis. Technology had developed so quickly that quartz movements had become smaller, thinner, more accurate and more reliable whilst being significantly cheaper to manufacture. The influx of cheap, well-made and reliable quartz watches from non Swiss manufacturers mixed with the lack of progress made by the majority of the Swiss watch making industry led to the demise of numerous manufacturers and nearly toppled giants like Omega. Beta 21 and beta 22 watches are collectable, with Rolex and Patek Phillipe examples in precious metals fetching more than US$20,000 the majority of readily available examples are Omega with prices starting at around US$500 for an average working stainless steel example and rising dependent on the model, rarity and metal. These early quartz watches are proving a sound investment for collectors and are without doubt one of the more important developments in wristwatch technology of the 20th century. References External links Dosensen Omega watches